Who – This activity is for the educators, but easily presentable to high school-aged students

What – This activity is designing a playlist of music to achieve a desired state of mind/emotional state. The individual participating will be asked to describe their current mental state and the state they hope to achieve. After, the participant will be asked to make a playlist of music at least 15 minutes long in order to provide a short break to focus. At the end, the participant will rate how effective is was for them and how they may like to improve on it the next time.

UDL and/or SEL? This activity is informed by the SEL competency of Self-awareness and Self-management. In this activity, the participant is being asked to explicitly identify emotions as well as setting a goal and potentially working with stress-management.

Why – The self-care needs of Cooper inspired this activity but can be easily structured to bring social awareness to a group of students.

How – With the provided handout, participants will follow the directions. First will be to identify their current mental/emotional state. Later, they will identify their desired mental state upon completion of the activity. Next, is the finding of music that functions in a way to move that person towards their desired mental/emotional state. Next, the participant will direct their full attention at listening to their created playlist. Finally, they will rate to what degree it helped them achieve their goal.

Materials –

1. Provided handout

2. Desired music (internet connected device, computer, CDs, etc.)

3. A music playback device

Provided materials that support the activity – I have attached a downloadable handout below that guides one through the activity.