Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) by Jenna Backinger

A Spark in the Dark

jbacking — 2025-07-03 21:25:12 UTC

In this heartwarming story about overcoming feelings of fear, a small fish decides to investigate some of the deep, dark waters of the ocean. He becomes engulfed in the darkness, and overwhelming feelings of fear and uncertainty come over him as he tries to navigate the vast waters. He continues searching, for even the smallest illumination of light, teaching us that we can find strength within us, that we are capable of overcoming challenging moments, and that, if we look hard enough, light can be found, even in the darkest of places.

Discussion Questions:

When the little fish is surrounded by the dark vastness of the ocean, how do you think he feels?
As he swims through the dark waters, what do you think is represented by the spark of light that he encounters?
What lesson do you think the little fish experienced from encountering the dark and the light?
When we are experiencing challenging times, how do you think we might find our own "spark"?

The Story of Ferdinand

jbacking — 2025-07-05 19:47:24 UTC

This story follows the journey of Ferdinand the bull. He isn't like most bulls, though - he'd rather smell the flowers than fight. When men come to pick the toughest bulls to fight, Ferdinand gets stung by a bee and runs frantically across the field. Mistaking him for a ferocious, fighting bull, Ferdinand is chosen as a fighter. What will happen when he gets into the ring? Will he stay true to himself?

Discussion Questions:

Why did Ferdinand's mother want him to play with the other bulls?
What happens when Ferdinand enters the ring and why?
What lesson do you think we can learn from this story?

Edutopia

jbacking — 2025-07-07 19:15:56 UTC

It can be difficult to find free resources for SEL, especially if your school doesn't have a system already in place! This is an obstacle that I've had trouble traversing: my school does not have a PBIS/behavior support system, and with the extreme budget constraints we've experienced, affording one is currently not an option. However, Edutopia offers several articles, tools, and implementation strategies on the classroom level, allowing you to take SEL into your own hands.

Positive Action

jbacking — 2025-07-08 00:16:26 UTC

Positive Action is another great FREE resource! They provide ideas for implementation, sample lesson plans, strategies on implementing SEL into the curriculum, and more! Again, if your school doesn't have an SEL program already in place, it can be difficult to attempt this on your own, especially considering how much teachers already have on their plates. This resource provides ideas on weaving SEL into the general curriculum, making it quick and habitual - like morning meetings!

YouCubed

jbacking — 2025-07-08 00:27:40 UTC

YouCubed is an amazing resource focused solely around growth mindset! Dr. Jo Boaler is a professor at Stanford University and has created an entire site dedicated to promoting growth mindset. While she does focus on mathematics, her ideas can be adapted for lessons in any subject! The site has videos addressing the science behind neuroplasticity, journals for students, activities, and more! I have integrated some of her videos and activities into my ELA lessons with phenomenal success!

SCRED Life Skills Calming Toolbox

jbacking — 2025-07-08 00:53:09 UTC

This site is hosted by the St. Croix River District in Minnesota, and has a wealth of SEL free resources! They have printables for the classroom, calming strategies, and even apps that can be downloaded (for free!) to help students identify their emotions. This Calming Strategies Toolbox has the potential to be a game-changer in your classroom!

Breathing Techniques

jbacking — 2025-07-08 01:06:44 UTC

This resource from HMH offers a variety of breathing techniques you can easily incorporate into your daily classroom routine! I love that they offer so many techniques, as what works for one student may not for another. Students can pick out a technique that works for them and incorporate them into real-life situations!

PERMA+ Bingo!

jbacking — 2025-07-08 01:25:28 UTC

PERMA+ Bingo is a fun way to integrate SEL into the everyday curriculum! PERMA+ stands for Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Mattering, Accomplishment, & +Health. You can introduce the Bingo cards by introducing each topic. Then, throughout the day, students complete activities, trying to get five in a row! This makes SEL fun and low-stress.

Walk in Another's Shoes

jbacking — 2025-07-08 01:34:07 UTC

This is an amazing FULL SEL lesson plan, and even lists adaptations depending on targeted grade level! It connects to Common Core standards and centers around empathy. Through a choice of two readings, students analyze the "why" behind others' actions; they learn the importance of empathy, get a chance to role play, and even sing a song!

Inside Out!

jbacking — 2025-07-08 01:39:23 UTC

The lesson plans wouldn't be complete without addressing Disney's movie, "Inside Out!" This lesson plan is wonderful, as it offers a more in-depth plan if intending to watch the entire movie, along with a shortened plan to discuss specific scenes. Either way, this is an amazing resource as it includes characters that students already know and love, while allowing them to explore their own emotions!

1. Why I Chose SEL

jbacking — 2025-07-08 03:38:40 UTC

I feel that SEL is an integral component of education and should be woven throughout the curriculum. As a special education teacher, I have seen the immense effects behaviors can have on students. Many students simply don't have the tools in their strategy box to handle such big emotions. Emotions affect us all, whether or not we have a disability. When these emotions arise and affect our ability to learn, we may just need a technique; a voice to advocate for ourselves, which is why I firmly believe in the power of SEL.

2. The Importance of SEL

jbacking — 2025-07-08 03:41:34 UTC

If a student is displaying challenging behaviors, doesn't feel safe at home, has experienced trauma, or struggles with emotions, it is nearly impossible for them to absorb any material being taught. Students spend an immense amount of time at school, and we as teachers need to remember the influence that we have. While situations may not be fixable, the way that we respond to them can be. SEL doesn't have to be taught with a curriculum; it can be infused through our words and actions. Some academic lessons may leave students, but the impact that we have on them doesn't have to.

3. Teaching SEL

jbacking — 2025-07-08 04:07:17 UTC

There are various approaches to teaching SEL, but I feel that it starts with a whole-school approach. My school unfortunately doesn't have a PBIS/behavior support program, but SEL truly doesn't need a curriculum. As a special education teacher, I take a whole-group approach to SEL with morning meetings or check-ins, lunch bunches, reflective writing, etc. Just like MTSS, you can take a tiered approach, providing some students with more direct lessons like social stories, breathing techniques, and mindfulness strategies while others may need a morning check-in or an emotion meter. Whether tailoring SEL to specific students' needs or simply fostering a classroom environment of empathy and kindness, SEL is fluid.

4. Questions about SEL

jbacking — 2025-07-08 04:35:41 UTC

I absolutely have questions regarding SEL. In searching for resources, I wanted to be sure that I focused on free resources, as many that I came across were not. As I mentioned earlier, my school does not have an SEL/PBIS program, and I am also aware of the financial burden that comes with its implementation. Because of this, I want to know more about SEL standards, and particularly, how different states approach them. I came across several states that offered free SEL resources, programs, or even professional development for teachers in their state; I could not find anything comparable for Arizona. Another question I have is how are they funded? Could a district receive a grant to implement a behavioral support program? Lastly, are there any free SEL professional development opportunities available to teachers in Arizona?