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From Classroom to Coaching: A New Chapter

After eighteen years in the classroom, I packed up my baskets of books, my anchor charts, and all the tiny treasures that made my room feel like home. Then I did something I never thought I’d do—but always wanted to.
I stepped out of the classroom and into a brand-new role as an instructional coach.

It’s only been a month and I’m still finding my footing. If I’m being honest- that footing is very wobbly at best. I’m learning new acronyms, new systems, and new ways to support teachers who are balancing more than ever. I’ve caught myself reaching for a read-aloud or a stack of math manipulatives more than once—old habits die hard!

But underneath all the newness is something deeply familiar: my love for teachers and for the incredible work that happens in classrooms every single day.

Why I’m Writing Again

When I first started Coffee Teach Repeat, my focus was social-emotional learning and creating resources to help teachers build strong classroom communities. Those ideas still sit at the heart of everything I do.

Now, though, I’m looking through a new lens.
I see know how much teachers give, how hard they work to meet expectations that keep changing, and how much they deserve advocates who understand what it really feels like to teach right now.

That’s why I’m bringing the blog back—not as a “how-to” guide from an expert (because I’m no expert) , but as a reflection journal from a learner.
A place to share what I’m discovering as I move from classroom teacher to instructional coach, and hopefully to offer a little encouragement along the way.

What to Expect in This Series

Over the next few months, I’ll be writing a series called From Classroom to Coaching.
Each post will explore one part of this transition—what I’m learning, what I’m missing, and what I’m realizing about how to truly support teachers.

My hope is that these posts make you feel seen, whether you’re still in the classroom, leading one, or somewhere in between. And who knows- maybe I can offer some great advice or resources along the way.

For the Teachers Reading This

You’re the reason I’m here.
You’re the heart of every story, strategy, and reflection I’ll share.

If no one’s told you lately: your work matters. You matter.
And there are people—like me—cheering you on from right down the hall.

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A Simple SEL Routine That Builds Connection in Under 5 Minutes a Day

Back-to-school season is the perfect time to set the tone for connection and emotional safety in your classroom. One simple but powerful tool I’ve used over the years is the student check-in — a quick, intentional moment that helps kids pause, reflect, and feel seen.

Whether you’re building your classroom community from scratch or looking to strengthen your existing routines, incorporating daily and weekly check-ins can make a big difference in how students show up, both emotionally and academically.

Why Use Student Check-Ins?

Student check-ins create space for:

  • 🌟 Self-awareness – Students begin to notice and name their emotions.
  • 💬 Student voice – They know their feelings matter and are heard.
  • 🧘‍♀️ Emotional regulation – A consistent routine helps them manage ups and downs.
  • 🤝 Classroom community – Students learn that everyone has good days and hard days.

Best of all? They don’t take long — just a few minutes a day!

What’s Inside the Editable Student Check-In Toolkit

I created this toolkit to make it easy for teachers to get started (or to level up their existing SEL routines). It includes both daily and weekly check-in templates that are simple, age-appropriate, and completely editable to meet your students’ needs.

Here’s what’s included:

✔️ Daily check-in slips (with and without prompts)
✔️ Weekly reflection forms to support goal setting
✔️ Google Slides and printable PDF versions
✔️ Fully editable fields for total flexibility
✔️ Simple, student-friendly design
✔️ Great for calm down corners, morning meetings, or independent work time

How I Use This in My Classroom

I love using the daily check-in as a soft start to our morning. Students grab a slip, circle how they’re feeling, and add a sentence or doodle to share more. On Fridays, we shift to the weekly reflection — where students choose one thing they’re proud of or set a goal for the week ahead.

I’ve found that giving students regular opportunities to check in helps build trust — not just with me, but within the classroom as a whole. It normalizes emotions and opens the door for meaningful conversations.

Tips for Making It Work in Your Routine

  • 💡 Model first: Share your own example as a morning check-in.
  • ⏱️ Keep it quick: This doesn’t need to take more than 5 minutes.
  • 🎨 Give choice: Let students write, draw, or choose emojis.
  • 🗂️ Collect or keep private: Some teachers collect check-ins; others let students keep them in folders or journals.
  • 🧩 Use for small groups: These check-ins can also help you decide who might need a quick one-on-one or a calming strategy.

Ready to Try It?

If you’re looking for a simple way to boost SEL and build student connection, the Editable Student Check-In Toolkit is ready to go. Just print or assign it in Google Slides — and you’ve got an easy-to-use tool that supports emotional wellness all year long.

👉 Grab the Check-In Toolkit on TPT

On Pinterest? Pin it for later!

https://pin.it/6oM2ZtFzb

I’d love to hear other ideas How do you help students manage their emotions?

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Back-to-School: Start the Year Strong- Teaching Kids to Manage Emotions from Day One

Starting the school year isn’t just about setting up your classroom—it’s about setting the tone. Helping students understand and manage their emotions from the very beginning lays the foundation for a calm, connected, and resilient learning environment. Whether you’re introducing SEL routines, creating a space for emotional regulation, or simply looking for ways to support your students’ social-emotional growth, these tools can help. From printable reflection prompts to cozy corner essentials, here are some of my favorite resources to get your classroom emotionally ready for the year ahead.

🌧️ Rainstick-Inspired Calming Tubes
These hand2mind sensory tubes gently mimic the sound of falling rain, providing a soothing experience for kids who need a quiet moment to reset. A must-have for any calm down corner or sensory station!

😌 Express Your Feelings Sensory Bottles
These colorful bottles help students identify and express more complex emotions like frustration, excitement, or nervousness. A quiet, hands-on tool perfect for emotional regulation and SEL routines in your calm down space.

🌬️ Breathing Meditation Lamp
This guided visual tool helps students slow their breathing and self-regulate using calming light cues. Perfect for mindfulness practice, managing anxiety, or winding down after a tough moment in your calm down corner.

🛋️ Feelings Pillow Cover – Calm Down Corner Decor
Add a cozy and functional touch to your calm down space with this 18×18 “Feelings” pillow cover. It’s a great visual tool for emotion identification and doubles as inviting decor for classrooms, therapy offices, or counseling spaces.

🌈 “You Matter” Inspirational Doormat – Welcoming Classroom Vibes
Start the day with positivity! This 30×17 “You Matter” doormat promotes inclusivity and belonging right at your classroom door. Perfect for entryways in classrooms, homeschools, or playrooms, it sets the tone for a safe, supportive learning space.

✨ Cozy Rainbow Classroom Lamp – Calm Corner Lighting
Add a warm, soothing glow to your calm down space with this small USB-powered rainbow lamp (11.6 inches tall). Perfect for classroom calm corners, reading nooks, or playroom areas—this soft lighting creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere that helps students feel safe and settled.

🧠 SEL Strategy Cards for K–3
Looking for a simple, visual way to teach calming techniques? These Printable SEL Strategy Cards are perfect for classroom calm down corners, brain breaks, or emotional regulation lessons. Each card includes a kid-friendly strategy like deep breathing, movement, or visualization.
👉 Grab the set here

🗂️ Calming Strategy Choice Boards & Mini Menus
Empower your students to take ownership of their emotions with these Calming Strategy Choice Boards and Mini Menus. With multiple formats—including full-page boards and smaller, printable menus—this toolkit is ideal for calm down corners, student toolboxes, or even as part of a morning check-in routine.
👉 Check it out on TPT

🗣️ SEL Scenario Cards for Real-Life Classroom Situations
Support student decision-making and emotional growth with these Printable Social-Emotional Learning Scenario Cards. Featuring 40 real-life situations, these cards help children reflect, discuss, and problem-solve common challenges they may face in the classroom. A great addition to your calm down corner or morning meeting routine!
👉 Explore the resource here

🎉 Want It All in One Easy Download?

If you’re ready to stock your calm down corner with everything mentioned above, the SEL Calm Down Corner Bundle is your best bet! It includes:

  • Feelings check-in tools
  • Printable strategy cards
  • Calming choice boards & mini menus
  • Real-life SEL scenario cards

Perfect for K–3 classrooms and easy to implement starting Day 1 of the school year.

👉 Click here to grab the full bundle on TPT

Creating a classroom where students feel safe, seen, and supported doesn’t happen overnight—but with the right tools, it’s absolutely possible. Whether you’re just getting started with social-emotional learning or looking to refresh your calm down corner, I hope these ideas help you kick off the school year with confidence and heart. 💛 You’ve got this—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way!

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Helping Students Manage Big Feelings: Free SEL Calm-Down Toolkit

If you’ve ever had a student burst into tears over a broken pencil or get so frustrated they can’t keep working, you know this truth:
Kids need tools to handle big feelings.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is more than a buzzword—it’s an essential part of building a positive, supportive classroom. When students learn how to recognize emotions and use calming strategies, they feel safer, more confident, and ready to learn.

Today, I want to share some of my favorite ways to teach SEL skills in the classroom—and give you a free printable toolkit you can start using right away.

💛 Why Teaching Self-Regulation Matters

Self-regulation is a skill that takes time (and practice) to develop. Even adults sometimes struggle to pause and think before reacting!

When we teach students how to:
✅ Notice what they’re feeling
✅ Name their emotions
✅ Choose a healthy way to cope

…we’re setting them up for success far beyond the classroom.

🌟 3 Simple Strategies to Help Students Self-Regulate

Here are a few techniques I’ve used with my students over the years:

1️⃣ Feelings Check-Ins
Start the day or a lesson by asking students to share how they’re feeling. This can be as simple as pointing to an emoji chart or writing a feeling word on a sticky note.

2️⃣ Calm-Down Corners
Create a cozy space with tools students can use when they feel overwhelmed—like stress balls, breathing cards, or reflection sheets.

3️⃣ Reflection Time
After big emotions, give kids a chance to think about what happened and what might help next time. This can turn a difficult moment into a learning opportunity.

✨ Grab Your Free SEL Mini Toolkit

To help you get started, I’ve created a FREE printable SEL Mini Toolkit with:

✅ A Feelings Check-In Sheet
✅ Calming Strategy Cards
✅ A Reflection Page

These printables are perfect for calm-down corners, morning meetings, or one-on-one support.

👉 subscribepage.io/hm89J8

🌱 More SEL Resources

If you find these helpful, be sure to explore my other SEL resources for K–3 classrooms, including scenario cards, daily check-ins, and more.

Together, we can make social-emotional learning an everyday part of our classrooms—and help kids build skills that will serve them for life.

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How to Use SEL Scenario Cards to Build Empathy and Problem-Solving Skills

If you’ve ever had a student shout, “That’s not fair!” or melt down because a friend didn’t want to play the same game, you already know:
Learning to manage feelings and solve conflicts takes practice.

One of my favorite ways to help students build social-emotional skills is by using scenario cards.

These simple tools open the door to big conversations about kindness, empathy, and making good choices.

Today, I’m sharing tips for using SEL scenario cards in your classroom—and a resource that can make it easy to get started!

💛 What Are SEL Scenario Cards?

Scenario cards are short, kid-friendly situations that students might encounter at school or in daily life.

Each card describes a problem or feeling and includes reflection questions like:

  • What could you do in this situation?
  • How might someone else feel?

They help students practice:
✅ Recognizing feelings
✅ Thinking before reacting
✅ Considering others’ perspectives
✅ Solving conflicts respectfully

✨ 5 Simple Ways to Use Scenario Cards

Here are some of my favorite ways to use them:

1️⃣ Morning Meetings
Choose a scenario to read aloud and discuss as a class. This is a great way to start the day with empathy and connection.

2️⃣ Small Groups
Use cards in SEL rotations or counseling groups. Students can take turns reading and sharing ideas.

3️⃣ Writing Prompts
Have students respond to a scenario in their journals. They can write or draw about how they would handle it.

4️⃣ Role-Playing
Act out scenarios and practice calm responses. This is especially helpful for kinesthetic learners.

5️⃣ Calm-Down Corner
Keep a ring of cards available for students to read and reflect on when they need a break.

Check out this example from the set:

This simple prompt can lead to powerful conversations about inclusion and kindness.

📚 Ready to Try Scenario Cards?

I’ve created a set of 40 printable SEL Scenario Cards covering these topics:

✅ Friendship & Inclusion
✅ Managing Emotions
✅ Conflict Resolution
✅ Kindness & Empathy

Each card includes a clear scenario and reflection questions, plus a teacher guide to help you get started.

Click here to check them out in my TPT store!

💖 Let’s Support Our Students Together

When we give kids the tools to talk about feelings and practice empathy, we’re setting them up for a lifetime of healthy relationships.

If you try these scenario cards, I’d love to hear how you use them in your classroom!

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🍂 10 Cozy Classroom Finds Under $30

Creating a warm, welcoming classroom doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Over the years, I’ve discovered that a few simple touches can transform even the most sterile space into a place where students (and teachers!) feel at home.

If you’re ready to cozy up your classroom on a budget, here are ten of my favorite finds—each under $30. Whether you’re a new teacher or just looking to refresh your space, these little upgrades can make a big difference.

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

🌟 1. Color-Changing Tap Lights

Shop the Tap Lights
These color-changing tap lights are great for creating a sensory-friendly atmosphere or letting students choose a color that matches how they feel. Just tap to cycle through soothing hues.

🌟 2. Moon Lamp Night Light

Shop the Moon Lamp
This beautiful moon lamp casts a warm, calming glow—perfect for a calm down corner or a cozy reading nook. Students love the soft light and the magical vibe it adds to your classroom.

🌟 3. Comfy Floor Cushions

Shop the Floor Cushions
Perfect for your reading area or calm down space, these flexible floor cushions give kids a comfy spot to relax or refocus.

🌟 4. Woven Storage Baskets

Shop the Storage Baskets
These woven baskets make it easy to organize sensory tools, books, or mindfulness cards while still looking stylish on your shelves.

🌟 5. Soft Neutral Area Rug

Shop the Rug
This plush rug creates an inviting spot for students to settle in during circle time or quiet activities.

🌟 6. Washable Patterned Rug

Shop the Washable Rug
Easy to clean and available in different colors, this rug adds a soft touch while holding up to classroom wear and tear.

🌟 7. Tiered Plant Stand

Shop the Tiered Plant Stand
Use this stand to display plants and calming tools. It doubles as a beautiful focal point for your calm down corner.

🌟 8. Compact Plant Shelf

Shop the Compact Plant Shelf
If you’re short on space, this smaller plant stand still adds a touch of green without taking over the room.

🌟 9. Motivational Poster Set

Shop the Posters
Brighten up your walls with affirmations and reminders that every student belongs. A simple way to make your classroom feel positive and welcoming.

🌟 10. Feelings Check-In Banner

Shop the Feelings Banner
This colorful feelings banner helps students identify and express their emotions throughout the day. Hang it in your calm down corner, near your morning meeting space, or by the door for quick check-ins. A perfect blend of decor and social-emotional learning support!

🍂 Wrap-Up

You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your classroom feel warm and inviting. A few thoughtful touches can transform your space into a cozy haven where your students feel safe, seen, and ready to learn.

If you try any of these finds, I’d love to hear how you use them in your classroom!

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Must-Have SEL Printables for Your Calm Down Corner

As teachers, we know that helping students identify and manage their emotions is just as important as academics. But finding simple, ready-to-use tools to support social-emotional learning (SEL) can feel overwhelming.

Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite printable SEL resources that make it easy to create a calm, connected classroom: the Feelings Check-In Tool Kit and the Calming Strategy Menus.

1. Feelings Check-In Tool Kit

This resource is designed to help K–3 students name and share how they’re feeling in simple, developmentally appropriate ways.

What’s Included:
✅ 1–5 Feelings Scale
✅ Weather & Animal-themed check-ins
✅ Sentence starter page
✅ Teacher guide with ideas for use

These printable pages are perfect for:
✨ Morning meetings
✨ Calm down corners
✨ One-on-one check-ins
✨ Counseling sessions

Teachers have told me their students love the variety of visuals—especially the weather and animal options!

👉 Check it out on TPT here.

2. Calming Strategy Choice Boards and Mini Menus

Once students have identified how they feel, it helps to give them concrete strategies to self-regulate. The Calming Strategy Menus are printable posters that guide kids through simple calming techniques.

What You’ll Find Inside:
✅ A large visual choice board of 9 calming strategies
✅ 3 mini-menus focusing on:

  • Breathing exercises
  • Movement strategies
  • Mindfulness activities
    ✅ A teacher guide with suggestions for classroom use

You can display the menus in your calm down corner or print individual copies for students.

👉 See the resource here.

Ideas for Using These Tools Together

  • Start the day with a check-in so students can share how they feel.
  • Help them pick a calming strategy if they’re dysregulated.
  • Use the sentence starters as a journaling prompt or reflection activity.
  • Keep copies handy for transitions or times when emotions run high.

🌟 Ready to Get Started?

Both resources are designed to save you time and support your students in building lifelong SEL skills.

✨ Explore them on TPT:

If you have any questions or want ideas for implementation, feel free to comment below or reach out—I’d love to hear how you use them in your classroom!

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5 Affordable Calm Down & SEL Tools Every Classroom Needs

If you’re still figuring out why a calm down corner matters or how to set one up, check out this guide first. Then come back here to grab my favorite tools to fill it!

If you’ve ever had a student overwhelmed by big feelings, you know the value of a calm down corner. But building one doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

These five tools are my go-to favorites—and they’re all teacher-approved and budget-friendly on Amazon.

✨ 1. HEXlight Sensory Lights

I know I’ve mentioned these before, but I’m sharing them again because they are just so cool. Soft ambient lighting instantly makes any corner feel safe and cozy. These bestselling HEXlights are easy to set up—and they’re 20% off right now.

👉 Shop HEXlight Sensory Lights

🧘 2. Liquid Motion Bubblers

These quiet, mesmerizing timers help students focus on their breath and regulate emotions. They’re great for individual calm-down kits or classroom corners.

👉 Get Liquid Motion Bubblers

👐 3. Stress Ball Fidget Toys

Fidgets are perfect for calming busy hands and grounding anxious energy. These colorful stress balls are easy to clean and come in sets for small groups.

👉 Shop Stress Balls and Fidgets

🌟 4. 🌬️ Skywin Breathing Maze Set

Teaching kids to breathe deeply and regulate their emotions can feel overwhelming—but this simple tool makes it approachable and fun. The Skywin Breathing Maze Set includes handheld boards with engraved paths that guide children to trace with their finger while inhaling and exhaling.

Why it works:
✅ Encourages slow, mindful breathing
✅ Gives kids a tactile focus point
✅ Helps calm anxiety and big feelings
✅ Easy to clean and durable

These breathing mazes are perfect for:

  • Calm down corners
  • Counseling or play therapy sessions
  • Morning meetings or SEL circles
  • Quiet moments after recess or transitions

If you’re looking for a hands-on way to help students learn self-regulation, this set is a fantastic addition to your toolkit.

👉 See the Skywin Breathing Maze Set on Amazon

🌸 5. Bloom: A Flower Coloring Book

Sometimes the simplest way to relax is to pick up a pencil and fill a page with color. Bloom: A Flower Coloring Book is a beautiful collection of 30+ hand-drawn floral illustrations by artist Alli Koch. From intricate blossoms to bold blooms, each page is designed to help you unwind and recharge.

Why I love it:
✅ Single-sided pages (no bleed-through!)
✅ Thick, high-quality paper
✅ Designs range from simple to detailed
✅ Inspiring and calming for any age

This coloring book is perfect for:

  • Quiet moments during your planning period
  • Creative breaks to reset your mind
  • Self-care routines or classroom stress relief

It also makes a thoughtful gift for teachers, friends, or anyone who loves flowers and creativity.

👉 See Bloom: A Flower Coloring Book on Amazon

🌈 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re setting up a dedicated calm down corner or simply adding a few SEL supports to your classroom, these tools can make a big difference in how students feel and respond.

You don’t need to spend a lot—just start small and be consistent.

📌 Pin This Post for Later!

✅ Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

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🌿 How to Create a Calm Down Corner That Actually Works

If you teach in an elementary classroom, you’ve likely faced this scenario: a student becomes overwhelmed, emotional, or dysregulated, and you need a way to help them reset—without disrupting the rest of the class.

Enter: the Calm Down Corner.

This dedicated space offers students a safe, supportive place to regulate their emotions, breathe, and return to learning with a clearer mindset. And the best part? Setting one up is easier than you think—with just a few intentional tools, you can transform even a small classroom nook into a calming oasis.

💡 Why Every Classroom Needs a Calm Down Corner

A Calm Down Corner isn’t a punishment—it’s a proactive strategy that supports emotional regulation and self-awareness. When students have a go-to space where they can reset, you’ll see:

  • Fewer disruptions
  • Shorter recovery times
  • Better long-term self-regulation

Plus, you’re modeling what it looks like to respond to big emotions rather than react—a powerful SEL lesson in itself.

🧺 What to Include in Your Calm Down Corner

Here are my must-have tools for creating a calming, functional space that works for young learners.

1. ✨ Soothing Sensory Lighting

💡 Try This: HEXlight Sensory Lights – 20% Off

Harsh overhead lighting doesn’t exactly say “relax.” These bestselling lights create a soft, ambient glow that instantly shifts the mood. Easy to set up and especially perfect for calm down spaces.

2. 🪴 Indoor Plants + Gentle Grow Light

💡 Try This: Zekoled 7-Tier Plant Stand with Built-In Grow Lights

The crescent shape of this plant stand makes a visual statement, and the full-spectrum lights keep your greenery happy. Plants bring calm, improve air quality, and offer a soft focus for students who need to reset.

3. 🧩 Hands-On Tools for Emotional Reset

🧠 Try These:

Some students need to move their hands while their minds settle. These quiet tools encourage problem-solving, creativity, and independence—all while promoting calm.

4. 📂 Organization for Tools + Strategy Cards

📁 Try This: JZW Color File Folders – Set of 5

I use these color folders to organize printed SEL tools by theme—breathing, movement, reflection, and more.

📥 Get My SEL Strategy Cards:
Download on TPT – Printable SEL Strategy Cards for K–3

🧘‍♀️ How to Introduce the Calm Down Corner to Students

A calm corner only works if students know:

  • When to use it
  • How to use it
  • That it’s not a punishment

Start by modeling its use during class meetings or SEL lessons. Practice when students are calm, not in the middle of a meltdown. Reinforce that this is a tool, not a time-out.

🌈 Final Thoughts

You don’t need a giant budget or a Pinterest-perfect setup to build a powerful calm down space. A few intentional choices—and the right tools—go a long way in helping students build emotional awareness and regulation skills.

👉 Shop All My Calm Down Corner Favorites on Amazon
Or grab the printable strategy cards here to get started right away.

📌 Pin This Post for Later!

Want to set up a calm down corner in your classroom that actually works? These teacher-tested Amazon finds—including soothing lights, plants, emotional reset tools, and a printable SEL card deck—make it simple. Save this post and grab what you need! #SEL #CalmDownCorner #AmazonTeacherFinds

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8 Powerful SEL Picture Books to Use in Your Elementary Classroom + Grab Your Freebie Reflection Form

Social-emotional learning (SEL) plays a critical role in helping students navigate emotions, build relationships, and grow into compassionate individuals. One of the most powerful ways to introduce SEL concepts in an elementary classroom is through picture books.

Here are eight impactful SEL read-alouds, complete with themes and lesson ideas, that can spark meaningful conversations with your students. After reading, put some of these reading reflection forms in your calm down corner. Students can use them to implement SEL skills into their daily life and routine.

1. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

Theme: Inclusion, empathy, kindness
This heartwarming story follows Brian, a quiet boy who often feels invisible until a new student shows him kindness.
Classroom Idea: Create a class discussion around “invisible” moments and how small acts of inclusion can make a big difference.

2. Don’t Think About Purple Elephants by Susan Whelan

Theme: Anxiety, calming strategies
A story about a girl whose worries come at night, until her mother offers an imaginative way to cope.
Classroom Idea: Teach students how to redirect worry thoughts by imagining something silly or comforting.

3. My Magic Breath by Nick Ortner & Alison Taylor

Theme: Mindfulness, breathing techniques
This interactive book encourages kids to use their breath to manage feelings and calm down.
Classroom Idea: Introduce this during morning meetings or before tests as a mindfulness routine.

Art connection: Make a class book where students draw their own “magic breath”- put it in the calm down corner for students to look at when needing a minute to calm down.

4. Enemy Pie by Derek Munson

Theme: Friendship, conflict resolution
A clever dad helps his son turn an “enemy” into a friend using a secret recipe—Enemy Pie.
Classroom Idea: Have students write a recipe for friendship or role-play conflict resolution strategies.

5. After the Fall by Dan Santat

Theme: Resilience, overcoming fear
Find out what happens to Humpty Dumpty after his great fall—an inspiring tale of bravery and perseverance.
Classroom Idea: Connect this book to growth mindset lessons or journal about a time students overcame fear.

6. Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

Theme: Gratitude, needs vs. wants
Jeremy wants trendy shoes like his classmates, but ultimately discovers kindness and generosity are more important.
Classroom Idea: Use this to open discussions about empathy, giving, and recognizing privilege.

7. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

Theme: Regret, kindness, missed opportunities
This powerful book shows how one girl’s missed chance to be kind stays with her.
Classroom Idea: Reflect on the ripple effect of kindness with writing prompts or class challenges.

8. The Bad Seed by Jory John

Theme: Behavior, self-perception, change
A funny but touching story about a seed who believes he’s “bad,” and how he chooses to change.
Classroom Idea: Use it to discuss labeling, growth, and making positive choices every day.

📘 Make SEL Meaningful with Read-Alouds

These picture books offer more than just stories—they open the door to deeper conversations, reflection, and classroom community building. Whether you’re doing morning meetings or SEL mini-lessons, these titles fit naturally into your routine.

🔗 Amazon Affiliate Links

Want to grab these books for your classroom? Check them out here:

After reading: Use this reading reflection sheet. Students can respond and reflect on the books you use in the classroom to help teach those important SEL skills.

Grab Your Free Copy!

Do you have any great picture books that you use to teach SEL strategies in your classroom? Share them with us- we always love to see what other teachers are doing in their classrooms.