Resources and Links
Social and Emotional Learning & Theatre - Making the Connection
Social and Emotional Learning in the Drama Classroom: What Is It?
Plays for Social & Emotional Learning in the Classroom
Using a Theater Game to Link SEL and Academics
How can the arts support SEL and student wellbeing?
Arts Education & Social Emotional Learning Framework
Developing Curricula for SEL and the Arts
Connecting The Arts to Social Emotional Learning
Arts Education and Social Emotional Learning: A Secret Weapon for Our Students
SEL Is Important, But How Does Arts Education Fit It In?
5 Ways Theatre Develops Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in Children
Social Emotional Learning and Theatre Education
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a construct intended to provide students with the skills to confront challenges, build resilience and demonstrate empathy for others. Social Emotional Learning encompasses skills in self awareness, social awareness, self management, responsible decision making and relationship skills. Broad SEL instruction often takes the form of reflection, discussion, and lecture; however when not planned as carefully as we plan other lesson outcomes, students can view this as formulaic and scripted, and it will have very little impact. Click here to learn more about the Social and Emotional Learning Framework created by CASEL, or the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning.
For SEL to be most effective, it must be intentionally embedded within the curriculum. This page features some sample lesson plans and articulates the social and emotional learning embedded within each; aligning Social Emotional Learning competencies with theatre standards through the lens of the artistic processes and pointing the way to intentionality.
Need a great resource for ideas for SEL inclusion in Theatre Education K-12? Check out North Carolina's SEL Theatre Arts K-12 document. This comprehensive guide suggests theatre activities for all ages directly connecting to SEL.
Looking for funding to intentionally add SEL to your Theatre Program? Check out the Arts and Social Emotional Learning Funding Guide prepared by the Arizona Department of Education.