Introduction

Incorporating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) principles into the classroom is essential for creating a supportive and inclusive environment for students. One simple way to promote a sense of well-being and focus is through stretching exercises. The Feel Good Standing Stretch is an easy-to-follow activity that encourages students to take a break from their daily routine, stretch their bodies, and calm their minds. This blog post will provide an overview of the activity, discussion questions, related skills, and next steps for educators interested in incorporating SEL principles into their teaching.

No-Prep Activity

The Feel Good Standing Stretch is designed to be a quick and easy activity that requires no preparation or materials from the educator. To begin, have the students stand up and find their own space, ensuring they are not too close to their neighbors. Instruct them to follow these steps:

1. Take three deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling slowly.
2. Move their head side to side to stretch their neck, then move it in a circle in both directions to further relax.
3. Bring their right arm across their body, holding it in place with their left arm for a count of five before switching arms.
4. Raise one arm up and lean to the side for a count of five, then repeat with the other arm.
5. Stretch both hands up towards the sky, then carefully bend forward to touch their toes before slowly standing back up.
6. Give their body one last shake to release any remaining tension.

After completing the Feel Good Standing Stretch, students should feel more relaxed and focused, ready to continue with their learning.

Discussion Questions

After completing the activity, engage students in a discussion to help them reflect on their experience and understand the benefits of stretching and calming exercises. Here are some suggested questions:

1. How did the stretching exercises make you feel? Did you notice any changes in your body or mind?
2. Why do you think it’s important to take breaks and engage in activities like the Feel Good Standing Stretch during the school day?
3. Can you think of other situations or times when practicing calming exercises might be helpful?
4. What are some other ways you can incorporate mindfulness and relaxation techniques into your daily routine?
5. How can we create a more supportive and inclusive classroom environment by incorporating SEL principles and activities like this one?

Related Skills

Beyond stretching and calming exercises, there are many other skills that can be incorporated into the classroom to promote social-emotional learning. Some of these related skills include:

• Active listening and communication
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Conflict resolution
• Empathy and understanding
• Goal-setting and self-motivation

By incorporating these skills alongside activities like the Feel Good Standing Stretch, educators can create a well-rounded and supportive learning environment for their students.

Next Steps

If you’re interested in exploring more activities and resources for incorporating Social-Emotional Learning principles into your classroom, we encourage you to sign up for free samples at Everyday Speech. Here, you’ll find a wealth of materials designed to help educators create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for their students. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your teaching and make a positive impact on your students’ well-being and success.