Emotional Well-Being
Find resources for balance and well-being. Build inner strength, navigate difficult feelings, and get support with this collection of videos, games, books, and more.
Resources for Grades 6–8

Activity
grades 3–12
Five Minutes to Focus
Print and shuffle these cards featuring seven exercies for the mind. Pull one out each day to center yourself and let go of stresses.
Video
grades 6–12
Compton Cowboys
Sit down with two of the Compton Cowboys and learn about how their community of riders reimagines life, culture, and kinship in South Los Angeles.
Video
grades 1–12
Yoga for the Heart
Take some time to focus on how your feeling and do something for yourself with the help of this beginner-friendly yoga video.
Activity
Preschool–grade 12
Bask in the Glow
It can be hard to get enough sunlight in winter, which can make people feel depressed. Make sure to get outside on sunny days and soak up some of those rays!
Activity
Preschool–grade 12
Pass the Appreciation
Gather the family in a circle. Grab a ball or a pillow, toss it to someone, and say something you appreciate about them. Keep it going!
Video
grades K–8
Visit an Animal Shelter
Visit this animal shelter in Sacramento, California, and find out how pets are taken care of before they get adopted and find a new home.
Activity
grades 6–12
Setting Some Goals
What are some goals you want to set for yourself? What steps can you take to reach them? Post them, and adjust along the way!

Lesson
grades 4–12
Letters of Gratitude to Essential Workers
Write a meaningful letter of thanks to essential workers that returns their acts of service and kindness.
Activity
grades 3–12
Thankful Pictures
During the week, take pictures of things you're thankful for. Then combine them into a slideshow, collage, or other collection to revisit and add to.

Worksheet
grades 6–12
What Matters
Print out these cards that each represent different values. Use the activities to reflect on which values matter most to you and then express why.
Activity
Preschool–grade 12
Gratitude Jar
Decorate a gratitude jar. When you feel grateful, write or draw the reason on a paper and put it in the jar. Read the results each week.
Video
grades 5–9
Why Be Grateful?
Watch this video to find out why being grateful makes us happier. Then take a minute to focus on the things you're thankful for.

Activity
grades 3–12
Five Minutes to Focus
Print and shuffle these cards featuring seven exercies for the mind. Pull one out each day to center yourself and let go of stresses.
Activity
Preschool–grade 12
Bask in the Glow
It can be hard to get enough sunlight in winter, which can make people feel depressed. Make sure to get outside on sunny days and soak up some of those rays!
Activity
Preschool–grade 12
Pass the Appreciation
Gather the family in a circle. Grab a ball or a pillow, toss it to someone, and say something you appreciate about them. Keep it going!
Activity
grades 6–12
Setting Some Goals
What are some goals you want to set for yourself? What steps can you take to reach them? Post them, and adjust along the way!
Activity
grades 3–12
Thankful Pictures
During the week, take pictures of things you're thankful for. Then combine them into a slideshow, collage, or other collection to revisit and add to.
Activity
Preschool–grade 12
Gratitude Jar
Decorate a gratitude jar. When you feel grateful, write or draw the reason on a paper and put it in the jar. Read the results each week.
Activity
grades 6–12
Call an Elder
Call a grandparent, a neighbor, or a friend of the family to check in on them and make their day. Maybe tell them a joke!

Activity
grades 6–12
Reflecting on What We Have
What are you grateful for? Use a journal to write down the things—big and small—that are going well in your life.

Activity
Preschool–grade 12
Self-Appreciation
Write about or draw pictures of things you appreciate about yourself. What are some reasons you're grateful you're you?
Activity
grades 2–12
Thinking About Traditions
Write down your family traditions, whether they're for holidays, birthdays, or other special reasons. Are there new traditions you'd like to create?
Activity
grades 3–12
What Can You Give?
Make a list of things you can gift, like stuff, money, skills, time, or love. Figure out who or what to give those things to.
Activity
Preschool–grade 12
Community Gift Box
Decorate a large cardboard box. Use it to store gifts for local charities. Put in toys to donate, food to give away, and more!

Article/Ebook
grades 5–6
In It Together
Read about efforts in four countries to keep people healthy during the pandemic. What can you do to help lift people's spirits?

Article/Ebook
Preschool–grade 12
We All Teach SEL: Inspiring Activities for Every Classroom
Eleven-part article series offers quick, practical tips and tools for integrating SEL into any classroom.

Article/Ebook
grades 3–12
Appreciating the Small Things
Thinking about your mother or another caregiver, identify some of the everyday ways that person shows you love. Show your appreciation with a note or hug.

Article/Ebook
grades 6–8
Responding to Coronavirus Racism
Explore tips on speaking out against racism and hate speech, whether it's related to the coronavirus or anything else.

Article/Ebook
grades 3–8
Random Acts of Kindness Bring Joy During Coronavirus Outbreak
Read the article and discuss what random acts of kindness you can offer to your community.

Article/Ebook
grades 8–10
Self-Care
Read this article to learn some coping strategies for our anxiety-inducing times. Afterward, work through the supporting questions.

Article/Ebook
Preschool–grade 12
Emotional Intelligence Apps and Games
Top-notch apps and games will help students with everything from anger management to emotional identification to meditation.

Audio
grades 5–12
George
Listen to this tender tale about a transgender girl in the fourth grade. Free on Hoopla with a library card.

Audio
grades 5–9
The Land of Forgotten Girls
Listen to this heartbreaking story about the struggles of two sisters from the Philippines who move to Louisiana. Free on Hoopla with a library card.

Audio
grades 3–6
Hello, Universe
Listen to this charming tale involving four kids, Filipino folk tales, and bravery. Free on Hoopla with a library card.

Audio
grades 4–8
The Thing About Luck
Listen to the sweet tale of a migrant worker girl who must face big responsibilities. Free on Hoopla with a library card.

Audio
grades 3–6
Listen, Slowly
Put on this audiobook about a girl's trip to Vietnam, where she learns about her family's past. Free on Hoopla with a library card.

Audio
grades 8–12
Simon vs. the Homo Sapien Agenda
Enjoy this sweet tale of a gay high school boy that was turned into the hit movie Love, Simon. Free on Hoopla with a library card.

Audio
grades 6–12
A Long Walk to Water
Dive into this gripping story of an 11-year-old boy in Sudan during the civil war, based on a true story. Free on Hoopla with a library card.

Audio
grades 6–12
Curses Into Blessings
Listen to a student's reflection on lockdown. Even though things are tough, what's something you can do to make the best of it?

Interactive
grades 5–8
Quandary
Play this sci-fi game that will stretch your skills in critical thinking, taking another perspective, and decision-making.

Interactive
grades 5–8
Hall of Heroes
Wonderful and fun social-interaction game teaches cooperation and friendship skills needed for middle school and beyond.

Lesson
grades 4–12
Letters of Gratitude to Essential Workers
Write a meaningful letter of thanks to essential workers that returns their acts of service and kindness.

Lesson
grades 6–10
Your Social Identity
Read up on the concept of social identity, then apply it to your own life. What social identities do you have? Draw and describe them.
Video
grades 6–12
Compton Cowboys
Sit down with two of the Compton Cowboys and learn about how their community of riders reimagines life, culture, and kinship in South Los Angeles.
Video
grades 1–12
Yoga for the Heart
Take some time to focus on how your feeling and do something for yourself with the help of this beginner-friendly yoga video.
Video
grades K–8
Visit an Animal Shelter
Visit this animal shelter in Sacramento, California, and find out how pets are taken care of before they get adopted and find a new home.
Video
grades 5–9
Why Be Grateful?
Watch this video to find out why being grateful makes us happier. Then take a minute to focus on the things you're thankful for.
Video
grades 6–12
Breathe in the Music
Learn and practice this simple meditative exercise guided by composer Chad Lawson and his piano.
Video
grades 1–12
Yoga for the Mind
Clear your mind and re-charge your body with some meditative yoga great for beginners or even seasoned vets.

Video
grades 6–8
How to Boost Your Self-Confidence
Learn and practice these three confidence-boosting tips that'll help you tackle challenges and face the world with resolve.

Video
grades 7–9
The Pressure to Stay Connected
Hear what other teens have to say about how digital media has them feeling "hooked." Do you feel the same way? How might you manage your use?


Video
grades 6–8
Friendships and Social Media
Consider how social media affects your friendships. In what ways does social media help, hinder, or just complicate our connections and communications with friends?

Video
Preschool–grade 12
Grand Canyon Trek
Chill out on this awe-inspiring (and long!) Grand Canyon hike featuring great footage and vibes. If you're up for it, walk along with the video!

Video
grades 6–12
Perspectives on Race
Recognize how our understanding of race affects people in different ways, and hear personal perspectives from a handful of Flocabulary's rappers.

Video
grades 8–12
Lost Boys of Sudan
Watch this sensitive, powerful documentary about two boys displaced by Sudan's civil war learning to live in America.

Website/App
grades 6–12
Inspiration, Passion, and Perseverance
Explore some careers by watching these video interviews. Take a few minutes to write about or draw something that inspired you.

Website/App
grades 3–8
Meditation for Kids
Guided meditations and mindfulness games designed to help kids calm themselves, focus, practice kindness, fall asleep, and wake up.

Website/App
grades 8–12
Personalize Some Support
Use the multiple tools in this app to relax and focus on some of the positive, inspirational things in your personal life.

Website/App
grades 6–12
Mental Health Adventure
Go on a virtual adventure to learn meditation techniques, and hear about how other young people cope with stress and loss.

Website/App
grades 8–12
Important First-Person Perspective
Use this app to better understand the experiences of a young refugee who fled to Malaysia from Myanmar. Note: Some disturbing content.

Website/App
grades 5–12
Cool Crowdsourced Collection
Journey through these videos and photos to get a sense of the people, places, and nature around the world. Then submit your own content!

Website/App
grades 5–12
Outwit Your Friends
Play this trivia bluffing game with the whole family or connect with others over video chat.

Website/App
grades 8–12
Share Your Knowledge
Think of something you know and read a lot about. Use Hypothes.is' annotation tool to add your insight to something you've read.

Worksheet
grades 6–12
What Matters
Print out these cards that each represent different values. Use the activities to reflect on which values matter most to you and then express why.

Worksheet
grades 6–12
My Stories of Failure and Success
Learn from your own experiences by reflecting on a past success and failure. What happened? And what did you learn?

Worksheet
grades 6–12
What Do You Value?
What is important to you? Think about what matters to you and write about why those values are important.

Worksheet
grades 3–8
What Can I Say Instead?
Complete this worksheet to rethink and reframe the things you say when struggling. Do you think changing the way you speak shapes your thinking?

Worksheet
grades 6–12
Reflect and Create a Plan
Use this planner to reflect on your learning experiences and figure out a productive and positive path forward.