Your Secret Superpower What is SEL • Lesson • Lenny.com
Your Secret Superpower What is SEL
This lesson introduces 7th-grade students to Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and the five core CASEL competencies through a 'superpower' lens, fostering self-awareness and personal growth.
Introduce Self-Management. Connect it to self-awareness – once you know how you feel, how do you handle it? Give examples like staying calm when something goes wrong or staying focused on homework.
Skill 03
Social Awareness
Understanding Others
Showing empathy for others
Understanding perspectives
Recognizing social cues
Real World Example:
"Noticing a classmate sitting alone at lunch and realizing they might feel left out."
Introduce Social Awareness. Emphasize understanding others' perspectives and feelings. Examples: recognizing when a friend is sad, or understanding different viewpoints in a group project.
Skill 04
Relationship Skills
Building Connections
Communicating clearly
Working cooperatively
Resolving conflicts
Real World Example:
"Working with a partner on a project and actually listening to their ideas instead of taking over."
Introduce Relationship Skills. Talk about building positive connections. Examples: working well in a group, resolving conflicts peacefully, communicating effectively.
Skill 05
Decision-Making
Making Good Choices
Thinking about consequences
Solving problems ethically
Making constructive choices
Real World Example:
"Choosing to finish your homework before playing video games because you know you'll be too tired later."
Introduce Responsible Decision-Making. Explain it's about making good choices after considering consequences. Examples: choosing to study instead of playing video games, or thinking before posting something online.
Your Own SEL Journey
Now that you know the 5 CASEL competencies, let's think about how they show up in your life.
Reflection Activity
Complete your "My SEL Goals Worksheet"
Transition to the worksheet. Explain that students will now have a chance to think about these competencies in their own lives and set a personal goal. Hand out the 'My SEL Goals Worksheet' here.
Let's Discuss!
1
Why do you think Social-Emotional Learning is important for students your age?
2
Which of the 5 CASEL competencies do you feel is most important for you right now?
3
Can you think of a time when using an SEL skill helped you?
After students have had time to work on their worksheets, facilitate a discussion. Encourage voluntary sharing and reinforce the idea that everyone is on their own SEL journey. Use these prompts to get the conversation going.
Keep Growing!
SEL skills are like muscles—the more you use them, the stronger they get.
Keep practicing your skills every day. You've got this!
Conclude the lesson by reiterating the value of SEL and encouraging students to continue practicing these skills. Collect or have them keep their worksheets.
