Introduction
Feeling left out is an experience that everyone goes through at some point in their lives. For elementary students, it can be particularly challenging as they are still developing their social skills and self-esteem. As educators, we can help students navigate these situations by incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning. This blog post will discuss an activity that requires no preparation, provide discussion questions, mention related skills, and encourage users to sign up for free samples of the discussed skill and others at Everyday Speech.
No-Prep Activity
In this activity, called “The Encouragement Circle,” students will practice positive self-talk and support each other in a group setting. Here’s how it works:
- Have students sit in a circle.
- Choose one student to start by sharing a time when they felt left out or excluded.
- The student to the left of the speaker will then offer a positive affirmation or supportive statement, such as “You’re a great friend” or “I enjoy spending time with you.” Encourage students to be genuine and specific in their affirmations.
- Continue around the circle until each student has shared an experience and received positive feedback from their peers.
- After the activity, discuss the importance of positive self-talk and how it can help us in situations where we feel left out or excluded.
Discussion Questions
- How did it feel to share your experience of being left out with the group? How did it feel to receive positive feedback from your peers?
- Why is positive self-talk important in situations where we feel left out or excluded?
- What are some other strategies that can help us cope with feeling left out?
- How can we support our friends or classmates when they feel left out?
- How can we work together to create a more inclusive environment in our classroom and school?
Related Skills
In addition to positive self-talk, there are other Social-Emotional Learning skills that can help students manage feelings of being left out. These include:
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others can help students be more supportive and inclusive of their peers.
- Communication: Open and honest communication can help address misunderstandings and foster positive relationships.
- Conflict resolution: Learning to resolve conflicts in a respectful and constructive manner can help prevent situations where students feel left out or excluded.
- Teamwork: Encouraging collaboration and teamwork can help create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and included.
Next Steps
Teaching students how to cope with feelings of being left out is an important aspect of Social-Emotional Learning. By incorporating activities like “The Encouragement Circle” and discussing related skills, we can help students develop the tools they need to navigate these situations in a positive and healthy manner. To access more activities and resources to support your students’ Social-Emotional Learning, sign up for free samples of the discussed skill and others at Everyday Speech.
