Are you looking for easy-to-implement social-emotional activities for your classroom? These SEL Activities may be small in size but deliver a significant impact.
Activity: Everyone feels frustrated sometimes. Frustration doesn’t mean you can’t do something—it usually means you’re in the middle of learning and growing. In this activity, students explore how pausing, using a growth mindset, and adding the magic word “yet” can help shift their perspective during frustrating situations.
This activity was created by SAB member Joshvin Thomas.
SEL Core Competencies:
Self-Awareness: Identifying Emotions
Self-Awareness: Accurate Self-Perception
Self-Management: Self-Regulation
Grades: 3-5
Time: 30 minutes
Essential Questions: How can adding the word “yet” change the way I see a challenge? Why is it important to slow down before reacting? How can I use “yet” in my everyday life?
Student Action: Students will practice pressing pause when they feel frustrated—taking a breath, slowing down, and noticing what they’re feeling. They will try adding “yet” to their thinking and use a growth mindset to remind themselves that if something feels impossible right now, it may just be something they haven’t mastered yet.
Program Connections: This activity focuses on caring for oneself—a theme that runs through our core programs. To learn more, visit our PROGRAMS page.
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