Learning Activities

Image from: https://stock.adobe.com/ca/search/images?k=activity+word

Here are some common and popular SEL learning activities to do with your students or children. The possibilities and variations are unlimited! 


Outdoor SEL

  • Gardening 
  • Cloud Gazing 
  • Nature Walks 
  • Mindful Walks
  • Literacy Learning (ex. reading) 
  • Scavenger Hunts




Mindfulness 

  • Mindful Breathing Techniques
  • Sensory Activities
  • Grounding Techniques 
  • Guided mediation 
  

                                                                                Using the Hoberman sphere to help support mindful breathing 




Gratitude 

  • Gratitude Journal 
  • Thank You cards for teachers, staff, and community workers 
  • Gratitude Chain Activity 
  • Acts of Kindness 
  • Gratitude List 
    • ex) A person I am grateful for is...
    • Something in nature that I am grateful for is...
    • Something fun that I am grateful for is...
    • A strength of mine that I am grateful for is...
    • A place that I am grateful for is...




Exploring Feelings 

  • Feelings Wheel 
  • Mood Meter
    • Create Character Mood Meter Feelings 


https://knilt.arcc.albany.edu/Social_Emotional_Learning_in_the_Elementary_Classroom




Art

  • Mindful colouring and drawing 
  • Nature Art 
  • Repetitive Motion Art - ex) Zentangle, Symmetry, Shapes, Doodles  
  • Weaving/Needle Felting
  • Positive Affirmations 








Music Explorations 


  • How can we use music to express and convey our feelings and emotions? 

Task: 

  • Choose a picture book and retell the story using music and sound

  • Think about elements of sounds such as volume, pitch and melody: How can you show the emotions of the story? Can you represent the characters and plot? The tone and atmosphere? 


  • Present your production to the class and reflect on the creative process




Other resources:
  • 13 Most Popular Gratitude Exercises & Activities by Mike Oppland - https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-exercises/
  • 5 Simple and Fun Breathing Exercises for Kids by Arun Sharma -  https://www.parentcircle.com/simple-breathing-exercises-pranayama-for-kids/article
  • Outdoor SEL Activities by Kelly Koller and Byron McClure (National Geographic Education Blog) - https://blog.education.nationalgeographic.org/2020/09/08/our-teacherstrong-strategy-partnering-to-share-outdoor-sel-activities/
  • Random Acts of Kindness Foundation - https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/


References:

Harris, A. (2022, November 23). Mindfulness for children. Annaka Harris. https://annakaharris.com/mindfulness-for-children/

Krajewski, S. (2020a, October 27). 50 activities that support social-emotional learning. The Art of Education University. https://theartofeducation.edu/2020/10/50-activities-that-support-social-emotional-learning/

Millacci, T. S. (2025, April 21). 20 gratitude exercises & activities to boost wellbeing. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-exercises/

Schott, R. (2018, June 15). How does gardening make you happier?. Science World. https://www.scienceworld.ca/stories/how-does-gardening-make-you-happier/


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