Emozi® Middle School

Hands-On SEL Activities


Benefits of Hands-On Learning in Emozi® Middle School SEL

Middle school students engaged in a pair and share activity during an Emozi Middle School SEL lesson

Educators know that students learn better when they actively participate in the classroom. This is why we incorporated 180 optional hands-on optional activities per grade into the curriculum.

Students get variety through activities such as journaling, group projects, service learning, drawing, role-playing, and literature discussions in Socratic Seminars. Teachers can select activities based on their student’s development needs and classroom dynamics.

Middle School Students Work on a group activity in the classroom

benefits of incorporating hands-on activities into The Emozi® Middle School SEL program

  • Improved academic achievement: Research shows that students who receive SEL instruction tend to have better grades and test scores than those who do not. Hands-on activities help students apply what they are learning in a concrete, meaningful way, which can improve their understanding and retention of the material.

  • Enhanced social skills: Student activities that involve group work, role-playing, and other interactive elements can help students develop critical social skills such as communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution. These skills are essential for success in school, work, and life.

  • Increased motivation and engagement: SEL activities that are hands-on can be more engaging and enjoyable for students than traditional lectures or worksheets. This can increase students’ motivation to learn and participate in SEL programs, ultimately leading to better outcomes.

  • Enhanced emotional intelligence: Hands-on SEL activities that involve self-reflection, journaling, and other introspective exercises can help students develop emotional intelligence, which is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions and those of others. This is a critical skill for success in both personal and professional settings.