Ideas and Inspiration
6 Easy Ways to Keep Building SEL Skills with K–2 Kids This Summer
Published May 21, 2025
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Even when school is out, kids are still learning and growing in how they think, feel, and interact with others. Summer is a great time to support Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in ways that feel relaxed, engaging, and part of everyday life.
With a bit of creativity and curiosity, families and educators can help children explore their emotions, practice kindness, and develop resilience. [b]PebbleGo[/b] makes it easier by offering ready-to-use resources that spark meaningful conversations.
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Here are six simple ways to keep young learners connected and confident throughout the summer months, using ideas that tie naturally into PebbleGo content.
[b]1. Start a Summer Feelings Journal[/b]
A journal is a great way for kids to reflect on their day and express their feelings. It does not have to be formal. A few drawings, short sentences, or even a collection of colors can help children become more aware of their emotions.
Use [b]PebbleGo Health[/b] to explore topics on "[url=https://shell.pebblego.com/modules/16/categories/10423]Feelings and Emotions[/url]." After reading an article together, ask questions such as, "Have you ever felt this way?" or "What helped you feel better?" These small moments support emotional awareness and self-expression.
[b]2. Make Kindness a Game[/b]
Encourage kids to complete small acts of kindness each week, such as helping with a chore, playing with a younger sibling, or saying something nice to a friend. Turning this into a challenge or a game can make kindness feel exciting and rewarding.
PebbleGo Health includes helpful entries like "[url=https://pgoplayer.pebblego.com/articles/5206]Respect[/url]" and "[url=https://pgoplayer.pebblego.com/articles/5179]Making Choices[/url]" that reinforce the value of caring for others. These articles can spark new ideas and provide examples that kids can apply in their own lives.
[b]3. Storytime with a Purpose[/b]
Books are a powerful tool for SEL. Choose stories that show characters facing challenges, learning lessons, or building relationships. After reading, talk about how the characters felt, what choices they made, and how the story might relate to your child’s own experiences.
PebbleGo’s [b]Social Studies[/b] and [b]Health[/b] modules include entries on topics such as "[url=https://pgoplayer.pebblego.com/articles/10430]Making New Friends[/url]," "[url=https://pgoplayer.pebblego.com/articles/10613]Cooperation[/url]," and "[url=https://pgoplayer.pebblego.com/articles/10468]Making Decisions[/url]." Pairing these with storytime builds deeper understanding and can lead to great discussions.
[b]4. Create a Recipe for Resilience[/b]
This creative activity invites kids to imagine what helps them stay strong when things get tough. They can invent a “resilience recipe” using ingredients like courage, patience, or support from others. Encourage them to draw or write their recipes and explain what each ingredient represents.
PebbleGo Health covers topics like "[url=https://app.pebblego.com/modules/16/categories/10434]Self-Awareness[/url]" in a clear and age-appropriate way. These articles provide helpful vocabulary and examples to guide children in identifying the tools they already use to bounce back from setbacks.
[b]5. Practice Mindfulness on Walks[/b]
Whether in a backyard, at a park, or around the block, walks can be a perfect opportunity for mindfulness. Ask children what they notice, what they wonder about, and how being outside makes them feel. These small reflections support awareness, gratitude, and calm thinking.
You can tie this into [b]PebbleGo Science[/b] by looking up topics related to what they observe, such as "[url=https://pgoplayer.pebblego.com/articles/2149]Insects[/url]," "[url=https://pgoplayer.pebblego.com/articles/13011]Trees[/url]," or "[url=https://shell.pebblego.com/modules/2/categories/2978]Clouds[/url]." Making connections between nature and emotions helps deepen focus and appreciation for the world around them.
[b]6. Celebrate Summer Growth[/b]
As summer winds down, take time to reflect on all the things kids have learned and accomplished. Invite them to share something they are proud of or something new they tried. It could be a fun fact they discovered, a challenge they overcame, or a goal they set and worked toward.
To support this reflection, explore the PebbleGo Health article "[url=https://pgoplayer.pebblego.com/articles/10477]Setting Goals[/url]." It introduces young learners to the idea of identifying personal goals and taking steps to achieve them. After reading, talk about what goals your child reached over the summer and what they might want to try next. This helps build confidence and a sense of ownership over their learning.
[b]Keep SEL Going with PebbleGo[/b]
Social-Emotional Learning does not have to stop when the school year ends. With thoughtful prompts and engaging content, families and educators can help children build empathy, confidence, and emotional strength all summer long.
PebbleGo offers short, accessible topics designed to support both classroom and home learning. Explore the platform for articles that inspire conversations, boost understanding, and make SEL a natural part of everyday life.