Ignite meaningful action that lights up the world through "Service Sparks" youth projects! Young people explore the idea that beauty is defined by the things that make us unique, resilient, powerful, and thoughtful of others. Collect many ideas together and share a message of empowerment to impact the culture of negative body image.
Parents, children, and educators will recognize how young people feel when they are pressured to meet milestones and be like other people. This simple story about dragons and knights helps us talk with children about the gifts of people who are differently abled. The humor and exaggeration...
This is the true story of a man who stayed behind in his community when war struck his Middle Eastern country of Syria. While bombs fall and everyone else seeks safety, we see his commitment to maintaining the home and community he loves. When most of his neighbors left to find safety, he...
In this book, we learn the true story of Malala Yousafzai, a Pashtun Muslim girl living in Pakistan who was shot for daring to be a girl demanding an education. Malala survived and decided to speak up for human rights and the right to universal childhood education. Her path inspires others...
In this book, Lubna arrives as a refugee in a tent city after escaping an unknown place in the Middle East with her father. She faces confusion and loneliness while missing her family. Lubna finds comfort in talking to a pebble until she meets another friend. Her generosity when she finds a...
In “We Came to America,” Faith Ringgold reminds us that America is made up of diverse groups from all over the world. She highlights Indigenous Americans who were here before others, as well as enslaved Africans who did not immigrate but were forced to come to America. Other groups came from...
After a meaningful session or day together, a reflective writing prompt can help young people internalize, sort, or articulate their thoughts and feelings. A great tool for SEL and personal reflection, exit tickets provide a prompt to bring thoughts to a close before moving out the door. Designed to be handed to the facilitator as a "ticket" out the door, they may also be kept private if someone doesn't want to share their thoughts in the moment.
One of the most effective ways to support youth social emotional growth is with regular check-ins. Use ice breakers to give youth a chance to listen, talk, reflect, build empathy, and discuss critical thinking and issues. The following conversation prompts are organized by the SEL categories and the type of engagement they bring out.
In this book, Julian imagines himself becomming a mermaid after he sees some women dressed up beautifully in mermaid costumes. When he gets home, he dresses up as a mermaid, and at first his Abuela seems angry at him. Abuela loves Julian deeply and cares more about him than about what people...
Courageous Conversations about social justice are an Everyday SEL practice. These prompts can be used to facilitate conversations that aim to build empathy and connection by inviting participants to speak and listen from the heart. Courageous Conversations take place after a stimulus, such as a video or image, is introduced. A stimulus is used to build background and stimulate thinking and discussion.