As a mom, I know there’s a lot more to raising happy, well-adjusted kids than teaching them math, reading, or getting them to bed on time (well, mostly on time). Kids also need crucial social and emotional skills that help them connect with others, understand their own feelings, and handle life’s little challenges. That’s where social-emotional learning (SEL) comes in, which sounds fancy but can actually be a lot of fun!
In this post, I’m diving into some easy and engaging social emotional learning activities for kids that fit naturally into daily life. Whether you’re looking for social emotional learning activities worksheets, hands-on activities for elementary-aged kids, or specific ideas for autism, we’ll cover it all. I’ll also share some fantastic resources I’ve found on Amazon and TeacherPayTeachers to make these activities even more enjoyable.
What Is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social emotional learning helps children recognize and manage their emotions, build empathy, make responsible decisions, and establish positive relationships. Think of SEL as the “emotional toolkit” that helps kids navigate the ups and downs of growing up.
The good news? You don’t need a psychology degree or a stash of elaborate materials to teach social emotional learning at home! Many social and emotional learning activities can be as simple as a good chat or a fun game.
Why Social Emotional Learning Activities Are So Important
Teaching social emotional skills is not just an “extra”, it’s a crucial part of child development. When kids learn to understand and express their feelings, they’re better prepared for the classroom, the playground, and life beyond. SEL activities also support kids with autism or other learning differences who may need extra help navigating social cues and managing emotions.
Social emotional learning activities help children improve their emotional regulation, develop empathy, and increase their overall happiness. Plus, it’s amazing to see our kids thrive in social settings and build friendships with confidence.
Fun and Easy Social Emotional Learning Activities for Kids
Ready to bring some SEL magic into your home? Here are my top five social emotional learning activities that make learning these skills as natural and enjoyable as possible.
1. Emotion Charades – Fun for All Ages!
Imagine a game of charades but with emotions instead of animals or movie titles. Write down a variety of emotions (happy, sad, excited, nervous) on little slips of paper and take turns acting them out. This is one of my kids’ favorite social emotional learning activities, and it’s hilarious to see how they interpret different feelings.
- Why it works: Emotion charades teach kids to recognize different emotions and develop empathy by putting themselves in others’ shoes.
- Related Resource: Check out this set of emotion flashcards on Amazon that’s perfect for this activity and other SEL games.
2. Storytime with a Twist – Teaching Empathy Through Books
Reading with your kids is already amazing for language skills, but it can also be a great tool for social emotional learning. Try reading a story and then pausing to discuss how the characters might be feeling. “Why do you think the character is upset?” or “How would you feel in this situation?”
- Why it works: Discussing stories helps kids practice empathy and relate to others’ emotions.
- Related Resource: TeacherPayTeachers has SEL-based reading worksheets that go along with popular kids’ books, providing a structured way to introduce empathy and emotional awareness.
3. Calm Down Kits – Essential for Emotional Regulation
Creating a DIY “calm down kit” with sensory items, stress balls, and coloring pages can be a lifesaver when emotions run high. Kids can learn to recognize when stressed or angry and use their calm-down kits to reset.
- Why it works: Calm down kits give kids tools for self-regulation and independence in managing their emotions.
- Related Resource: There’s an amazing calm down sensory kit on Amazon that includes stress balls, fidget toys, and other soothing items that are perfect for emotional self-regulation.
4. Social Emotional Learning Activities Worksheets for Elementary Kids
Sometimes, a structured worksheet can be helpful, especially for kids who love routine and step-by-step activities. There are fantastic social emotional learning activities worksheets on sites like TeacherPayTeachers that walk kids through recognizing emotions, understanding friendships, and making good choices.
- Why it works: Worksheets provide guided practice and give kids the chance to reflect on emotions in a focused way.
- Related Resource: SEL Worksheets Bundle on TeacherPayTeachers offers printable options for different grades, from identifying feelings to handling conflicts.
5. Mindfulness Jars – A Visual Way to Learn Calmness
A mindfulness jar is a simple craft project that provides hours of calming activity. All you need is a jar, water, and glitter (or use a clear bottle for less mess!). When kids shake it up, they can watch the glitter slowly settle, taking deep breaths as they watch. It’s a gentle introduction to mindfulness and a great addition to your social emotional learning activities routine.
- Why it works: Mindfulness jars provide a visual cue to slow down and breathe, helping kids focus on their emotions.
- Related Resource: This glitter jar kit on Amazon includes different glitter colors and a secure bottle, making it easy to create your own mindfulness jar.
Social Emotional Learning Activities for Autism
For kids with autism, social and emotional learning activities can be particularly valuable. Children on the autism spectrum may need extra support with emotional regulation and social interactions. Here are some specially designed social emotional learning activities for autism that can be adapted to meet your child’s individual needs:
1. Visual Emotion Charts
Using visual emotion charts helps kids identify and label their emotions. Start with basic feelings like happy, sad, and angry, and gradually introduce more complex emotions. Visuals make it easier for kids with autism to understand and express their feelings.
2. Role-Playing with Puppets
Role-playing is a wonderful way to practice social skills, and using puppets can make it even more engaging. Create different social scenarios and have your child practice responding. Puppets give a safe space for kids with autism to experiment with different social cues and practice communication.
Commercial Products for SEL Activities
1. Amazon’s Emotion-Themed Flashcards
Emotion flashcards are a fantastic way for kids to recognize and name emotions. Check them out on Amazon and use them in games like Emotion Charades or during storytime.
2. TeacherPayTeachers SEL Worksheets
From mindfulness exercises to friendship-building worksheets, TeacherPayTeachers has a great selection of printable SEL resources that make learning these skills fun and easy.
3. Calm Down Sensory Kits
Every home should have a calm-down kit for those tricky moments! This sensory kit on Amazon has all the calming essentials for a quick, emotion-regulating break.
Related Articles
- Using Flashcards to Build Early Communication Skills – Flashcards can do wonders for language and communication, especially for kids with autism.
- Learning Through Play: Essential Tips for Boosting Communication Skills in Early Learners – Play-based learning makes social skill-building fun and effective.