Spring is here! And by that I mean dull, dreary weather and a reveal of ghastly little treasures that you can’t unsee, surfaced from the vast kingdom of sludge. If you look like you’re taking a walk of seasonal shame in your three layers of clothing and unkempt hair, then we are at the same point of imposter spring.
The temperature may be causing you to stress-sweat, but your lack of planning doesn’t have to. I’m here for you with my top 8 social-emotional learning resources to support you through Kindergarten to Grade 3 April SEL lesson planning.
Don’t forget to read through to the end to grab your spring coloring page freebie!
These beautiful sun catchers are the perfect way to find a glimpse of gratitude through the gloom. Includes a variety of options that children can choose from to assemble their rainy day craft. All you need to do is add cotton balls and some fishing line!
✓ What others like you are saying:
☁ "My students loved doing this during our "social group." It required very little prep. They loved the cotton balls too as an added sensory experience. I really enjoyed the colored booklets it came with also!" -Ana
☁"One of the best resources I have downloaded on TPT! A must have for teachers!" -Angela
International Day of Pink Activity
"Be a buddy, not a bully!" can fall short if our students simply don't know how. This engaging bullying prevention craft and activity set will teach our kids how to stop peace disruptors in their tracks with accessible strategies. Perfect for International Day of Pink which always falls in April.
✓ What others like you are saying:
☁ "This is an amazing resource that I used for my grade 1 class. It was fantastic!" -Shirley T.
☁ "I just love, love, loved this activity for pink shirt day and that it really helps kids understand the vast array of choices they have to stand up to bullying and which ones best suit them." -J. Gifford
World Changer Craft
This flip craft makes for a great interactive bulletin board. Students will hone in on empathy and reflect on how they are changing the world. It includes a minds-on body break and resources and prompts to support our emergent writers. The best part of this activity is that it focuses on empathy at its core, so it can be used all year round.
Mindfulness is an abstract concept for busy minds and bodies, but we can hone in on the basics for our youngest, early elementary learners by focusing on our five senses. This spring craft includes mindful coloring and the opportunity to reflect on the 5 senses that we love and are grateful for.
✓ What others like you are saying:
☁ "I love this. It made a great activity with a spring theme, mindfulness, and using our five senses. My students loved making the booklet to take home and share with their families. Thank you!" -April K.
☁ "My students loved learning about mindfulness! This is a very thoughtful craft that I used for a spring bulletin board." -Kylie H.
Team-building is critical to cultivate as spring brings new outdoors expectations and an abundance of energy. Try one of our spring-themed collaborative murals as a powerful restorative practice tool. Each student or pair will color one of 36 puzzle pieces that ultimately will be brought together in a mosaic.
✓ What others like you are saying:
✿ "This turned out so cute! We have it hanging in the hallway outside our classroom and have gotten so many compliments!" -Ann K.
Thank you to @harrypotterteacher for sharing this gorgeous shot!
This gorgeous April showers themed bulletin display idea is the perfect way to bring a little calm into the chaos that surrounds the long weekend or return from spring break. The acronym R.A.I.N. originates from the mindfulness and meditation teachings of Tara Brach, a psychologist, author, and teacher of meditation practices. R.A.I.N. is a practical tool for developing mindfulness and emotional resilience, helping individuals to navigate through the tough stuff. Your elementary students will love seeing themselves within the rainy day display, and can take home their portrait and umbrella to practice the coping strategy at home when they're done!
Spring Community Circle Prompts
Strengthening connections is the number one key to any classroom management systems. You can feel good about a morning meeting or circle time that runs itself every day with questions that focus on friendship skills, growth mindset and mindfulness.
Give them some spring coloring pages that will support their well-being, through positive self-talk and friendship skills! These are perfect as intentional early finisher activities, as incentives or for mindful entry routines.
Which spring SEL coloring page did your child/ class enjoy the most?
Let me know in the comments below!
