Social-Emotional Learning Toolkit

Why Social-Emotional Skills Matter

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is often the most important factor in kindergarten readiness. Research shows that children who can identify and manage their emotions, get along with others, and handle challenges are better prepared for school success. These skills affect everything from making friends to following classroom rules to persisting through difficult academic tasks.

The Five SEL Competencies

According to CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning), there are five core competencies:

• Self-Awareness: Recognizing your own emotions, strengths, and challenges
• Self-Management: Regulating emotions and behaviors in different situations
• Social Awareness: Understanding others' perspectives and showing empathy
• Relationship Skills: Building and maintaining positive relationships
• Responsible Decision-Making: Making constructive choices about behavior

Activities Included

This printable toolkit includes 10 activities targeting different SEL skills:

• Feelings Check-In - Build emotional vocabulary and awareness
• Calm Down Corner - Create a self-regulation space
• Belly Breathing Practice - Learn calming techniques
• Emotion Charades - Practice reading social cues
• Turn-Taking Games - Develop patience and social skills
• Kindness Challenge - Build empathy and prosocial behavior
• Problem-Solving Steps - Learn conflict resolution
• Feelings Stories - Understand emotions through books
• Friendship Role-Play - Practice social scripts
• Gratitude Practice - Develop positive mindset

Printable Tools Included

• Feelings Chart with 12 emotion faces
• Problem-Solving Steps poster (Stop, Think, Choose, Do)
• Kindness Tracker with 20 hearts to color
• Social-Emotional Skills Checklist

Tips for Teaching SEL

• Model emotional awareness by naming your own feelings
• Validate all emotions—feelings are never "wrong"
• Practice calming strategies when your child is calm, not upset
• Use books and stories to discuss emotions safely
• Praise specific social behaviors: "I noticed you shared your toy"
• Be patient—SEL skills develop slowly through repeated practice

Download the complete toolkit below for all 10 activities plus printable charts and trackers.