Social Emotional Learning
Social Emotional Activities
Below you will find Read Alouds with corresponding worksheets as well as various activities for social emotional learning and growth.
Emotions and Our Brain
Learning how our emotions are controlled by brain.
Wilma Jean the Worry Machine
Wilma Jean the Worry Machine Read Aloud
Mrs. Bourg reads Wilma Jean The Worry Machine by Julia Cook, features self-regulation techniques and comprehension questions.
Thanks for the Feedback, I Think...
"Thanks for the Feedback, I Think" by Julia Cook. Story features accepting and processing compliments and feedback.
But It's Not My Fault!
"But It's Not My Fault" by Julia Cook. Story features accepting and processing responsibility.
We read "But It's Not My Fault" by Julia Cook. In the story, Noodle learns about the difference between blame and taking responsibility.
Now, can you make a list of 5 things for which you are responsible? You can write the words or draw a picture of it?
Maybe it's your job to feed the dog everyday? Or take your homework out of your backpack? Maybe it's brushing your teeth every? Or helping with the dishes? See if you have come up with 5.
How Big is My Problem?
Problems can happen in any situation - at home with family, when talking with friends, when working on school work. Determining the size of your problem can help you figure out possible solutions. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you figure out the size of your problem:
Is this problem an emergency?
Does my problem cause problems for anybody else?
Do I need help from an adult?
Do I need to talk to a friend about this problem?
Some examples of some problems that can happen at home when you are working on school work are:
Small problem - you don’t feel well today and don’t feel you can do your work
Possible solution - check in with yourself to see if you are tired, thirsty, hungry, feeling sad. See if you can problem-solve your symptoms. If nothing works quickly or it feels like a bigger problem, tell an adult you are not feeling well.
Medium problem - the assignment you just finished disappears from your computer
Possible solution - ask a parent, teacher or friend if they can help you find lost assignments on your computer
Big problem - You see bullying online
Possible solution - this problem is big. Please tell a trusted adult.
Here are a few videos about managing our emotions when faced with problems:
Zones of Regulation Toolbox
Let's create a toolbox of strategies to help us when we are in particular zones!
Do you have a list of ideas you can use to help you when you want to be in the Green Zone but you are in the Red Zone (angry, upset), the Yellow Zone (frustrated, over-excited) or the Blue Zone (tired, sick, sad)?
Different tools help different people in different zones. Here is a list of ideas. Try putting them in a zone list where they might help you:
****************************
talk with an adult take a nap jumping jacks
take slow, deep breaths have a snack use fidgets
count to 10 go for a walk squeeze dough
10 push-ups talk with a friend positive self-talk
get a drink of water find a quiet place to think chew gum
take a shower or bath put scented lotion on your hands take a break
Red Zone Tools Yellow Zone Tools Blue Zone Tools
1. ______________________ 1. _______________________ 1. _______________________
2. ______________________ 2 . _______________________ 2.______________________
3. ______________________ 3. _______________________ 3. _______________________
4. ______________________ 4. _______________________ 4. _______________________
Optional Links for Further Learning
Zones of Regulation - Parent Overview
Brief overview of the Zones of Regulation for parents.
Howard the bunny learns various good learner skills.
Coloring
Coloring and drawing are relaxing and self-regulating. If you have a printer, you can search the internet for "free coloring pictures for kids" and print a favorite picture to color. Or you may want to draw on plain paper instead, and then color your drawing. You could practice taking slow, deep breaths while coloring. Some people enjoy listening to music while coloring. Adults find coloring very relaxing, too!
Videos on Specific Skills
Choosing An Attitude of Gratitude
Make Your Own Peace Place!
Make your own Peace Place in your house! Find a calm quiet retreat and add a sign.
Remember Your Steps
Make your own or print off this one.
Add Calming Tools
Add some calming tools like this Lazy 8 breathing reminder, or a favorite stuffie to hold, or a coloring sheet.