5 Read Alouds and STEM Challenges to Teach Self-Awareness to Kids
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5 Read Alouds and STEM Challenges to Teach Self-Awareness to Kids
Our students arrive at school each day expecting to learn the educational basics, but let’s not miss the opportunity to teach them the foundational life skills that reach so far beyond the classroom walls. Social and emotional learning (SEL) has always been important, but we are now realizing just how important these skills are for our elementary learners.
SEL provides the opportunity for classrooms, schools, families, and the community to work together to establish skills for academic success, student engagement at school and in the community, health, wellness, and successful, future careers.
CASEL’s SEL Framework
CASEL’s SEL framework includes 5 core competencies, one of which is self-awareness. Students who are self-aware are able to understand their own emotions, thoughts, and values while also being aware of how each of these influences their own behavior. Self-awareness allows students to begin to understand capacities and to recognize one’s strengths and limitations with a well-grounded sense of confidence and purpose.
Such as:
Integrating personal and social identities
Identifying personal, cultural, and linguistic assets
Identifying one’s emotions
Demonstrating honesty and integrity
Linking feelings, values, and thoughts
Examining prejudices and biases
Experiencing self-efficacy
Having a growth mindset
Developing interests and a sense of purpose
We’ve put together an SEL STEM bundle with 5 of our favorite read alouds and STEM challenges to help teach students about the importance of self-awareness. These challenges will give your students the opportunity to build confidence, discover differences, develop a growth mindset, increase courage, and process nervousness.
1. Jabari Jumps
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall is the story of a young boy who has done everything needed to prepare for jumping off of the diving board at the local swimming pool. When the time came, Jabari was met with unexpected hesitance. Your students will process with Jabari as he finds his courage, remembers his preparation, and conquers his fears.
In this SEL STEM challenge, your students will design, build, and test a diving board for Jabari while learning how to have courage through mindful moments.
2. The North Star
The North Star by Peter H. Reynolds follows along a young boy’s journey to find his own path in life. As he finds his way, he comes across obstacles and confusion. Eventually, he creates his path by figuring out how to follow his heart and help others along the way.
Challenge your students with this SEL STEM activity to design a boat for the trapped rabbit from The North Star. Your students will learn how to slow down and pay attention to the things around them.
3. The Name Jar
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi is the heartwarming story of Unhei, a young Korean girl, who is settling into her new school and neighborhood in America. She is feeling out of place and noticing many differences between herself and those around her. With the help of her classmates and a letter from her Grandmother, she remembers who she is. This story explores the topics of identity, differences, and cultural assimilation.
In this STEM challenge, your students will design, build, and test their own stamp that reflects their identity. This is a great way for students to explore how to cope with nervousness, develop gratitude, and have their own unique identity. Your students will also build their own name jar to share positive names for others, just like Unhei’s classmates.
4. The Day You Begin
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson is a colorful story that celebrates embracing your differences. Angelina notices many things about herself that are different, her hair, her skin, her clothes, but she learns to embrace who she is and share it will those around her.
In this STEM challenge, students learn about the importance of self-awareness. They design, build, and test a Coat of Arms and stand. This is an opportunity for students to share about themselves and discover similarities and differences they have with their classmates. This challenge not only incorporates SEL and STEM but also encourages students to have confidence in themselves and to celebrate the differences that make each of us unique.
5. The Bad Seed
The Bad Seed by Jory John is a humorous story of a sunflower seed who works hard to prove just how bad he truly is. He has a bad attitude, terrible temper, and no manners. He never listens, glares at everyone, and always cuts in line. Your students can read along to find out what made him this way and what eventually caused The Bad Seed’s change of heart.
Your students will design, build, and test a seed home for The Bad Seed and learn about empathy, reputation, and growth mindset.
These 5 read alouds and STEM challenges are a part of a series of resources designed to follow the CASEL Framework for social-emotional learning. You can find the SEL STEM bundle here.
You can find the other individual SEL STEM bundles here:
Want more info and resources on SEL STEM? Get full access to this SEL STEM bundle and all of our future SEL STEM resources when you join the STEM Teachers Club Membership (best value)!
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