The flowers may be blooming, but summer is looming-which means that a storm of excitement, anticipation, and energy has made it challenging to keep students engaged, regulated, and focused. With the school year winding down, it’s the perfect time to sprinkle in fun and meaningful SEL activities to help students manage big emotions and celebrate their growth. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, building friendships, or reflecting on the year, these activities will keep your classroom buzzing with positivity all the way to the final bell!
One common mistake that teachers make, is that we are selective listeners. When we observe a students struggling with an academic concept, we co-create a plan, check-in and help them succeed. However, so many of us (myself included at one point), are guilty of neglecting social needs. We jump too quickly to the assumption that students are talking when they shouldn't as an act of rebellion, when the source is simply just another need. I challenge you to lean in to socializing and teamwork more often- some of the best core memories are those that are made when working and creating together. These spring-themed collaborative posters encourage problem-solving, resilience and teamwork.
Is May your last month of the school year? Then head on over to the Summer SEL Activity blog post here!
Grow with the Flow Collaborative Poster
This collaborative mural includes 36 coloring sheets that, when pieced together, create a stunning visual to encourage growth mindset.
Butterfly Wings Photo Op
This collaborative mural doubles as a selfie station, or photo op. Students can stand in front of it and have a picture taken of them striking their favorite power pose. You can bring and frame this to send home as budget-friendly gifts at the end of the year!
The Mindful Melt
With sunny skies and community hustle and bustle standing one window pane away, students are inevitably distracted. Reviewing mindful practice through this ice cream craft is the perfect way to support focus and attention in a delicious way.
Inclusive Mother's Day Ideas
If your school recognizes Mother's Day, but you're looking for a more inclusive approach to the holiday, we have a variety of favorite thank you cards that can be written to any special person in your students' lives.
This includes our best-selling "You Mean the World" hot air balloon craft.
Planting Praise
Another highly engaging craft that can be used as a spring-themed bucket filler/ end of year keepsake, or as a Mother's Day craft, is the flowerpot Planting Praise activity. Students will color their blooms and then write a compliment on the stems of each one.
No Brain is the Same Bulletin Board
Mental Health Awareness Month is recognized in May in the US, and Children's Mental Health Week is recognized during the first week of May. Here are some of our favorite ways to start discussions surrounding neurodiversity. For the full list of activities to support children's mental health, click here.
Students are invited to design a brain that represents their unique selves. Includes fabulous accessories and a "Meet my Brain" profile, where they can discuss their triggers, interests and dislikes, through the personalization of their brain.
Motivational Message Coloring Sheets
And finally, if your students are making their way through, or finishing up the treachery of standardized testing, be ready with meaningful incentives- motivational coloring pages that will make them feel good.
