On this page, you'll find lessons on a variety of topics related to Social and Emotional Learning. While we've labeled these particular lessons as designed for level two, the lessons here are intended to build upon previous knowledge of the topic. You may wish to use these particular lessons with any groups that are looking to deepen their understanding of these topics.
Most of these lessons are the second of a series of three, with one lesson designated for each grade level. The other lessons in the series can be located by looking for the same topic under the corresponding grade level, such that the lessons labeled "Forgiveness" on the level one page, level two page, and level three page are a series. There are also buttons at the bottom of each lesson that allow you to navigate directly to the next lesson in the series.
While these lessons were written in groups of three, most of the lesson plans can also stand alone with some minor adjustments, such that you could choose to begin anywhere or complete all three lessons on a topic at once, depending on your students' needs and goals.
Being able to communicate respectfully and meaningfully is a vital part of navigating the world and maintaining healthy communities. Without effective communication, we not only see conflict grow, but we miss out on connection with the people around us.
THIS LESSON introduces students to the concept of Active Listening, provides opportunities to practice this skill, and guides students in finding connections between the messages their peers have to share.
The human brain is hardwired with the capacity for empathy, because empathy is a skill central to the creation and maintenance of strong, healthy relationships. While empathy is a way of thinking and feeling, it becomes compassion when put into action.
THIS LESSON deepens student understanding of empathy by guiding reflection on how empathy can be put into action to help others in a related process known as compassion.
Consent is about giving permission for something to happen or agreement to do something. It helps build healthy boundaries and bodily autonomy.
THIS LESSON broadens students' understanding of consent, which is present in all aspects of their lives.
Forgiveness is complex, both as a concept and as a process. There are often many emotions involved on both sides when someone has been hurt or wronged, and forgiveness is a vital part of mending others' sense of physical and emotional safety and connectedness.
THIS LESSON guides students in thinking critically about the meaning of forgiveness and the decisions frequently involved in the process.
Our personal strengths are unique gifts that we can lean on. By identifying them, leaning into them, and sharing them, we can increase resilience. Resilience is a protective factor against mental health concerns and helps us succeed in the face of hardship.
THIS LESSON guides students in considering how their strengths come into play when they are living as their best selves, and helps them reflect on moments when they have been at their best.
Technology is becoming increasingly present in the lives of teenagers, whose social environments extend far into the social media universe. Maintaining a safe and and balanced relationship with social media is a vital skill for healthy teens.
THIS LESSON introduces students to concept of digital stress, helps them identify their own level of digital stress, and guides them in identifying strategies to combat this stress.
As students develop into young adults, they are increasingly expected to be responsible for their actions and able to navigate the world more independently and with more maturity than before. There are many facets that go into personal responsibility.
THIS LESSON helps students learn about the power of their words and the way that communicating emotions can elicit constructive dialogue.
Everyday stress and responsibilities can begin to take a toll on our bodies and minds. Mindfulness is just one kind of skill that can help us re-center. It involves drawing our focus to the present moment, and suspending judgment on the past or future.
THIS LESSON introduces students to mindful listening strategies and explores how the strategies can be helpful in communication and restorative practices.
Stress is a pretty inevitable part of life, and comes in many forms. Some kinds of stress feel manageable and help us to grow, while other kinds of stress can be overwhelming, require extra coping skills, and be harmful if not managed properly.
THIS LESSON expands upon students' understanding of stress, and introduces the dangers of perfectionism and the benefits of self-compassion when it comes to handling stressors.
Relationships are an inevitable part of life, no matter your age. Healthy, productive people can maintain and navigate many different kinds of relationships, including those with family, friends, authority figures, and romantic partners.
THIS LESSON helps students learn how to identify "red flags" in relationships and explores how to navigate relationship changes in a healthy way.