More SEL Books & Videos

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In a previous post, we listed our top short films and videos that teach and promote SEL, Social and Emotional Learning.

Social and emotional learning (SEL) refers to the process of developing skills related to emotional intelligence, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy. We’d like to add a few more given comments of readers on social media. So, here are some additional “great” short books or videos that can be used to promote social and emotional learning.

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is important for students because it helps them develop skills that are essential for success in school and in life. These skills include self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Having strong SEL skills can help students:

Manage their emotions and behaviors: Students who are able to regulate their emotions and behaviors are better able to focus on their work, make good decisions, and maintain positive relationships with others.
Communicate and cooperate with others: Students who have strong relationship skills are better able to communicate effectively with their peers and work cooperatively in groups.
Make responsible decisions: Students who are able to make responsible decisions are more likely to succeed in school and in their future careers.
Develop empathy and understanding: Students who have empathy and understanding for others are more likely to have positive relationships and to be successful in their personal and professional lives.

Overall, SEL skills are important because they help students build the foundation they need to succeed in school and in life.

Short Books For Social And Emotional Learning

“The Crayon Box That Talked” is a short film about a crayon box that teaches children about the importance of diversity and inclusion.
“The Dot” is a beautiful story about a girl named Vashti who learns to embrace her creativity and self-expression. Bring the artist out in your students.
The Girl Who Hated Books is an award-winning book about a girl who learns to love reading.
“The Most Magnificent Thing” is a short book about a girl who learns the importance of perseverance and the value of making mistakes.
“The Invisible String” is a short film about the emotional connections that exist between people, even when they are physically apart.
“The Giving Tree” is a picture book about a tree that teaches children about the importance of giving and selflessness.
“The Color Monster” is a book about a monster who learns to understand and manage his emotions.
“The Power of Yet” is a short song about the importance of resilience and the need to develop a growth mindset.

These books and video read-alouds can be used as part of a lesson on social and emotional learning, or as a starting point for discussions about related topics. The important thing is to develop student awareness of this important feature of human development.

curriculum list reading sel teaching

1 Comment

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October 9, 2026 2:57 pm

Pairing The Color Monster with “the value of making mistakes” in The Most Magnificent Thing could help students discuss frustration before trying again. For context, I’m one of the people behind Invosmith’s payment receipt page, which offers templates and six filled examples.