There are many ways to integrate SEL in the classroom. I would integrate SEL in the classroom by having a feelings check-in by my classroom for students when they walk in. Based on age level, I would have a laminated feelings poster with four emotions (i.e., happy, sad, ok, and mad) also having the related emotion faces and hands for the students to tap when they enter the room. I would use this to ask students to tell me one reason why they are feeling this emotion. If the students were older, I would have them put their name on a poster that holds a variety of emotions with faces so they can align their feelings that best fit what is on the chart. This would allow conversation to happen with the teacher and the student to better understand what each student is going through if they feel comfortable to share. I would also integrate deep breathing exercises with the school counselor and/or the GoNoodle program so students have resources they can learn to appropriately deal with their feelings and emotions. It is extremely important to build relationships with your students so they have trust within the teacher and classroom environment to share their feelings.
