SEL Activities

Here are a few ideas that support connections to one another, connections with self, and connections with the community. These activities can be used before or after reading Outside, Inside by LeUyen Pham. These are just suggested levels for each activity, please use what you feel works best with the students in your school and adjust content as needed.

Need more ideas?

Reach out to Laurie LaComb if you are looking for a thinking partner for more SEL related activities.

Create a gratitude wall that includes the things we are thankful for on the inside and things we are thankful for on the outside.
Play 4 corners with a twist. Identify each corner of the room with a label on it that coincides with how students spent time during Covid restrictions. For example- “Spent time with family” “Spent time learning a new skill” “Spent time in nature” and “Spent time playing games”. Have students go to the corner they connect with the most and chat with each other about their experience for 2-3 minutes.
Listening meditation example.
Circle up or pair share about animals that make you feel safe at home.

Write a note to someone who is a big support in your life and mail it!
Play charades- words on outside activities (basketball, climbing trees, etc.) and inside activities (drawing a picture, reading a book, watching a movie).
Pay it forward day- everyone is challenged to pay it forward.
Walking meditation - finding some peace on the inside.

Create a time capsule. (resource ideas)
Set the class up inside/outside circles and formulate a few questions related to the story. For example, what was the hardest part about Covid? What do you miss about it?
Talk about pets and their role in the family in groups of 3.
Daily act of kindness- Become a Raktivist.
When times get tough, it’s time to take a moment to ground ourselves. This takes practice. meditation