Social Emotional Learning

How to Twist Your Approach to Social Emotional Learning

Emotion Regulation, Emotional Intelligence, Manage Emotions, Relationship Skills, SEL Lesson, Self-Awareness, Social Emotional Learning, Social Skills /

Are you an elementary school counselor searching for innovative methods to make social emotional learning (SEL) lessons more engaging and enjoyable for your students?  Do you often find it challenging to encourage active participation in SEL activities?  If you’re seeking a fun and interactive way to foster essential social emotional skills such as teamwork, communication, […]

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Chutes and Ladders: Learning About Life’s Ups & Downs

Emotion Regulation, Emotional Intelligence, Growth Mindset, Manage Emotions, Mindset, Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Social Emotional Learning, Social Skills /

Chutes and Ladders is a classic board game that can serve as an excellent springboard for discussing the ups and downs of life with children. The game’s simple mechanics of climbing ladders and sliding down chutes symbolize the highs and lows we all experience in life. Here are some ways school counselors (or other adults) 

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Ned’s Head: An Engaging Game and Powerful Teaching Tool

Brain Awareness, Executive Functioning, Mindfulness, Self-Awareness, Social Emotional Learning /

As an elementary school counselor, I’m always on the lookout for engaging tools to teach social-emotional skills. Enter What’s in Ned’s Head, a whimsical game that has become a favorite game in my counseling sessions. This quirky and delightful game not only captivates young minds but also provides practical ways to illustrate inside-the-head and outside-the-head

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Standing Out & Blending In – Lessons from a Sea Dragon

Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning, Friendship, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision Making, Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Social Emotional Learning, Social Skills, Think Socially /

Have you ever seen a sea dragon? When encountering the awe-inspiring beauty and gracefulness of a sea dragon gliding through the water, it’s hard not to be captivated. These majestic creatures possess a remarkable ability to blend into their surroundings, ensuring their safety and survival in the vast ocean. As I stood in wonder, observing

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Exploring the Great Outdoors: 5 Benefits for Children

Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Optimize Learning, Social Emotional Learning /

Recently, I took a leisurely walk with some friends. One friend brought along her preschool-aged children, and watching them explore and interact with nature was a joyous sight. It was a breath of fresh air, both literally and metaphorically. The experience made me reflect on the incredible importance of outdoor adventures for young children, particularly

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A Mental Dress Rehearsal: Planning in Your Mind

Brain Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Executive Functioning, Responsible Decision Making, SEL Lesson, Self-Awareness, Social Emotional Learning /

As the sun begins to set, you find yourself sitting behind the wheel of your car, ready to embark on a flurry of evening activities. As you navigate the familiar route home, your mind springs into action, engaging in a mental dress rehearsal of the tasks that lie ahead. You mentally choreograph the evening’s agenda—picking

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Structured Screen Time: Disconnecting from Screens & Connecting With Real Life

Brain Awareness, Digital Citizenship, Emotion Regulation, Screen Time, Social Emotional Learning /

As the summer season approaches, parents face a familiar challenge: how to encourage their children to step away from screens and engage in meaningful activities. While it may seem that children can pay attention to screens for hours without any apparent issues, it is crucial to recognize the long-term consequences of excessive screen time on

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Finger Traps: Fun Toys for Powerful Lessons

Communication, Conflict Resolution, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Executive Functioning, SEL Lesson, Social Awareness, Social Emotional Learning, Social Skills /

Finger traps are simple yet intriguing little toys made from woven bamboo, paper, or plastic. They consist of a hollow, tubular structure with open ends. When you insert your fingers into each end and attempt to pull them out, the trap tightens around your fingers, making it challenging to free yourself. The more you try

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 If You Give a Kid a Cell Phone: Nurturing Digital Citizens

Communication, Digital Citizenship, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Executive Functioning, Screen Time, Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Social Emotional Learning, Social Skills, Think Socially /

We live in an age where technology has become an integral part of our lives, and children are being given cell phones at younger and younger ages. Inspired by the beloved children’s book “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” let’s delve into the topic of giving a kid a cell phone and the crucial

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End-of-Year Transition: The Kaleidoscope of Change

Anxiety, Emotion Regulation, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Gratitude, Mindset, Self-Awareness, Social Emotional Learning /

As the school year comes to a close, it’s natural for students, parents, and educators to reflect on the journey they’ve taken together. This reflection often brings about thoughts of change, and the potential challenges and excitement that lie ahead. Change can sometimes be intimidating, but today, we’ll explore how change is simply a different

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