SEL Movement Activities

The fusion of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) with physical movement provides a robust and dynamic framework for learning. SEL movement activities ensure that students not only understand their emotions on a cognitive level but also embody them through physical experience. Read more about the benefits of SEL movement activities and innovative ways you can implement them in educational settings.

WHAT ARE THE 5 CORE CONCEPTS OF SEL?

At the heart of SEL are five core competencies:

1. Self-awareness: Recognizing and understanding one’s emotions and their influence on behavior.
2. Self-management: Regulating emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations.
3. Social awareness: Understanding and empathizing with others from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
4. Relationship skills: Establishing and maintaining healthy relationships with varied individuals and groups.
5. Responsible decision-making: Making constructive choices about behavior and social interactions.

WHY SHOULD YOU COMBINE MOVEMENT WITH SEL ACTIVITIES?

Physical movement enhances cognitive retention and reinforces learning. When merged with SEL, movement helps students to viscerally experience their emotions, promoting deeper emotional understanding and resilience. The act of moving, dancing, or acting out emotions taps into kinesthetic learning, reinforcing emotional concepts in memorable ways. If you need more ideas, read these 10 emotional regulation activities for kids.

MOVEMENT-BASED SEL ACTIVITIES

Now, let’s explore some engaging SEL movement activities that can be introduced in classrooms:

EMOTION CHARADES

Students take turns acting out different emotions without using words. The rest of the group guesses the emotion, enhancing emotional awareness and non-verbal communication. You could use these emotion visuals for younger children or for older children.

FEELINGS DANCE PARTY

Play various music genres, including happy, sad, intense, and relaxing tracks. Students then dance or move, expressing the emotion the music invokes. A reflective discussion can follow, highlighting how music impacts our feelings.

Here are specific song examples:

• Happy: “Happy” by Pharrell Williams or “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves.
• Sad: “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen (or its various covers) or “Let It Be” by The Beatles.
• Hopeful: “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley or “Rise Up” by Andra Day.
• Relaxing: “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong or “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole.

COMPLIMENT TRAIN

Students form a line or circle, and each person compliments the one on their right, accompanying it with a physical gesture, such as a handshake or high-five. This activity emphasizes positive reinforcement and physical expression.

COOPERATIVE OBSTACLE COURSE

Design an obstacle course requiring teamwork. Activities might involve holding a rope together, balancing as a group, or passing a ball sans hands. This strengthens teamwork, patience, and communication skills.

MOOD METER RELAY

Organize a relay race with stations representing emotions like happiness, sadness, excitement, and anger. At every station, students enact a movement that epitomizes the emotion.

EMPATHY YOGA

Develop yoga poses that symbolize emotions or social scenarios. For instance, a “listening pose” might require an ear-to-knee position. Post-session discussions can revolve around the significance of each emotion.

CIRCLE OF EMOTIONS

Students gather in a circle, with one showcasing an emotion via movement or dance at the center. The rest mirror this emotion, underlining the influence of personal emotions on a group dynamic.

GRATITUDE WALK

A communal outdoor walk, where students intermittently stop to share gratitude or recall positive interactions, instills reflection and appreciation.

MIRROR MOVEMENTS

In pairs, students emulate each other’s movements, underlining the significance of empathy and understanding in interpersonal relationships.

GROUP JUGGLE

Students form a circle, tossing a ball while voicing something positive about the receiver. As the game evolves, introduce more balls or objects, spotlighting cooperation and positive reinforcement.

Incorporating SEL movement activities in educational settings promises not just cognitive, but also emotional and physical development, preparing students for multifaceted life challenges ahead.

SELF-REFLECTION AFTER MOVEMENT ACTIVITIES

After participating in SEL movement activities, it’s essential to give students a moment to reflect on their experiences. This deepens their understanding, helps internalize the lessons learned, and provides insights into their emotional journey. Here are some self-reflection ideas to incorporate:

JOURNAL WRITING

Encourage students to maintain a journal dedicated to their SEL experiences. After each activity, they can jot down:

• How they felt before, during, and after the movement.
• The most challenging and rewarding parts of the activity.
• What they learned about themselves and their peers.

GROUP DISCUSSIONS

Initiate a group discussion where students share their experiences. This promotes understanding and empathy, as they listen to varied perspectives and emotional responses to the same activity.

VISUAL REPRESENTATION

Allow students to draw or craft a representation of their feelings. A color wheel, for instance, can be used to depict the spectrum of emotions they felt during the activity.

FEEDBACK CARDS

Provide students with cards to write down one positive takeaway and one area they found challenging. This not only gives them a space to reflect but also provides feedback for refining future activities.

BREATHING EXERCISES

After a movement activity, conduct a brief breathing or meditation session. This can help students center themselves, calm their minds, and reflect introspectively on the emotions they’ve just explored.

QUESTION PROMPTS

Supply students with reflective questions such as:

• What was a moment during the activity that stood out to you?
• How did today’s activity change the way you view a particular emotion or skill?
• Were there any surprises in your reactions or the reactions of others?

ROLE REVERSAL

For activities that involve pairs or groups, have students switch roles and reflect on how the experience changes from one role to another. This can provide insights into empathy and perspective-taking.

PEER INTERVIEWS

Pair up students and let them interview each other about their experiences. This not only encourages reflection but also fosters stronger interpersonal relationships among peers.

Incorporating self-reflection after SEL movement activities ensures that students don’t just go through the motions but actively engage with, think about, and internalize their experiences. These reflective practices enhance the efficacy of SEL, turning every activity into a profound learning opportunity.