SEL Toolkit Summary
School of Kindness | Thumbs Up For Kindness
One-Page Teacher Reference
What is SEL?
Social-Emotional Learning helps students understand themselves, manage emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. It supports better behavior, stronger learning, and a positive school culture.
CASEL’s 5 Core Competencies: Self-Awareness · Self-Management · Social Awareness · Relationship Skills · Responsible Decision-Making
Core Tools from School of Kindness
| Tool | What It Builds | Best Used In |
|---|---|---|
| Kindness Cycle | All 5 CASEL skills | Every lesson / daily |
| Thumbs Up for Me | Self-Awareness + Self-Management | Confidence & Resilience |
| Thumbs Up Instead | Relationship Skills + Decision-Making | Teasing & Exclusion |
| HeroKindness Response | Social Awareness + Decision-Making | Bullying (In-Person & Cyber) |
| Empathy Superpower | Social Awareness | Cultural & Identity Differences |
| Kindness Reset | Self-Management + Resilience | Stress & Big Emotions |
Daily Practices (2–5 min)
- Emotion check-in
- One Thumbs Up (self or other)
- Quick Kindness Cycle reminder
Weekly Practices
- Kindness challenge or K-Spark tracker
- Role-play / scenario practice
- Reflection: “When did I use my superpower?”
Complementary Free / Low-Cost Tools
- Feelings Chart / Mood Meter – Helps students name emotions
- Calm Corner – Quiet space with breathing prompts and reflection cards
- Kindness Journal – Simple notebook for kind acts and self-kindness
- Zones of Regulation language – Red / Yellow / Green / Blue zones
- ClassDojo or sticker trackers – Recognize positive actions
- Short movement breaks (e.g. GoNoodle) – Support emotional regulation
Teacher Tips: Model the tools yourself (especially Thumbs Up for Me). Keep language consistent. Focus on practice, not perfection. Celebrate small wins. Follow school protocols when extra support is needed.