Mindful Beginnings Facilitator Guide Mindful Beginnings
Facilitator Guide • SEL Introduction
9th Grade
Duration
60 Minutes
Focus
Self-Awareness & Community
Goal
Classroom Norms
The Core Purpose
Starting the year with SEL helps students articulate feelings, understand peers, and establish a supportive environment that enhances learning and relationships throughout the year.
Preparation
Review the Mindful Beginnings Slides .
Print and cut the Mood Mosaic Cards .
Copy the Inner Compass Worksheet (1 per student).
Gather chart paper, markers, and name badge stickers for voting.
Arrange classroom seating in a circle for discussion.
Objective
Students will build self-awareness and community by exploring emotions, reflecting on personal strengths, and collaborating to create classroom norms in a 60-minute SEL introduction session.
Instructional Pacing
10
Minutes
Welcome & Warm-Up
Greet students and introduce the session’s purpose. Display the first slide. Distribute the Mood Mosaic Cards and ask students to pick one that matches their current feeling. Invite volunteers to share.
10
Minutes
Introduction to SEL
Define SEL and its core competencies: self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship skills. Use the presentation to illustrate each. Ask students for real-life examples of these skills.
15
Minutes
Self-Reflection Activity
Hand out the Inner Compass Worksheet . Instruct students to identify two personal strengths and one challenge related to self-management. Encourage private, honest reflection.
10
Minutes
Community Circle
Form a circle and invite volunteers to share one insight from their worksheet. Practice active listening—encourage supportive comments. Highlight common themes within the group.
10
Minutes
Classroom Agreement Creation
Write "Our Classroom Agreements" on chart paper. Prompt students to suggest norms that foster respect. Use stickers or tokens to vote on the top three agreements to display permanently.
5
Minutes
Closure & Reflection
Students write one word describing how they feel now on their Daily Drift Exit Ticket . Share a few closing thoughts and thank everyone for their vulnerability.
Mindful Beginnings Slides MINDFUL
BEGINNINGS
Building Community & Awareness
9th Grade SEL • Session 01
Session Objectives
1
Define Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
2
Reflect on personal emotions and strengths
3
Co-create classroom agreements
Check-In
How are you feeling today?
1 Pick a Mood Mosaic Card
2 Share why you chose it (optional)
😄 🤔 😌 😰 🎉 😴
What is SEL?
Self-Awareness
Recognizing your own emotions, thoughts, and values.
Social Awareness
Understanding others' perspectives and empathizing.
Relationship Skills
Building positive connections and teamwork.
Self-Reflection
Grab your Inner Compass Worksheet:
Step 1
List two personal strengths you bring to this community.
Step 2
Identify one challenge in self-management.
Classroom Agreements
Let's brainstorm norms that foster respect, self-management, and community.
Vote on the top 3 with your stickers!
Chart Paper Space
Reflection & Closing
Write one word or phrase describing how you feel right now on your Daily Drift Exit Ticket.
"Thank you for showing up today."
Inner Compass Worksheet Inner Compass
SEL Self-Reflection Journey
NAME:
DATE:
1 List two personal strengths you bring to our classroom community:
2 Describe one challenge you face related to self-management or social awareness:
3 How have these strengths helped you in the past?
Inner Compass
4 What strategies or steps can you try to work on your challenge?
5 One goal I have for this semester related to SEL is:
"The only journey is the journey within." — Rainer Maria Rilke
Mood Mosaic Activity MOOD MOSAIC CARDS
Classroom Resource • Emotional Check-In
Overview
These cards are designed for quick emotional check-ins. Each card features a clear emoji and a corresponding emotion label to help 9th graders articulate their internal state.
Preparation
Print this document on heavy cardstock if possible.
Cut along the dashed lines to create 9 individual cards.
Consider laminating for long-term use.
How to Use
Spread cards on a central table or pass them around.
Ask students to select the card that best matches their current mood.
Invite volunteers to hold up their card and briefly explain "the why" behind their choice.
Collect and reuse for daily check-ins to build social awareness.
😄
Happy
😔
Sad
😡
Angry
😰
Anxious
😌
Calm
😮
Surprised
🤔
Thoughtful
😴
Tired
🎉
Excited
Daily Drift Exit Ticket DAILY DRIFT
Session Reflection Exit Ticket
NAME:
DATE:
1. One new thing I learned about myself or others today:
2. Current emoji & why:
3. Summary word/phrase:
4. One action I will take this week to support our agreements:
Thank you for your voice and your presence today!
DAILY DRIFT
Session Reflection Exit Ticket
NAME:
DATE:
1. One new thing I learned about myself or others today:
2. Current emoji & why:
3. Summary word/phrase:
4. One action I will take this week to support our agreements:
Thank you for your voice and your presence today!
