# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Helping Children and Adolescents Cope With Traumatic Events

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This fact sheet presents information on how children and adolescents respond to traumatic events, and what family, friends, and trusted adults can do to help.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Social Emotional Learning Resources and Lesson Plans

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Social emotional learning plays a crucial role in students' lives and we're here to deliver the best resources to support them after traumatic events.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
No matter what age you teach, social-emotional learning is an essential part of your curriculum. Social skills books for kids are crucial in the classroom for supporting conversations about social-emotional issues. That's why we gathered 50 (yes, 50!) social skills books for kids, including lots of great recent ones you may not have seen yet, that you can share to help kids build empathy, talk about emotions, navigate tough experiences, and more.

(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)

Books About Managing Fear and Anxiety and Taking Risks

1. Brave Every Day by Trudy Ludwig

Camila and Kai are both scared about their class's field trip to the aquarium, though they show it in different ways. It turns out that supporting each other helps them both.

Buy it: Brave Every Day on Amazon

2. A Case of the Zaps by Alex Boniello and April Lavalle

Robot Pi's class is planning a class trip to "where it all started, Olde Silicon Valley." (Ha!) It's supposed to be exciting, but Pi's worries quickly kick into "overdrive." The fun robot metaphors give kids helpful language for talking about anxious feelings. Bonus: We appreciate the incidental use of they/them pronouns for the main character!

Buy it: A Case of the Zaps on Amazon

3. The Whatifs by Emily Kilgore

Scary "Whatifs" follow Cora everywhere, and it only gets worse as she prepares for her big piano recital. Her outlook changes when Stella challenges her to turn her bad Whatifs into good ones.

Buy it: The Whatifs on Amazon

4. Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. Also check out the sequel Jabari Tries to talk about perseverance!

Buy it: Jabari Jumps on Amazon

5. The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann

Ernestine is super excited to go camping for the first time with her aunt and cousin-until they reach the campsite, that is. Then everything feels scary, and she misses her dad.

Buy it: The Camping Trip on Amazon

6. Anita and the Dragons by Hannah Carmona

Fear of "dragons" almost overcomes Anita as she and her family prepare to emigrate from their home in the Dominican Republic. Her brother reminds her, "They aren't real dragons. They're just planes in the sky."

Buy it: Anita and the Dragons on Amazon

7. The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken

Zoom meets Beautiful Oops! in this book about the creative process and the way in which "mistakes" can blossom into inspiration.

Buy it: The Book of Mistakes on Amazon

8. Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle by Chris Raschka

Learning to ride a bike is one of the most important milestones of childhood, and this book captures the emotional ups and downs of the experience.

Buy it: Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle on Amazon

9. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

The words of her teacher are a gentle invitation to express herself. But Vashti can't draw-she's no artist.

Buy it: The Dot on Amazon

Books About Friendship

10. Rulers of the Playground by Joseph Kuefler

One morning, Jonah decided to become ruler of the playground. Everyone agreed to obey his rules to play in King Jonah's kingdom ... everyone except for Lennox, because she wanted to rule the playground too.

Buy it: Rulers of the Playground on Amazon

11. A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey

Henry, who has autism, eagerly wants a new friend. But many of his classmates aren't quite the perfect fit he imagines. Then he builds blocks with Katie, and their tower is just right.

Buy it: A Friend for Henry on Amazon

12. Daisy by Jessixa Bagley

Teasing makes Daisy feel terrible. She spends much of her time alone, collecting treasures-until she realizes someone else is adding to her treasure shelf.

Buy it: Daisy on Amazon

13. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party ... until a new kid comes to class.

Buy it: The Invisible Boy on Amazon

14. Ways To Make Friends by Jairo Buitrago

Friendship books are some of the most important social skills books for kids to have in the classroom. Toad works hard to make new friends. He tries lots of different strategies, including some unusual ones. We like that his experiences let kids know that sometimes making friends can feel hard or tiring, and that's OK!

Buy it: Ways To Make Friends on Amazon

Books About Identity

15. What Are Your Words? A Book About Pronouns by Katherine Locke

This is one of our favorite social skills books for kids for supporting developmentally appropriate conversations about pronoun choices. Let kids know they have options for the words that feel right-and that it's important to respect others' choices too.

Buy it: What Are Your Words? A Book About Pronouns on Amazon

16. Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty

We love all the Questioneers books to use as engaging class read-alouds, but this one is especially awesome for talking about strengths, challenges, and finding your own way to shine. Aaron Slater has a tough time writing a story to share in class, until he lets his love of art lead the way.

Buy it: Aaron Slater, Illustrator on Amazon

17. Like by Annie Barrows and Leo Espinosa

This quirky ode to human connection is a fun way to launch conversations about similarities and differences. How are humans like mushrooms, excavators, and hyenas? We love social skills books for kids that get classrooms talking and wondering together!

Buy it: Like on Amazon

18. Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy's grandma says they don't have room for "want," just "need," when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that is much too small.

Buy it: Those Shoes on Amazon

19. Home Is In Between by Mitali Perkins

If you're looking for social skills books for kids related to code-switching-navigating multiple cultures-Shanti is a positive role model for students. When she and her family move to the United States from India, the worlds inside her home and in the larger community feel very different.

Buy it: Home Is In Between on Amazon

20. My Very Own Space by Pippa Goodhart and Rebecca Crane

A little rabbit is trying to read his book in peace, but there's so much going on around him! Maybe he needs some space just for himself. ...

Buy it: My Very Own Space on Amazon

21. My Shadow Is Pink by Scott Stuart

This child's family is sure his shadow is blue, but it's not-it's pink. And the shadow loves dresses and dancing, and it definitely wants to be seen as it really is.

Buy it: My Shadow Is Pink on Amazon

22. Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho

This young girl is intensely proud of her "eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea." She also loves that her sister, mother, and grandmother all share the same special feature.

Buy it: Eyes That Kiss in the Corners on Amazon

Books About Overcoming Challenges

23. I Love Strawberries! by Shannon Anderson

Jolie desperately wants to grow strawberry plants in the family garden, but her parents aren't on board. She takes on the challenges of convincing them she's responsible enough, earning money to buy plants, and caring for the plants once she plants them. This is a good one for talking about how achieving a goal can include lots of different challenges along the way.

Buy It: I Love Strawberries! on Amazon

24. The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned To Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard and Oge Mora

Mary Walker was born a slave and persevered through challenges her entire life. At age 114, she finally fulfilled her lifelong dream of learning to read. She's an inspiration for us all.

Buy it: The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned To Read on Amazon

25. Argyle Fox by Marie Letourneau

Argyle Fox, with his signature style, wants to play outside on a springtime day, but the wind is wreaking havoc with his fun and games. As soon as he builds a card tower, climbs into a giant spider web, or takes up his pirate sword, here comes the wind: Woosh!

Buy it: Argyle Fox on Amazon

26. Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson

Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah's inspiring true story is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people-but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams.

Buy it: Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah on Amazon

27. Life by Cynthia Rylant and Brendan Wenzel

There are so many wonderful things about life, both in good times and in times of struggle.

Buy it: Life on Amazon

Books About Kindness

28. A Small Kindness by Stacy McAnulty

Add this to your social skills books for kids to encourage kindness in the classroom. Simple text and sweet illustrations show a diverse class spreading kindness from one person to another in lots of doable ways.

Buy it: A Small Kindness on Amazon

29. John's Turn by Mac Barnett

When it's John's turn to perform at the school assembly, he's nervous, but his love for dancing gives him confidence. His classmates cheer him on. This is a one of our new favorite social skills books for kids to talk about encouraging others and giving each person their "turn" to shine.

Buy it: John's Turn on Amazon

30. When We Are Kind / Nihá'ádaahwiinít'íigo by Monique Gray Smith

This bilingual English and Diné book uses art inspired by Navaho culture to show how simple kindnesses have a lasting impact. It would be lovely inspiration for a kindness-themed class book or bulletin board.

Buy it: When We Are Kind / Nihá'ádaahwiinít'íigo on Amazon

31. The Smile Shop by Satoshi Kitamura

Disappointment washes over a small boy when he drops the money he's saved down the drain. A stranger in a photography studio chooses to make an unexpectedly kind gesture.

Buy it: The Smile Shop on Amazon

32. Pass It On by Sophy Henn

When you see something terrific, smile a smile and pass it on! If you chance upon a chuckle, hee hee hee and pass it on. Should you spot a thing of wonder, jump for joy and pass it on!

Buy it: Pass It On on Amazon

Books About Grief

Equal parts affirming and hopeful, if you need social skills books for kids to help cope with a friend moving, this is the one. Daniela can't believe Evelyn won't live across the street anymore. But focusing on cherished memories and keeping in touch helps her manage.

Buy it: Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away on Amazon

34. The Circles in the Sky by Karl James Mountford

This folktale stars Fox, who wonders about a dead bird in the forest. This book gives classrooms an inclusive and gentle way to talk about death.

Buy it: The Circles in the Sky on Amazon

35. Rosa's Song by Helena Ku Rhee

Jae misses his village in South Korea but finds comfort with his new friend Rosa, who lives in his building. Then Rosa and her family have to move suddenly. This reassuring story is helpful for talking about coping with surprise disappointments.

Buy it: Rosa's Song on Amazon

36. Dadaji's Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Ruchi Mhasane

A boy and his grandfather connect through painting. When the grandfather dies, the boy can't face his art for a long time. Finally, painting again helps him heal.

Buy it: Dadji's Paintbrush on Amazon

Books About Feelings

37. Big Feelings by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman

An energetic group of young friends has big plans for the day-until big, hard feelings get in the way. It'll take talking about it and being flexible to get the day back on track.

Buy it: Big Feelings on Amazon

38. I Am Okay To Feel by Karamo Brown and Jason "Rachel" Brown

A boy and his dad walk and talk about their feelings. We love how positive and relatable this book is for kids. Well-researched back matter gives adults lots of tools for talking with children about emotions too.

Buy it: I Am Okay To Fee l on Amazon

39. Great Big Feelings series by Hallee Adelman

These are invaluable social skills books that normalize big emotions for kids. Each book shares a relatable experience from a kid's perspective and ends with a positive coping strategy. These are also great examples of personal narrative writing (with details about feelings!).

Buy it: Way Past Afraid and Way Past Sad on Amazon

40. Cranky Right Now by Julie Berry

"I'm cranky right now and I have my reasons," says this main character. Bad moods happen to all of us. Get kids talking about how to sit with grouchy feelings and let them pass.

Buy it: Cranky Right Now on Amazon

41. The Shadow Elephant by Nadine Robert

Elephant feels really down. All his friends keep trying to distract him, but it turns out what he really needs is a friend to be with him and his hard feelings until they fade away. This is one of our new favorite social skills books for kids with a message that it's OK to just sit with difficult emotions.

Buy it: The Shadow Elephant on Amazon

Books About Honesty

42. Lying Up a Storm by Julia Cook

A storm is brewing ... whenever Levi doesn't like the truth, he kinda sorta makes up other stuff to say.

Buy it: Lying Up a Storm on Amazon

43. Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie by Laura Rankin

Ruthie loves little things-the smaller, the better. So when she finds a teeny tiny camera on the school playground one afternoon, she can hardly believe her luck. She wants to keep the camera in the worst way, but there's one little problem: It isn't hers.

Buy it: Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie on Amazon

44. I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

The bear's hat is gone, and he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. Each animal says no.

Buy it: I Want My Hat Back on Amazon

Books About Self-Control

45. Stop and Smell the Cookies by Gibson Frazier

If you're looking for a new social skills book for kids that tackles managing impulsivity in a positive and empathetic way, you need this one! Dash Gordon has big ideas, good intentions ... and a hard time reining himself in. When he's feeling down about having a tough day, his mom helps him learn a mindful breathing routine that really helps.

Buy it: Stop and Smell the Cookies on Amazon

46. Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes

Lilly loves everything about school, especially her cool teacher, Mr. Slinger. But when Lilly brings her purple plastic purse and its treasures to school and can't wait until sharing time, Mr. Slinger confiscates her prized possessions.

Buy it: Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse on Amazon

47. My Mouth Is a Volcano! by Julia Cook

All of Louis's thoughts are very important to him. In fact, his thoughts are so important to him that when he has something to say, his words begin to wiggle, and then they do the jiggle, then his tongue pushes all of his important words up against his teeth, and he erupts, or interrupts others.

Buy it: My Mouth Is a Volcano! by Julia Cook

47. You Will Be My Friend! by Peter Brown

Today is the day the exuberant Lucy is going to make a new friend! But she finds it's harder than she had thought-she accidentally ruins the giraffe's breakfast and is much too big for the frogs' pond.

Buy it: You Will Be My Friend! on Amazon

48. Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale

Clark is a shark with zing, bang, and BOOM. He zooms into school, crashes through the classroom, and is rowdy at recess.

Buy it: Clark the Shark on Amazon

Books About Resiliency

49. Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae

Gerald the tall giraffe would love to join in with the other animals at the Jungle Dance, but everyone knows that giraffes can't dance ... or can they?

Buy it: Giraffes Can't Dance on Amazon

50. Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peña

Milo feels like a "shook-up soda" as he takes the subway to visit his mom, who is incarcerated. He copes with his feelings by imagining the lives of his fellow passengers-and imagines the time when his family will be together again.

Buy it: Milo Imagines the World on Amazon

Use this four-step process when reading these social skills books for kids to reinforce the skills featured:

1. Describe: Talk with your students, and have them talk with one another, about what they think the main point of the story was. What social skills did the story define? How do you know? Why are these skills important? Can you make a connection to the story from your own life? Make a poster together, or have students write or draw in their journals about these social skills.

2. Demonstrate: Have a few students act out what the social skills look and feel like. Role playing different ways students can demonstrate these skills will help reinforce the behavior.

3. Practice: Plan activities where each child has to take a turn to practice the featured social skills.

4. Promote: Promote, support, and encourage children as they initiate and engage in behavior that demonstrates these social skills. Catch them being kind, flexible, honest, confident, and more!

Looking for more social skills books for kids? Don't miss:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
50 Children's Books for Teaching Social Skills

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This diverse collection of social skills books for kids helps launch classroom conversations about identity, perseverance, grief, and more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
High profile acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved-ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Parents and school personnel can help children feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security and talking with them about their fears.

1. Reassure children that they are safe. Emphasize that schools are very safe. Validate their feelings. Explain that all feelings are okay when a tragedy occurs. Let children talk about their feelings, help put them into perspective, and assist them in expressing these feelings appropriately.

2. Make time to talk. Let their questions be your guide as to how much information to provide. Be patient; children and youth do not always talk about their feelings readily. Watch for clues that they may want to talk, such as hovering around while you do the dishes or yard work. Some children prefer writing, playing music, or doing an art project as an outlet. Young children may need concrete activities (such as drawing, looking at picture books, or imaginative play) to help them identify and express their feelings.

3. Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate.

Early elementary school children need brief, simple information that should be balanced with reassurances that their school and homes are safe and that adults are there to protect them. Give simple examples of school safety like reminding children about exterior doors being locked, child monitoring efforts on the playground, and emergency drills practiced during the school day.

Upper elementary and early middle school children will be more vocal in asking questions about whether they truly are safe and what is being done at their school. They may need assistance separating reality from fantasy. Discuss efforts of school and community leaders to provide safe schools.

Upper middle school and high school students will have strong and varying opinions about the causes of violence in schools and society. They will share concrete suggestions about how to make school safer and how to prevent tragedies in society. Emphasize the role that students have in maintaining safe schools by following school safety guidelines (e.g. not providing building access to strangers, reporting strangers on campus, reporting threats to the school safety made by students or community members, etc.), communicating any personal safety concerns to school administrators, and accessing support for emotional needs.

4. Review safety procedures. This should include procedures and safeguards at school and at home. Help children identify at least one adult at school and in the community to whom they go if they feel threatened or at risk.

5. Observe children's emotional state. Some children may not express their concerns verbally. Changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns can also indicate a child's level of anxiety or discomfort. In most children, these symptoms will ease with reassurance and time. However, some children may be at risk for more intense reactions. Children who have had a past traumatic experience or personal loss, suffer from depression or other mental illness, or with special needs may be at greater risk for severe reactions than others. Seek the help of mental health professional if you are at all concerned.

6. Limit television viewing of these events. Limit television viewing and be aware if the television is on in common areas. Developmentally inappropriate information can cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young children. Adults also need to be mindful of the content of conversations that they have with each other in front of children, even teenagers, and limit their exposure to vengeful, hateful, and angry comments that might be misunderstood.

7. Maintain a normal routine. Keeping to a regular schedule can be reassuring and promote physical health. Ensure that children get plenty of sleep, regular meals, and exercise. Encourage them to keep up with their schoolwork and extracurricular activities but don't push them if they seem overwhelmed.

Suggested Points to Emphasize When Talking to Children

Schools are safe places. School staff works with parents and public safety providers (local police and fire departments, emergency responders, hospitals, etc.) to keep you safe.

We all play a role in the school safety. Be observant and let an adult know if you see or hear something that makes you feel uncomfortable, nervous or frightened.

There is a difference between reporting, tattling or gossiping. You can provide important information that may prevent harm either directly or anonymously by telling a trusted adult what you know or hear.

Although there is no absolute guarantee that something bad will never happen, it is important to understand the difference between the possibility of something happening and probability that it will affect you (our school community).

Senseless violence is hard for everyone to understand. Doing things that you enjoy, sticking to your normal routine, and being with friends and family help make us feel better and keep us from worrying about the event.

Sometimes people do bad things that hurt others. They may be unable to handle their anger, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or suffering from mental illness. Adults (parents, teachers, police officers, doctors, faith leaders) work very hard to get those people help and keep them from hurting others. It is important for all of us to know how to get help if we feel really upset or angry and to stay away from drugs and alcohol.

Stay away from guns and other weapons. Tell an adult if you know someone has a gun. Access to guns is one of the leading risk factors for deadly violence.

Violence is never a solution to personal problems. Students can be part of the positive solution by participating in anti-violence programs at school, learning conflict mediation skills, and seeking help from an adult if they or a peer is struggling with anger, depression, or other emotions they cannot control.

NASP has additional information for parents and educators on school safety, violence prevention, children's trauma reactions, and crisis response at www.nasponline.org.

© 2016, National Association of School Psychologists, 4340 East West Highway, Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-657-0270, www.nasponline.org

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
High profile acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved-ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This mini-lesson contains strategies and activities for supporting your students in the aftermath of violent events targeted at people because of their identities.

Using the strategies from Facing History is almost like an awakening.

- Claudia Bautista, Santa Monica, Calif

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This mini-lesson contains strategies and activities for supporting your students in the aftermath of violent events targeted at people because of their identities.

# data[].attributes.body
SEL books on video

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Daytime Emmy-nominated, Storyline Online, features celebrated actors reading children's books to inspire a love of reading in millions of children worldwide.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Lo sentimos, la página que usted busca no se ha podido encontrar. Puede intentar su búsqueda de nuevo o visitar la lista de temas populares.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Lo sentimos, la página que usted busca no se ha podido encontrar. Puede intentar su búsqueda de nuevo o visitar la lista de temas populares. Concerned about a child, but not sure where to start? Check off the issues you're noticing (you can choose as many as you want) and we'll show you a list of related resources.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
PBIS World | A Complete Tier 1 Through Tier 3 Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports System

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
PBIS World is in no way affiliated, associated, or connected with any other website, entity, organization, or federal, state, local, or other government agency, department, program, policy, organization, or initiative.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
When students have strong social skills, like managing their emotions and showing empathy toward classmates, it takes learning to a new level. The more emotionally intelligent we are, the stronger we are as learners. Social emotional learning is a win-win that can be both fun and easy to integrate into the school day. If you're looking for new ways to help your students boost their social skills, check out these 25 SEL activities from Share My Lesson, a site created by the American Federation of Teachers that has more than 420,000 free classroom resources.

1. Draw With Squiggles

The imagination and personality of every student are what create a unique and vibrant classroom community. Start with art in your SEL activities! Give each student a squiggle on the page and ask them to create something from this squiggle. Line the finished pieces up and notice how each began with the same squiggle and became something uniquely their own. (Grades 2-6)
GET DRAW WITH SQUIGGLES ACTIVITY
2. Build a Classroom Web

How do communities support each other? How do people support each other? Students will explore these topics by answering questions and passing around a ball of twine or string. Through this activity they'll be creating a classroom web to understand interdependence and express emotion. (Grades K-2)
GET WEB BUILDING ACTIVITY
3. Face the Music

As many agree, music is the language of the soul. Challenge students to find songs that inspire positive coping skills, gratitude, accountability, conflict resolution, relationship building, self-efficacy, resiliency, and self-motivation to boost these essential skills through SEL activities. (Grades 6-12)
GET FACE THE MUSIC ACTIVITY
4. Create a Peace Place

Self-calming strategies are the meat and potatoes of emotional intelligence. Explore these peace-inducing moves and create a place for students to go to when emotions become just too much to manage. (Grades K-12)
GET PEACE PLACE ACTIVITY
5. Perfect Picture Books

Maria Walther, author of The Read Aloud Handbook, said, "What did we do when we all had to isolate ourselves at the onset of the pandemic? We read aloud books to one another." And she was right! Authors, teachers, celebrities, and more recorded themselves reading picture books. Why? Because picture books help us deal with hard things. They also help us grow socially and emotionally. (Grades K-12)
GET PICTURE BOOKS ACTIVITY
6. It's Morphin' Time!

Looking for a way to combine ELA, SEL, and physical education? Look no further! Power Rangers have got you covered. This unique combination helps students identify their individual strengths while also learning teamwork. (Grades 1-3)
GET MORPHIN' TIME ACTIVITY
7. Diversity is Cool in Our Community

Todd Parr's amazing book "It's Okay to Feel Different" is the foundation for this SEL experience. Not only does this book teach us how diversity enriches our lives, it also teaches us that what we bring to the table that may be "different" is just what the community needs. (Grades Pre-K-5)
GET DIVERSITY ACTIVITY
8. These Shoes Were Made for Walkin'

Empathy is a muscle that needs tending in order for it to aid in social and emotional growth. One way to build empathy is to metaphorically stand in the shoes of others and imagine what they must be thinking and feeling. This experience brings together a little bit of theater and a whole lot of perspective building. (Grades Pre-K-12)
GET WALKIN' SHOES ACTIVITY
9. Soar With Wings

If you are looking for a collection of carefully curated cohesive lessons, this resource is for you. The folks at Soar with Wings have put together the tools that students need, and teachers can practically use, to support SEL across time. These SEL activities are fun and filled with learning. (Grades K-5)
GET SOAR WITH WINGS ACTIVITY
10. SEL Superpowers

Let the DC Comics superheroes teach students the value of teamwork, friendship, and self-esteem and how to build those superpowers in everyday life. These materials are available in both English and Spanish and promote goal setting, diversity, and collaboration. Leave it to Wonder Woman, Batgirl, and Supergirl to teach us such important life skills. (Grades 1-3)
GET SUPERPOWERS ACTIVITY
11. Empathy Learning Journeys

Created by Better World Ed, this resource seamlessly integrates SEL and global competence into academic learning. Through a trio of wordless videos, written story, and an accompanying lesson plan, Better World Ed has created a positively binge-worthy set of resources. (Grades 3-12)
GET EMPATHY ACTIVITY
12. You Know What They Say About Assumptions...

They can get us into a HOT MESS! Begin with an indigenous tale from the White Mountain Apache and learn about self management and unpacking the challenges of judging others without all of the facts in hand. Remember the Four Awesome Questions? Use them once again with this experience. (Grades Pre-K-6)
GET ASSUMPTIONS ACTIVITY
13. Confusion Solutions

Some of the most challenging moments for managing emotions in the classroom is when confusion sets in. Teach students how to work through confusion and advocate for themselves with this activity that will benefit ALL subject areas. (Grades 6-12)
GET CONFUSION SOLUTIONS ACTIVITY
14. Just Breathe

A free, always available, ever-reliable resource to every human is their breath. Knowing ways to harness the breath is extremely helpful for self-management and building resilience. It may sound simple, and it is, but it is one of the most powerful tools we can teach students how to use. (Grades 6-12)
GET JUST BREATHE ACTIVITY
15. Cruella the Teacher?

Now we all seem to know a little something about Cruella Deville, specifically her unkind ways with Dalmatian puppies. But Cruella as a teacher of SEL? Yep! This mini-unit builds knowledge of the CASEL competencies of self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship skills. (Grades 8-12)
GET CRUELLA ACTIVITY
16. Inspiring Art and Music

This activity brings SEL down to a fine art. Senna and Summa use both poetry and music to comfort and grow. They teach us all how to use art in times of hardship, manifesting something beautiful. (Grades 6-12)
GET ARTWORK ACTIVITY
17. Share Your Sparkle

Perhaps when you think of sparkle, hope, inclusion, and kindness, My Little Pony comes to mind? Well, if not for us grown-ups, it sure does for our littlest learners. Thanks to the generosity of eOne and Hasbro, we can use these new ponies to teach little ones how to celebrate each other's uniqueness. (Pre-K-Kindergarten)
GET SPARKLE ACTIVITY
18. Books of Great Character

Reading develops social emotional skills, and vice versa, especially when diverse and layered characters are involved. Such characters can be found in the books Brave Like Me and Too Many Bubbles by Christine Peck and Mags Deroma. These books, and others in their collection, teach mindfulness, bravery, creativity, and empathy. (Grades Pre-K-3)
GET CHARACTER BOOKS ACTIVITY
19. Dreaming Tree

Is your curriculum so scripted there is little to no time for SEL? Fear not! This micro lesson using the Four Awesome Questions help you take the tiniest amount of time and address SEL in mighty ways. (Grades 2-6)
GET DREAMING TREE ACTIVITY
20. You Are Enough

When reading these words, don't you feel a sense of relief? I know I sure do. But sometimes, even students need a reminder that who they are is and will always be enough. Enjoy the book I am Enough by Grace Byers and identify personal strengths through similes. (Grades 2-5)
GET YOU ARE ENOUGH ACTIVITY
21. Potato Perspectives

Surprisingly, potatoes can teach us a whole lot about the language we use with social emotional learning. Especially when Potato has a difficult time with Eggplant in this sweet and important story. This resource is especially helpful for multilingual learners. (Grades 1-3)
GET POTATO PERSPECTIVES ACTIVITY
22. Curiosity as a Quest

Yes, we want curiosity to get the better of us, for sure. When we are sparked by curiosity about the world around us, we delve deeply into understanding the world around us. In this activity, explore cultural, social, and environmental issues through the lens of curious questions. (Grades 3-5)
GET CURIOSITY QUEST ACTIVITY
23. Balancing Moral Ferocity with Self-Awareness

Oh, yes, this is a mouthful. And it also addresses SEL head on in ways that will change the landscape of our communities. Explore ways to galvanize compassionate action in troubled times with incredibly moving and fulfilling work. (Grades 9-12)
GET BALANCING ACTIVITY
24. Glass Half Full

Sometimes it just takes a shift of perspective, and also some ideas from kids, to help us see the positive and build gratitude. Inspired by Glass Half Full News, an online series written from the perspective of kids, this collection of activities blends SEL and ELA so beautifully. (Grades K-5)
GET GLASS HALF FULL ACTIVITY
25. The Greatest Gift is Ourselves

Folktales, including this one from Japan, continually remind us that each of us brings the greatest gifts to the world-ourselves. This timeless, ageless activity reminds us that through empathy and goodwill, we can all make the world a better place. (Grades K-12)
GET GREATEST GIFT ACTIVITY
Looking for more SEL activities?

Whether you need more SEL activities or you want lessons and activities on other topics, Share My Lesson can help with more than 420,000 free classroom resources for pre-K through higher education. Plus, explore collections of SEL resources for elementary students or middle and high schoolers.
EXPLORE SHARE MY LESSON

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
25 Fun and Easy SEL Activities to Boost Social Skills

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Social skills are an integral part of successful academic learning. Try these SEL activities to help students boost theirs in the classroom.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Wondering where to start and what you need? Check out this information to find out more.
Supplementary Zones Emotion Visuals
These Zones visuals feature characters from The Zones of Regulation Storybook Set. They can be used when teaching Lesson 1 in The Zones of Regulation curriculum to supplement Reproducible C: Zones Emotions and Reproducible E: The Zones of Regulation Visual and at any point in the learning process.
Our most popular resources are available in Spanish, French, and English.
We are pleased to provide digital versions of three widely used "Reproducibles" from the curriculum book translated into Spanish and French. In addition, you will find the English version in the digital format which is already included with The Zones book.
Information About The Zones Of Regulation (Reproducible A) French/Francais Spanish/Espanol The Zones Of Regulation Glossary (Reproducible B) French/Francais Spanish/Espanol The Zones Of Regulation Visual (Reproducible E) French/Francais Spanish/Espanol New Emotion Imagery (Zones Reproducibles C, E, BB)
We are pleased to announce that we have included a broader representation of characters within our Zones emotions illustrations throughout the book. While eight characters can't possibly embody all the spectrum of humanity, we hope that learners see glimpses of themselves and those that they know among this new cast. Updated versions of select Reproducibles are available for download to all Zones of Regulation curriculum users
Adolescent Zones Logo Visual
This Zones of Regulation visual, featuring our updated Zones logo design, is helpful for learners who have access to a broad emotional vocabulary.

Print and use this Zones check-in on staff lanyards, or even as a tabletop check-in for learners.
All the Zones Are Okay Coloring Page
Use this coloring page to reinforce the key concepts that all our feelings and Zones are Okay!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Browse our collection of free resources for parents and educators to support a social-emotional learning curriculum.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The home of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). FInd more information on PBIS, how to implement PBIS, get resources and materials, and how to get support. Funded by the U.S.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
YOGA | MINDFULNESS | RELAXATION FOR KIDS!
Screentime that gives kids SUPERPOWERS! ⬇️ D O W N L O A D T H E C O S M I C K I D S A P P ⬇️ 🍏Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cosmic-kids/
🛍️Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cosmickids
🖥️ Desktop (great for teachers!): https://app.cosmickids.com/
📺 Roku: https://rb.gy/44r8d -------------------------------------------------------------------- Why watch on the App? ⬇️
🎬 Access the complete Cosmic Kids video library including exclusive episodes
📱 View on any computer, TV, smartphone and tablet
🚸 Safe viewing: no commercials, links or suggested videos
💪 Support us to keep making content! Follow Jaime! ❤️
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cosmickidsyoga/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/CosmicKidsYoga
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cosmickidsyoga/
• TikTok! - https://www.tiktok.com/@cosmickidsyogatiktok Learn to Teach Kids Yoga with Jaime 🧘‍♀
https://cosmickids.com/learn/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
gonoodle "go noodle" "brain breaks in the classroom" "brain break dance" "brain break songs" "brain breaks just dance" "movement break" "classroom movement b...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome To GoNoodle! GoNoodle gets kids moving to be their strongest, bravest, silliest, smartest, bestest selves. Join the party and get ready for a fun-filled day of dancing, stretching, running, jumping, deep breathing, and wiggling with GoNoodle. We post new videos every Sunday, Monday, and Thursdays!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
At the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, we envision all children and adults as self-aware, caring, responsible, engaged, and lifelong learners who work together to achieve their goals and create a more inclusive, just world. How? Through a commitment to SEL.

What We Do

The "C" in CASEL stands for "Collaborative": It's both who we are and how we work. We've formed a community-spanning classrooms to statehouses-to make social and emotional learning (SEL) part of a high-quality and equitable education for all.

The "Together for SEL" pledge

How We Started

From the seed of an idea in 1994, we have brought together a multidisciplinary network that includes researchers, educators, practitioners, and child advocates across the country who are passionately committed to SEL for all students.

Join the Team

Are you driven by CASEL's mission to make SEL part of all students' education? We're always looking for talented people to join our team.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, we envision all children and adults as self-aware, caring, responsible, engaged, and lifelong learners who work together to achieve their goals and create a more inclusive, just world. How? Through a commitment to SEL.

# data[].attributes.body
Early Social-Emotional Functioning and Public Health: The Relationship Between Kindergarten Social Competence and Future Wellness