Engaging in Play-Based SEL Development as Adults by Chelsey Kennedy

arill012 — 2025-10-27 13:32:13 UTC

The explorer - This week with all the beautiful autumn colours, I was able to take a nice long walk with my partner to enjoy a quiet part of the city and enjoy a new walking path we haven't been to before. This activity helped reset my focus and allowed me to continue to work productively.

emmasacks — 2025-10-27 13:49:56 UTC

This weekend, I was able to go on a run with a friend, and we got to see all the beautiful leaves changing colours. It was a fun way to connect, move our bodies, and enjoy nature. Supporting relationship skills, self-awareness, and well-being through play and mindfulness.

2025-10-27 15:25:00 UTC

Every year my friends and I carve pumpkins to prepare for Halloween, which we did this past weekend. This activity is an example of collaboration, teamwork and relationship building with my friends, who are a huge support system for me! It's also just a fun activity that allows for some adult-play!

madioconnellsmith — 2025-10-27 20:22:08 UTC

The Storyteller- The form of play I chose to engage in is reading a book. This also goes with The Collector as I was able to add a new book to my bookshelf as well. Reading is one of my favourite hobbies, but I find it is difficult to keep up with during the school year as there is a lot of academic reading to complete. I read a couple of chapters for this weeks activity and it reminded me how much I enjoy reading as a way to decompress and reset. I find that reading helps me with self-management as it helps to reset my emotions, especially when I am feeling stressed. It also can be relationship building as many of my friends enjoy reading so it is a topic of conversation.

2025-10-27 21:21:31 UTC

This week, I explored my “Creator” side by sketching freely without following any plan. I just let my pen move and allowed the drawing to evolve naturally. It was calming and reminded me how powerful creativity can be when it’s done simply for enjoyment, not perfection.

2025-10-27 21:48:22 UTC

I still enjoy playing volleyball every week and is something I am greatly looking forward to this week. It is a great version of play that helps me unwind from the stress of the week and offers some healthy competition.

2025-10-27 23:13:54 UTC

Playing card games after dinner with the family was a lighthearted bonding experience. This connects to the SEL competency of building relationship skills. It is easy to get caught up in the rush of a busy week, but spending a few moments together and enjoying a little competition brings fun moments into the week.

zzhan488 — 2025-10-27 23:20:26 UTC

This week, my “play” was cooking a nice meal for myself — grilled shrimp, short ribs, and broccoli 🥦🍤. I love cooking by myself, cooking helps me slow down, focus on the process, and enjoy creativity through flavor and color. It connects with self-awareness and self-management, because I notice how cooking relaxes me after a busy study day and helps me express care toward myself. It’s a small but meaningful way to recharge and bring joy into my daily routine.

chelseacyrgauthier — 2025-10-28 00:02:26 UTC

This week, my daughters, husband and I played charades together. It was a nice way to connect, to have fun, and to be silly. It brings out a lighter, more playful version of all of us and allows us to be more in the moment. It is always a hit and something we look forward to playing as a family!

cmari059 — 2025-10-28 00:09:55 UTC

^{I went for a hike in the forest this weekend. This is always a relaxing experience for me and a great place to clear my mind. It connects with self-awareness because I notice that I feel my best mentally and am most productive after taking the time to move my body, especially when I am connecting with nature.}

auht — 2025-10-28 05:32:34 UTC

The Storyteller - I started reading a new book this week as my form of play. I try to read as often as I can as it's an activity I enjoy and I get to unwind. Reading helps me to relax as it allows me to participate in others' perspectives and engage my brain differently than my day to day. Book is "I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki" and I'm enjoying reading it with my friend!

jaimielynnmcdougall — 2025-10-28 13:34:43 UTC

The Director - The other day, I planned a gathering with both my family and my fiancé's family! We had a taco night and carved pumpkins. They turned out awesome :) Even though I believe this activity connects to each of the Core 5 SEL skills, I think it most relates to relationship skills, as cooking and carving pumpkins together involve listening, taking turns, sharing, and respecting each other's ideas, which all help build meaningful relationships!

vitiellosabrina — 2025-10-28 22:53:36 UTC

Creator and Storyteller -

The two forms of play that I choose to engage in are reading and crocheting. I became an avid reader a couple of years ago, and I am always buying more books before I get through my stack. It has inspired me to join a Reading Challenge on Goodreads. To read 20 books by the end of the year, I am on book 20! I hope to set a new challenge, but smaller, since going back to school (not enough downtime). It also encouraged me to start writing a book (it's going very slowly).

I got into crocheting just after the pandemic. I wanted a new hobby, and I have gotten quite decent at making things. I use it to help me destress and keep my fidgety hands moving. My school has asked me to take part in running the Crocheting Club during lunch, which I think is great. Right now, I have been tasked to make 4 baby blankets for friends and family. I hope to make enough stuff for both Christmas gifts and, hopefully, participate in my first Craft Fair in December.

yimengshi2 — 2025-10-28 23:43:39 UTC

This photo was taken during my weekend trip to Mont-Tremblant. I spent the day exploring the hillside trails and connecting with friends through outdoor games and laughter. This free-spirited, physical activity taught me the importance of self-awareness and stress management, key elements of social-emotional learning (SEL).

Immersing myself in nature and engaging in fun activities helped me de-stress from academic work and refocus on mindfulness and gratitude. Sharing this playful experience with others also strengthened my interpersonal skills and social awareness as we supported and encouraged each other during our hikes.

As adults, we often forget that play isn't just for children. It's a crucial way for us to reconnect, build empathy, and maintain emotional balance in our daily lives.

2025-10-29 01:59:03 UTC

Kinesthete - The form of play I chose to engage in is power yoga. I practiced for 40 minutes today, focusing on trying new poses, like Pincha Mayurasana. I’ve been getting back into yoga after a break, and it’s been exciting to challenge myself with more advanced poses. Yoga helps me not only stay active but also gives me a chance to unwind and focus on how my body feels.

I find that trying new poses keeps me engaged and mindful, and it pushes me to pay attention to my limits and progress over time. This practice connects closely with self-management, as it helps me regulate stress, maintain focus, and take intentional steps to care for both my mental and physical health. I hope to continue experimenting with poses and building strength and balance in my practice over the coming weeks.

2025-10-29 13:33:53 UTC

I play every day with my kids. We deal with our emotions together. We calm each other down when one of us gets frustrated. We wrestle, do puzzles, play ball games, and use our imagination, which stimulates all parts of our brain and body. Learning how much kids deal with their big feelings teaches me how to cope with my emotions.

2025-10-29 16:39:28 UTC

This photo of my daughter and me at Moraine Lake in Banff captures peace, joy, and connection. The calm water and mountain air encouraged reflection and gratitude. It represents Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in action: self-awareness through nature, relationship skills through bonding, and emotional regulation through mindfulness. Experiences like this remind me that SEL happens in real life too, beyond classrooms, as we share, listen, and strengthen our emotional well-being together.

2025-10-29 19:03:02 UTC

This week I was a creator and worked on a crochet project! Taking the time to crochet while I watch a show is a a form of self-love for me. It helps me stay calm and focused on something other than the stressors in my life. This week I have been working on trying to balance my school work while also making time for play, whether that be spending time with loved ones, reading my book before bed, etc.

2025-10-29 20:25:19 UTC

This picture captures a peaceful moment in nature at my cottage—a calm lake surrounded by tall trees, with the reflection of the sky shimmering on the water’s surface. The stillness of the scene invites a sense of quiet reflection and grounding. Being in this environment allows me to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with myself. The natural beauty around me reminds me to practice self-awareness—acknowledging my thoughts and emotions without judgment—and to find balance between caring for others and caring for myself. In this space, I feel present and mindful, fully aware of how nature helps restore my mental clarity and emotional well-being.

2025-10-29 21:06:35 UTC

This week I was an explorer! Dogsitting my cousins dog gave me the chance to explore new paths at a local park and meet new people all while enjoying the beautiful fall colors. The extra walks gave me many opportunities to disconnect this week and reconnect with nature. Walking allows me to clear my head and discuss news ideas with the people I am walking with. I hope to try out other "play personalities" in the common weeks!

haylinelson — 2025-10-30 01:33:14 UTC

One of my very close friends is travelling the world right now. Currently she is in Albania. One way we stay connected is through this chess app. We make a move and wait for the other person. It is a good game to play when there is such an extreme time difference between us.

reachasadullah1 — 2025-10-30 03:29:37 UTC

Last week, I decided to go on a long bike ride after work as a means of clearing my mind. It was me, the road, the sweet sound of my engine, and the cool breeze. Not a single thought about school or work. Just me and my bike. I find these small breaks help me unwind, and clear my head. Riding my bike gives me sense of freedom and a reminder that life is not that bad.

2025-10-30 15:45:47 UTC

The Joker/Kinesthetic (Dance Party)

I love dancing, and my sons also love to dance as well! When I have dance parties with my sons they are allowed to jump on the sofa with me and just move anywhere and have fun. My older son usually initiates the party by asking Alexa to play my favourite reggae/soca music songs because he knows i'll say yes! It's such a fun feeling to let loose and move our bodies to various dance moves. My 7 year old is really into Minecraft so we danced to Steve's Lava Chicken song this week and followed an Afro-beats workout dance on youtube! I love that music can connect my son to different cultures and specifically his Jamaican heritage.

Try dancing to Steve's Lava Chicken song!

2025-10-30 19:38:51 UTC

Every week I go to a kickboxing gym! After long days, I love to release any stress or tension onto a bag. The great thing about kickboxing is that you can hit a bag without it hitting you right back (unlike sparring) 🙂. What I love about this activity is that it requires skill and technique; you can't just randomly hit the bag any which way or else you'll get hurt. So you need to control your breathing, regulate your movement, ensure your stance is correct, and get into a certain rhythm. It's a great way to regulate emotions while also staying active!

soccer_rockz11 — 2025-11-02 18:40:40 UTC

Recently, I purchased my first place and have been slowly renovating it with my dad to make it more modern and more me. This weekend, my whole family came to help me hang some decorations, change door knobs, and put new caulking in the bathroom. It's been so fun coming up with plans and seeing them come to life!

We also spent some quality time together during lunch and had a spontaneous dinner at my brother's house! It was a great family day!

carsonpayne01 — 2025-11-02 21:47:38 UTC

This week, my play personality was "The Competitor." I love the game of basketball. I currently play in a recreational basketball league and had a game this week. Basketball is my way of promoting my own personal well-being while also having fun! I play on a team with my friends, which makes it even more enjoyable. I have included Kyle Lowry in the above photo because he is my favourite basketball player. Have a great week everyone!