SEL Basics
What does SEL stand for?
Social-emotional learning
Your group project partner isn't doing their part. What would you do?
Talk to them directly and respectfully before immediately reporting them.
What grade levels does the counselor work with?
K-8
Someone has their arms crossed, is avoiding eye contact, and giving one-word answers. What might they be feeling?
Uncomfortable, annoyed, upset, nervous, or closed off.
You have 47 tabs open in your brain and three assignments due. What SEL skill do you need?
Self-management/prioritizing
What is a coping skill? Define and give one example
Coping skills are the tools, thoughts, and actions you use to manage stress, tough feelings, and hard situations. Some examples are drawing, deep breathing, walking, journaling, etc.
You overhear someone saying something negative about you. What would you do?
Avoid immediately confronting them while emotional; get more information and decide whether/how to address it.
What is Thrive?
Thrive is a middle school class that focuses on social emotional learning, executive functioning, and digital literacy.
Your friend is unusually quiet and keeps saying, “I'm fine.” What might you notice?
Their behavior is different from usual, which could mean something is bothering them.
You hear that a certain high school is “terrible” because someone had a bad experience there. Should you automatically believe them?
No. Their experience is real, but it doesn't necessarily predict yours.
Name two physical signs of stress
Fast heartbeat, shaky hands, sweating, stomachache, etc.
Two of your friends are fighting, and both want you to take their side. What would you do?
Listen without becoming the judge; encourage them to communicate directly.
True or False: You have to be in serious trouble to talk to the counselor.
False! Talking to the counselor doesn't mean you're in trouble. It means you might need extra support.
Someone has their arms crossed, is avoiding eye contact, and giving one-word answers. What might they be feeling?
Uncomfortable, annoyed, upset, nervous, or closed off.
You have a teacher you really dislike. What's the difference between disliking a teacher and deciding you can't succeed in their class?
Your feelings about someone don't necessarily determine your ability to learn or succeed.
What's the difference between intention and impact?
Intention is what you meant to do; impact is how your actions actually affected someone.
You and a friend remember an argument completely differently. You both genuinely believe your version is correct. What could you do?
Recognize that people can experience/remember the same event differently; focus on understanding each other's perspectives rather than proving who's “right.”
What does confidentiality mean in counseling?
Information shared is generally kept private unless there is a safety concern or if the counselor asksfor your permission to share.
Your friend says, “I'm happy for you,” but barely speaks and won't look at you. What should you do?
Notice the mismatch without assuming what it means; potentially check in with them.
Someone says, “High school is going to be completely different, so none of what I do now matters.” What's wrong with that thinking?
Current habits, relationships, coping skills, and choices can still influence how you handle future challenges.
Name one of the five major SEL competencies
Self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision-making
Your friend asks you to keep a secret that makes you worried about their safety. What would you do?
Safety comes before confidentiality. Tell a trusted adult who can help.
Name two guidelines around the class journals.
1. We use them during SEL time and they stay in the counselor's office.
2. They are not private! The counselor will be reading them.
3. If you need to share something urgent, the journal is not the place to do it! The counselor does not read them everyday.
You make a joke and the person you're joking about stops smiling and gets quiet. What might you do?
Notice the cue, stop, and check in/apologize if needed.
You realize you aren't as good at managing your time as you thought. What's the healthy response?
Adjust your system, ask for help, prioritize, and build new habits rather than deciding you're incapable. Ask Caitlin for help!