Advisory or homeroom time is a valuable opportunity to support and foster social-emotional learning (SEL) skills in students. By incorporating fun and engaging activities into these periods, educators can help students develop important skills such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship skills. Here are 12 fun ways to build SEL skills during advisory or homeroom:

1. Mindful Minute: Start each advisory or homeroom session with a mindful minute. Guide students through a short mindfulness exercise, helping them focus on their breathing and cultivate a sense of calm and relaxation.

2. Team Building Games: Engage students in team-building games and activities that promote collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. Activities such as “Human Knot” or “Marshmallow Tower Challenge” can encourage students to work together and build strong relationships.
3. Gratitude Journal: Have students maintain a gratitude journal during advisory or homeroom time. Encourage them to write down three things they are grateful for each day. This practice helps cultivate a positive mindset and develops an appreciation for the little things in life.
4. Emotion Check-In: Create a safe space for students to express their emotions. Use a mood meter or emotion wheel to facilitate discussions about different emotions and provide strategies for managing them effectively.
5. Random Acts of Kindness: Dedicate one advisory or homeroom session to performing random acts of kindness. Encourage students to complete acts of kindness for their peers, teachers, or members of the community. Document and share the acts to inspire others.
6. Role-Playing Scenarios: Use role-playing activities to help students practice and develop effective communication and conflict-resolution skills. Create scenarios that require students to navigate challenging situations and find collaborative solutions.
7. Collaborative Art Projects: Engage students in collaborative art projects that promote teamwork and creativity. Assign groups or pairs to work on a collective artwork or mural, encouraging them to communicate, compromise, and celebrate their individual contributions.
8. Circle Time: Implement circle time sessions where students can openly discuss and share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This helps build trust and supportive relationships within the advisory or homeroom group.
9. Goal Setting: Guide students in setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) during advisory or homeroom time. Support them in developing action plans and provide ongoing encouragement and accountability.
10. SEL Literature Circle: Create a literature circle focused on SEL-themed books. Choose books that explore topics like empathy, resilience, or personal growth. Engage students in meaningful discussions and reflections on these themes.
11. Community Service Projects: Plan and organize community service projects during advisory or homeroom time. Involve students in activities that benefit the broader community, such as volunteering at local shelters or organizing food drives.
12. Mindfulness Walks: Take students on mindfulness walks outside the school building. Encourage them to pay attention to their surroundings, notice their senses, and practice being fully present in the moment.

By incorporating these 12 fun ways to build SEL skills during advisory or homeroom time, educators can create an environment that fosters social-emotional growth and development in students. These activities not only support students’ well-being but also equip them with essential skills for success in school and beyond.