Social-emotional learning is an educational method that aims to foster social and emotional skills within the school day. SEL is a way to make sure kids are learning academics, but also social and emotional skills. This is needed now more than ever before as kids are dealing with more complex issues.Â
But as educators, we have to fit so much into our school day, how can we add one more thing? Well, word of the week is a simple way to teach students vocabulary around social-emotional learning topics. It is quick (say 5 minutes a day) and it can integrate really easily into all subjects!
What is Word of the Week?
Word of the Week is one word each week that relates to emotions, feelings, or social-emotional learning vocabulary. It is a place where you can teach students the vocabulary they need to navigate the real world. By diving into only one word a week, you are really able to open up many discussions and you are able to help your students actually understand the word.Â
How to Use Word of the Week for Social Emotional Learning
Each week, you will display the word and do a short activity with the word each day! Here is what I suggest you do with each word, but you could do whatever you’d like, as long as you are working with that word. All of these activities point to social emotional learning!Â
- Monday- Define & discuss the word
- Tuesday- Create examples where you would see the word in your life
- Wednesday- Draw pictures or create an art piece around the word
- Thursday- Do a game/role-play activity with the word
- Friday- Journal prompt using the word
You can also add this word to your vocabulary list each week to integrate!Â
Why does Word of the Week help with SEL?
Students need to learn the vocabulary and language needed to deal with complex feelings and issues that they will see in real life. This simple add-in to your lesson plans can do just that!Â
It also helps students feel comfortable talking about many of the social and emotional issues that they are facing or may face.
You can come up with your own words and activities each week or you can grab it ready to go for you here!
Hannah Wilde
I am so glad you’re here! I love helping 3rd-5th grade teachers by providing ideas, engaging resources, and professional development they need. I am a literacy coach who is here to help lessen the workload for teachers while making them more confident! I want students to be continually engaged in a rigorous environment!