5 Simple SEL Activities You Can Start Using Today

Rahul Bora
Jul 19
3 min read

Nurturing Emotional Literacy Through Everyday Practice

In the early days of Thoughts to Action, we often began sessions by simply asking children, “How are you feeling today?” Many would just smile, nod, or say “fine.” But after weeks of storytelling, art, and reflection, something shifted. One day, a 10-year-old boy said,

“I am feeling worried because my sister is sick. But painting today helped me feel lighter.”

That is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) at work - not as a subject, but as a lived experience.

We have often been asked by educators and friends:

“How do we start SEL in our schools or spaces even if we are not experts?”

The answer is: Start small, start simple, but start intentionally. Here are 5 easy SEL activities we have used in government schools, community centers, and with adolescents - activities that anyone can adapt.

1. Feelings Circle (Emotions Check-In)

Builds: Self-awareness, empathy, active listening

Start the day or session with a simple round:

1. “What is one word that describes how you feel today?” Or:

2. “Show us your mood with a colour or gesture.”

Give children the choice to pass if they are not ready. Over time, we have seen this ritual become a safe space for honesty, vulnerability, and shared understanding.

📊 Research insight: According to CASEL, regular emotional check-ins lead to increased classroom engagement and a 22% improvement in social behaviors.

2. Draw Your Inside World

Builds: Self-expression, emotional vocabulary

Ask children to draw what their "inside world" looks like today. Is it cloudy? Sunny? A volcano? You will be surprised at the metaphors they naturally use. This activity allows them to reflect without needing the “right” words.

We have used this with children as young as 6 and teenagers up to 18. It works across ages and even for adults.

3. The Compliment Circle

Builds: Relationship skills, confidence, positive communication

In a group, pass a ball or token. Each person says something they appreciate about the person next to them. Even simple things like “You helped me carry my bag” can build deep trust over time.

📊 Why it matters: Positive peer feedback boosts self-esteem and reinforces kindness as a norm. In low-resource settings, where praise is rare, this is a powerful tool.

4. Gratitude Wall or Journal

Builds: Self-management, positive mindset

At the end of the day or week, ask:

“What is one thing you are grateful for today?”

You can write it on sticky notes, stones, a chalkboard or just share it aloud.

We have seen children in government schools write things like, “I’m grateful my friend sat with me when I was crying.” Gratitude helps them notice the small, good things even when life feels hard.

📊 Research shows that regular gratitude practice in classrooms improves mental health, optimism, and sleep quality in children (Harvard Health, 2019).

5. The Pause Game (Mindful Moments)

Builds: Self-regulation, focus

Ask children to close their eyes for 30 seconds and just listen to their breath, their heartbeat, or the sounds around them. You can say: “Let us take a pause to notice what is going on inside us.”

Even this short practice helps children reset. For adolescents especially, this creates a pocket of calm in their otherwise noisy day. We often do this before storytelling or after lunch breaks - it brings a noticeable shift in attention and mood.

Why Start with These?

You don’t need to be a psychologist to begin SEL. What you need is:

Curiosity about how children feel
A willingness to listen
And a commitment to co-creating safe, expressive spaces

These five activities take 5 to 15 minutes, need no fancy tools, and most importantly, they meet children where they are.

Ready to Take SEL Deeper?

At Thoughts to Action, we have developed an SEL curriculum grounded in art, storytelling, and nature, especially for underserved schools and learning spaces.

If you are a teacher, NGO, or youth worker and would like to: