Hands-On Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) at Home: PK–1 Family Activities

Playful ways to help children learn about feelings, friendship, and self-control through simple, hands-on moments at home.

Preschool

1. Feelings Faces

Goal: Identify and label emotions
Materials: Paper plates, crayons, scissors
How to Play:
Draw happy, sad, mad, surprised, and scared faces. Talk about times you’ve felt that way.
“What can you do when you feel mad?”

2. Calm-Down Jars

Goal: Practice self-regulation
Materials: Clear plastic bottle, glitter, water, glue
How to Play:
Fill the bottle with water, glitter, and glue. Shake it and watch the glitter settle. Breathe slowly together.
“Let’s calm our bodies while the glitter settles.”

3. Kindness Tree

Goal: Encourage kind actions
Materials: Construction paper, tape
How to Play:
Create a paper tree. Every time your child does something kind, add a “kindness leaf.”
“You helped your friend — let’s add a leaf!”

4. Family Feelings Time

Goal: Share emotions safely
Materials: None
How to Play:
At dinner or bedtime, take turns sharing one happy, one sad, or one proud moment from the day.
I felt proud when I helped clean up!”

Kindergarten SEL at Home

1. Calm Corner Creation

Goal: Learn to self-soothe
Materials: Small blanket, stuffed animal, crayons
How to Play:
Create a cozy space where your child can go when upset. Add soft items, calming pictures, or a feelings chart.
“You can use your calm corner when you need a break.”

2. Mirror Talk

Goal: Build positive self-talk
Materials: Mirror
How to Play:
Look in the mirror together and say kind things:
“I am kind.” “I can try again.” “I’m a good friend.”

3. Emotion Charades

Goal: Recognize body language of emotions
Materials: Emotion cards or homemade pictures
How to Play:
Act out feelings (happy, worried, tired) while the other guesses.
“Your face looks surprised — were you excited?”

4. Family Problem Solvers

Goal: Practice conflict resolution
Materials: None
How to Play:
Think of small problems (toy sharing, taking turns) and brainstorm together how to solve them.
“What could we try next time?”

Grade One SEL at Home

1. My Worry Plan

Goal: Identify and manage worries
Materials: Paper, crayons
How to Play:
Draw what a worry looks like and write or tell what helps — deep breaths, talk to an adult, hug a stuffed animal.
“What helps your worry shrink?”

2. Gratitude Jar

Goal: Practice appreciation
Materials: Jar, slips of paper
How to Play:
Each day, write something you’re thankful for. Read them together weekly.
“I’m grateful for family story time!”

3. Listening Game

Goal: Strengthen attention and empathy
Materials: Timer or bell
How to Play:
Sit quietly for one minute and notice what you hear. Share and compare.
“I heard a bird — what did you hear?”

4. Compliment Cards

Goal: Encourage kindness and positive words
Materials: Index cards or sticky notes
How to Play:
Write or draw compliments for family members and hide them around the house.
“You make me laugh!” “You’re a great helper!”

Family Connection Ideas

• Family Feelings Check-In: Each morning, choose a color or emoji to show how you feel.
  
  
• Play “Highs and Lows”: Share one high point and one low point of the day.
  
  
• Music & Movement Breaks: Dance or stretch to calm bodies and reset emotions.
  
  
• Read Alouds for Feelings:
  
  
• The Color Monster by Anna Llenas
  
  
• Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
  
  
• I Am Love by Susan Verde
  

💬 Family Reflection Questions

• What helps you calm down when you feel mad or sad?
  
  
• How do you know when someone feels lonely or worried?
  
  
• What makes our family feel connected and happy?
  
  
• What can we do to show kindness to others this week?