5 SEL Lessons That Actually Work With Secondary Students - The Art of Education University (2024)

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has become a spotlight topic in many school systems. At its core, SEL is an initiative to help students to be aware of, regulate, and manage their emotions. It teaches one to set positive goals, show empathy, and make responsible decisions. You might be thinking, “Aren’t these things all of my students should be doing anyway?” Yes, absolutely. But, it’s easier said than done.

Anxiety and depression rates in teen students are increasing. According to a Pew Research Center survey with participants ages being 13 to 17 years old, 7 out of 10 students identify mental health as being a problem amongst their peers. What makes today’s students different? One might point to a straightforward source: technology. However, it’s the pressure to get good grades, the pressure to do what social media is telling them, too. Today’s students feel the pressure all day long; it never goes away. For students to be successful academically, it is crucial that their social and emotional needs are met.

The art room is naturally a great space for students to tap into their social and emotional needs. But, to truly make an impact, we as educators must actively discuss its importance. When it comes to instilling SEL practices with our secondary students, it can be challenging to get students to open up. In middle school and high school, students become much more aware of their body image and faults within themselves, so it can be harder to reach them, but it can be done! Take a look at these five art lessons that bring in SEL concepts.

1. Personal Mantra Art

Our students are filled with self-doubt. In and out of school, they are comparing themselves to others. Instead of playing the comparison game, students need to practice positive self-talk. Research shows that the power of positivity does, in fact, work, which is why creating a personal mantra may be beneficial for your students. You might even develop a whole class mantra, but for your secondary students, creating something unique to each student will create more personal experience.

5 SEL Lessons That Actually Work With Secondary Students - The Art of Education University (1)

A personal mantra acts as a phrase or statement to inspire someone to become their best self. To begin crafting a mantra, ask your students what their goals are or what positive outcomes they’d like to achieve. From here, craft a lesson where students can implement positive phrases and statements they need for encouragement.

2. The Best Part of Me

5 SEL Lessons That Actually Work With Secondary Students - The Art of Education University (2)

Way too many of our students struggle with low self-esteem and body image issues. Society and culture embed certain looks or perfection into the young minds of students. Instead, we should be sharing body positivity and celebrate how we were made. The book, The Best Part of Me, features photographs and words written by children. In it, they celebrate their best features. For example, one of the students in the book took a photo of her hands to celebrate that they helped her turn the pages in a book, which is one of the things that makes her happy. Sharing this book with your students will allow them to look within and celebrate who they are. Taking inspiration from the book, you can create a lesson that allows students to explore photography and celebrate their positive attributes.

3. Identify Art as Coping

5 SEL Lessons That Actually Work With Secondary Students - The Art of Education University (3)

There is a positive correlation between creating art and improved mental health. For many of our students who are anxious or might struggle with emotions and coping skills, turning to art can be a positive outlet. In particular, art practices that require repetition might help relax and regulate student emotions. Fiber arts and weaving are often therapeutic mediums as the repetition of the practice almost becomes mindless. Exposing your students to simple art practices to help ease their minds will benefit their overall well-being. If you allow your students to see how art can be used as a coping mechanism, they’ll be able to start regulating their emotions through art. You might even find when students need to take a break or get into a different headspace; they’re coming to the art room.

4. Faceless Self Portraits

5 SEL Lessons That Actually Work With Secondary Students - The Art of Education University (4)

As students begin reaching their secondary years, they become more self-conscious about their identity, appearance, and perception. Although traditional self-portrait work is essential, sometimes our students need to start in a less intimidating way, so they can explore who they are without judgment. In this faceless self-portrait lesson, students will focus on who they are not based on how they look, but their unique personality traits to generate a positive self-image.

5. Emotions and Color

Students are bringing emotions and feelings into the classroom that occur outside of school. They might not want to talk about these things, but it is crucial for them to identify and express these feelings in a healthy, appropriate way. One way to get students to feel more comfortable about their moods and feelings is by showing it through color. Color can be used as a form of non-verbal communication. Instead of just teaching students about color mixing, be sure to discuss how it can affect moods and feelings.

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The social and emotional needs of our students are essential. For students to flourish as adults, it’s essential to focus on the whole child. Students must be able to recognize their needs and find ways to regulate emotions and feelings. The art room can be a safe space for students to identify what they need and find strategies to be their best selves.

How do you teach SEL concepts in the art room?
What questions about social-emotional learning do you have?

Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

5 SEL Lessons That Actually Work With Secondary Students - The Art of Education University (2024)

FAQs

5 SEL Lessons That Actually Work With Secondary Students - The Art of Education University? ›

5 SEL Lessons That Actually Work With Secondary Students
  • Personal Mantra Art. Our students are filled with self-doubt. ...
  • The Best Part of Me. Way too many of our students struggle with low self-esteem and body image issues. ...
  • Identify Art as Coping. ...
  • Faceless Self Portraits. ...
  • Emotions and Color.
Dec 26, 2019

What are some good SEL activities? ›

25 Fun and Easy SEL Activities to Boost Social Skills
  • GET DRAW WITH SQUIGGLES ACTIVITY.
  • GET WEB BUILDING ACTIVITY.
  • GET FACE THE MUSIC ACTIVITY.
  • GET PEACE PLACE ACTIVITY.
  • GET PICTURE BOOKS ACTIVITY.
  • GET MORPHIN' TIME ACTIVITY.
  • GET DIVERSITY ACTIVITY.
  • GET WALKIN' SHOES ACTIVITY.
Nov 9, 2021

What are the 5 parts of SEL? ›

The Five Core SEL Competencies
  • Self-Awareness.
  • Self-Management.
  • Social Awareness.
  • Relationship Skills.
  • Responsible Decision-Making.

What is SEL in art education? ›

Art Education focuses on engaging in self-discovery, goal setting, and working alongside others. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) leads students through an awareness of self, processing experiences, understanding others, and making responsible decisions.

What are examples of SEL in the classroom? ›

Here are 25 ways to integrate social emotional learning into your classroom:
  • Use Journal Writing. ...
  • Use Read Alouds. ...
  • Do Daily Greetings. ...
  • Hold Class Meetings. ...
  • Incorporate Art Activities. ...
  • Talk About Managing Emotions. ...
  • Give Responsibilities. ...
  • Practice Problem-Solving Skills.
Mar 15, 2018

What are some examples of SEL? ›

Corresponding SEL “self-management” skills:
  • Possess self-efficacy.
  • Work toward goals.
  • Attention control.
  • Manage personal stress.
  • Regulate emotions such as impulses, aggression, and self-destructive behavior.
  • Seek help when needed.
  • Exhibit positive motivation, hope, and optimism.
  • Display grit, determination, or perseverance.
Jan 22, 2014

What are social emotional learning topics? ›

Social emotional learning is comprised of five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. The arts and arts integration can have a tremendous impact on working through those five competencies during social emotional learning activities.

What are the 5 learning competencies? ›

As seen in Figure 1, the five Competencies are: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-making. Social-Emotional competencies are important for whole-student development and well-being.

What are the 5 essential elements of social and emotional feelings? ›

The model defines five social and emotional skill areas essential for the development of good mental health.
...
Self-awareness
  • identifying emotions.
  • self-perception.
  • understanding strengths.
  • self-confidence.
  • self-efficacy.

What skills are taught in SEL programs? ›

Communication, getting along with others, assertiveness, and problem-solving are all skills taught in an SEL program. These skills help people and organizations build a healthy, supportive, and successful work environment.

How do the arts support SEL? ›

Arts SEL Statement 1: The Arts support students in developing self-awareness by providing space, practice and supports for self-expression and self-reflection including conscious and intentional naming, and seeking to understand the thoughts and feelings that the creative process evokes.

How can the arts influence the social emotional environment in your classroom? ›

The Arts Support SEL

They naturally support social and emotional learning! The arts foster empathy. They help students identify and process emotions. They provide safe opportunities to practice decision-making.

How does art help emotional development? ›

Children who do arts regularly are better able to control their emotions and express them in productive ways. Summary: In their The Arts in Early Childhood literature review, the NEA explores the relationship between arts participation and positive social and emotional development in early childhood.

How do you teach SEL in the classroom? ›

Five ways to implement social-emotional learning in the classroom
  1. 1: Start the day with a morning meeting or check-in.
  2. 2: Teach students to solve problems with peer mediation.
  3. 3: Use role playing activities.
  4. 4: Use anchor charts to teach social-emotional skills.
  5. 5: Check out just as much as you check in.
Feb 28, 2021

What are the 3 SEL practices? ›

It includes three types of activities: (1) welcoming rituals and inclusion activities; (2) engaging strategies, brain breaks, and transitions; and (3) optimistic closures. This resource supports resiliency.

How would you implement SEL in a high school classroom? ›

  1. Integrate high school SEL programs into academic learning. ...
  2. Aim for coherence across the system. ...
  3. Focus on how adults can foster a good school climate. ...
  4. Don't neglect extracurriculars and other out-of-classroom opportunities to let students lead. ...
  5. Consider peer mentoring programs.
Oct 12, 2021

What are the five characteristics of social emotional development? ›

Social and emotional learning in schools involves 5 key abilities: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These skills are seen as the foundation upon which people can build all other relational skills.

What are some examples of emotional activities? ›

Skills like bouncing back from being teased or sitting still in a group to listen to a story are all examples of healthy social and emotional development. They involve the ability to manage feelings and impulses which are needed to grow and learn.

What are the 7 learning competencies? ›

The seven skills are: • Collaboration • Communication • Creativity • Critical Thinking • Character • Citizenship • Computational Thinking If we believe our work as teachers is mainly to prepare students for successful futures, then we should give opportunities for students to strengthen these skills.

What are the 5 elements of self-awareness? ›

The 5 Elements of Self-Awareness
  • Self-Concept. Your self-concept is your perception of you. ...
  • Thoughts. Our thoughts are tied to our emotions, so when we try to become more aware of our emotions, we must first understand our thoughts and thought processes. ...
  • Feelings. ...
  • Body. ...
  • Emotions.
Oct 17, 2019

What are the 5 scales of emotional intelligence? ›

That's why emotional intelligence is split up into five different categories: internal motivation, self-regulation, self-awareness, empathy, and social awareness.

What are the 5 characteristics of emotional intelligence PDF? ›

Goleman cites five elements, or dimensions, of “Emotional Competence”: self-awareness, motivation, self-regulation, empathy, and adeptness in relationships.

What are the 8 skills of emotional competence? ›

The Devereux Students Strengths Assessment (DESSA) includes these eight social and emotional competencies.
  • Self-Awareness. ...
  • Self-Management. ...
  • Social-Awareness. ...
  • Relationship Skills. ...
  • Goal-Directed Behavior. ...
  • Personal Responsibility. ...
  • Decision-Making. ...
  • Optimistic Thinking.
Aug 29, 2018

Can art classes help with social skills? ›

Art help children express themselves, develop the skills of communication and problem solving. With the participation of various artistic activities, children develop their social skills, their self-respect and self-esteem (Schirrmacher 2002).

How can I help social emotional students? ›

How to Incorporate Social-Emotional Learning in Your Classroom
  1. Be Present and Observant. In order to figure out what my students are struggling with, I have to be present and observant. ...
  2. Create a Supportive Atmosphere. ...
  3. Share Life Experiences. ...
  4. Stimulate Discussion. ...
  5. Give Your Students the Opportunity to Practice.

What is choice based art? ›

Choice- based art education offers them real choices for responding to their own ideas and interests through the making of art. This concept supports multiple modes of learning to meet the diverse needs of all students.

Why do you think we need to integrate arts in teaching social studies? ›

Elementary social studies teachers are constantly searching for ways to make their curriculum relevant and meaningful to their students. Integrating the arts into instruction is an easy way to help students find relevance and provide a real context.

How do the arts contribute to students personal and or social and or intellectual development? ›

An arts-rich education from an early age develops individual creativity and self-expression. School-based arts participation can increase learners' confidence and motivation, thereby improving school attendance rates, academic outcomes and the well-being and life skills of children and young people.

What is a cognitive benefit for children who do creative art activities? ›

Art can help children learn and practice skills like patterning and cause and effect (i.e., “If I push very hard with a crayon the color is darker.”). They can also practice critical thinking skills by making a mental plan or picture of what they intend to create and following through on their plan.

What are the four stages of artistic development? ›

STAGES OF ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT
  • SCRIBBLE. (2 to 4 years) The Scribble stage is made up of four sub-stages. ...
  • PRESCHEMATIC. (4 to 6 years) The preschematic stage is announced by the appearance of circular images with lines which seem to suggest a human or animal figure. ...
  • SCHEMATIC. (7 to 9 years) ...
  • DAWNING REALISM. (9 to 11 years)

How does art encourage creativity and support learning and development? ›

Exposure to and experience with the arts allows children to create, design, generate, and compose new ideas, further developing the creative thinking inherent in young children. If navigated intentionally, learning about color can help children develop vocabulary, complex thinking, and keen observation.

How art activities help children grow in socially? ›

Social Development

When children work together in the art area, they learn to share, to interact with others, to be responsible for cleanup, and to put materials away. These are positive and important changes for social learning.

What are some social emotional activities for high school students? ›

12 top social and emotional learning activities for your high school students
  • Review current events. ...
  • Greet your students. ...
  • Journal writing. ...
  • Setting goals on paper. ...
  • Share success stories. ...
  • Write a short biography about another student. ...
  • Give each student a mentor. ...
  • Use literature.
Oct 28, 2021

How does SEL connect with what you believe is important for students adults schools and or communities? ›

Research shows that SEL not only improves achievement by an average of 11 percentile points, but it also increases prosocial behaviors (such as kindness, sharing, and empathy), improves student attitudes toward school, and reduces depression and stress among students (Durlak et al., 2011).

Why is SEL important for high school students? ›

Why is Social-Emotional Learning Important for High School Students? Social-emotional learning skills can improve students' attitudes, relationships, mental health, and academic performance.

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