1. Imitating Models: Using a novel, short story, or poem as a reference, students can examine a work and use similar writing
concepts to express their own experiences with similar SEL skills or themes present in the text. Using similar structures to a
poem already previously written, students can use a model to create their own written work. Then, empathy, expression,
and collaboration can occur as they present their work to their peers and ask for input.
concepts to express their own experiences with similar SEL skills or themes present in the text. Using similar structures to a
poem already previously written, students can use a model to create their own written work. Then, empathy, expression,
and collaboration can occur as they present their work to their peers and ask for input.
2. Journaling: Journaling is a great way to express emotions that students may not know how to handle, even in high school.
It may be beneficial for students to write at the beginning of each English/Reading/Literature class. They can be given a
prompt that touches on a specific SEL skill, or given the opportunity to free write. Journaling can be beneficial to connect
SEL skills seen in a piece of literature read to the student's own life in a more personal and private way.
It may be beneficial for students to write at the beginning of each English/Reading/Literature class. They can be given a
prompt that touches on a specific SEL skill, or given the opportunity to free write. Journaling can be beneficial to connect
SEL skills seen in a piece of literature read to the student's own life in a more personal and private way.
3. Exploratory Essays: Have students write short essays on a specific theme within SEL, such as empathy, self-awareness, or
responsibility. This will give them a chance to research what these words are actually meant to be and explore how it is (or
is not) prevalent in their own lives.
responsibility. This will give them a chance to research what these words are actually meant to be and explore how it is (or
is not) prevalent in their own lives.
4. Circle Practice: Have students form a circle and discuss things they have written. While this practice is typically used as a
reading tool, it can be beneficial for students to share their pieces of work with a smaller group that they come to trust
more than sharing with the entire class.
reading tool, it can be beneficial for students to share their pieces of work with a smaller group that they come to trust
more than sharing with the entire class.