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As a school counselor, I get asked all the time if I can teach to a certain behavior issue because the students are having a hard time with something very specific. Sometimes, I can make that happen pretty quickly, but there are times when I have too many lessons and can’t get another one in. I created SEL Mini-Lessons – Problem Pack for educators and counselors that address the TOP 10 SEL Problems I usually see. These 10 lessons give a short mini-lesson, book suggestions, short activity, and discussion ideas to lead a powerful conversation about correcting specific misbehaviors in the classroom.
Below, you will see the ten topics and a book to help get the conversation going! If you are looking for a more detailed way to address the issues… head over to my SEL Mini-Lessons Problem Packs!
#1: Tattling Vs. Reporting
Make students aware of the difference between tattling and reporting problems to the teacher. This adorable book makes it easy for kids to understand when to tell and when to try and solve things on their own.
Don’t Squeal Unless It’s a Big Deal: A Tale of Tattletales (Jeanie Franz Ransom)
#2: Blurting
Teach students the importance of waiting to share their thoughts during a more appropriate time. Sometimes kids don’t realize they’re doing this and how often it’s happening! This book helps open the discussion in a lighthearted way for kids to understand why we don’t need to blurt out.
Lacy Walker, Nonstop Talker (Christianne Jones)
#3: Controlling Movement
Do you have kids that wiggle around all day? Teach students the importance of controlling their movements and staying calm in the classroom. This way, they can learn and so can all the students around them!
I Have Ants in My Pants (Julia Cook)
#4: Listening
Teach students the importance of listening in the classroom. This is an important skill because they need to learn and allow others to learn too without loud distractions.
Quiet Please, Owen McPhee! (Trudy Ludwig)
#5: Gossip
Teach students the importance of not gossiping or spreading rumors about people. Stop playground gossip with a simple lesson about what gossip is and how it can hurt others’ feelings.
Hen Hears Gossip (Megan McDonald)
#6: Inclusion
Teach students about including others in activities. This is such an adorable book! There is always room under the umbrella, it doesn’t matter how many people or how different they are… there’s always room.
The Big Umbrella (Amy June Bates)
#7: Telling the Truth
Teach students about telling the truth and why it’s important. In my experience, this isn’t usually a school-wide issue, however, there are some years when it becomes a problem and needs to be addressed. I love using this book to start the conversation.
Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie (Laura Rankin)
#8: Following Directions
Teach students the importance of following directions. The students love telling David NOOOOO! They know exactly what he should and shouldn’t be doing, just like they do at school. Sometimes it’s getting them to realize they are not paying attention to the directions that were given.
No, David! (David Shannon)
#9: Teamwork
Teach students ways to work together. I love using this book to showcase teamwork! At first, they liked to do things their own way, but then they saw how fun it was to work together and use both of their strengths.
When Pencil Met Eraser (Karen Kilpatrick and Luis O. Ramos, Jr.)
#10: Recess Rules
Teach students the importance of following the rules outside on the playground. Sometimes, the unstructured playground can be tough for kids. This book helps highlight what it feels like when one person tries to rule the playground.
The Recess Queen (Alexis O’neill)
If any of these issues are in your classroom, you’ll want to have the SEL Mini-Lesson Problem Pack to help take care of them right away!
Easy to use lessons for any educator… including substitutes!
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