{"id":33143,"date":"2024-10-11T15:06:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-11T19:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nearpod.com\/blog\/?p=33143"},"modified":"2024-10-11T15:06:28","modified_gmt":"2024-10-11T19:06:28","slug":"social-emotional-learning-high-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nearpod.com\/blog\/social-emotional-learning-high-school\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Engaging social emotional learning (SEL) activities for high school"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Social emotional learning (SEL) is a lifelong endeavor through which we challenge ourselves to find success in life, whether that be personally or professionally. While an actual definition of SEL can vary, research has shown that SEL supports academic performance, healthy relationships, career preparedness, and mental health, just to name a few of the benefits. CASEL<\/a>, a leading nonprofit in the SEL space, offers a framework that centers on five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SEL can help all young people and adults thrive personally and academically, develop and maintain positive relationships, become lifelong learners, and contribute to a more caring, just world.<\/p>CASEL.org<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Despite recent backlash, states and schools continue to adopt SEL policies and programs; in fact, all 50 states now address SEL in some manner within their frameworks or standards, according to EdWeek<\/a>. While SEL should begin early\u2014as Robert Fulghum wrote, \u201cEverything I need to know … I learned in kindergarten<\/em>\u201d—such skills and attitudes need to be practiced throughout school and beyond into adulthood. But how does one weave SEL activities for high school into the curriculum?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to make social emotional learning (SEL) for high school students engaging<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It can also be hard to find time during the day to teach social emotional learning in high schools. Plus, high schoolers can be a tough audience to reach and engage as they constantly strive to become more and more independent. So, activities that are about SEL for high school students must be authentic and relevant to their everyday lives. High schoolers will want to see the direct connections to their real world, whether that be inside or outside of school. They will want the elbow space to express themselves, at times assert themselves, and challenge the \u201cnorm\u201d as they form their own perspectives on the world around them. Social and emotional learning can provide high school students with the skills and attitudes to support goal setting, a growth mindset, grit, critical thinking, and healthy relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nearpod\u2019s 21st Century Readiness Program<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nearpod\u2019s 21st Century Readiness Program<\/a> provides an easy way to integrate SEL practices like positive interactions, gratitude, and reflective moments into daily learning to help create safe, inclusive, and effective classroom environments. It has over 400 lessons, videos, and activities, including high school SEL activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This program equips students with the skills and knowledge for success in and beyond the classroom. It includes premade quality lessons that follow scope and sequence for topics related to social emotional learning, digital citizenship, college and career readiness, and financial literacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nearpod's<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Explore the program<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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If you don\u2019t have access to the program, you can still use Nearpod\u2019s interactive features for free to weave SEL skills across the curriculum<\/a>. These tools promote active learning strategies<\/a>, which in turn promote social and emotional wellness within and among students. These SEL activities<\/a> for high school students, plus the interactive tools, provide you with many ways to support your instruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New to Nearpod? <\/strong>Teachers can sign up for a free Nearpod account below to access these resources, interactive activities, and engaging lessons. Administrators can schedule a call with an expert to unlock the full power of Nearpod for schools and districts.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Teachers: Sign up for free<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Administrators: Schedule a call<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

8 Engaging social emotional learning (SEL) activities for high school<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Ask questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In fact, ask lots of questions! High schoolers often are figuring out their place and purpose in the world. They are forming their opinions and looking at society from different perspectives. SEL is crucial as it helps support student development in meaningful ways. One effective strategy is to incorporate regular student check activities, where teachers use check-in questions to gauge how students are feeling today. These moments allow them to reflect on their emotional skills and foster a safe space for open communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help gauge students\u2019 moods, check out activities like Share Your Mood<\/a>. In this Collaborate Board activity, students “like” a color based on their feelings and share how they feel. They can comment on posts as well. Start each morning with a quick daily check-in to assess their readiness to learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider using Nearpod\u2019s Poll<\/strong><\/a> to identify commonalities and differences in their perspectives on a current event to kick off meaningful topics for discussions for high school students’ social emotional development. These SEL check-ins for high schoolers provide a moment for reflection, which is key for students of all ages\u2014but especially powerful for high schoolers who are seeking to form their identities and assert themselves as unique individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Encourage an exchange of ideas<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

P21 emphasizes that the 4Cs<\/a>\u2014critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity\u2014are the core skill sets needed in today\u2019s society and workforce. Nearpod\u2019s Collaborate Boards<\/strong> encourage just that, as students can share their thoughts and opinions on a shared platform, using care in how they express and word their ideas. They can build off of one another with a \u201cYes, and \u2026<\/em>\u201d mindset. At its core, Collaborate Boards<\/a> build teamwork. Such a tool helps develop competencies around self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship building. Explore more ways Nearpod supports the 4Cs<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some social emotional learning activities for high school you can use:<\/p>\n\n\n\n