Lions Quest SEL Kernels
Short in Time – Big in Impact
Lions Quest SEL Kernels are 15-minute mini-lessons, first developed by Harvard University’s Ecological Approaches to Social Emotional Learning (EASEL) Laboratory. These short, adaptable lessons are designed to be easy to implement across different age groups, settings, and student needs.
For example:
- Managing Emotions and Behavior: A teacher might use a deep-breathing exercise to help students calm down and regain focus.
Cultivating Relationship Skills: Students could act out positive traits they see in their friends and discuss why these traits are valuable.
- Promoting Prosocial Behavior and Conflict Resolution: Children can practice controlling their responses when they don’t get what they want, helping them develop patience and empathy.
When used consistently, these kernels can significantly boost both social adjustment and academic achievement.
Key Benefits:
- High Impact in Less Time: These targeted SEL Kernels deliver substantial benefits with minimal time investment, making them ideal for schools and out-of-school programs seeking quick and effective SEL support.
- Reinforcement of Core Lessons: Classroom teachers can use these kernels to reinforce and extend core SEL concepts, integrating them into daily routines.
- Versatile Application: Kernels can be used in classrooms, afterschool programs, early learning settings, and even at home to provide consistent SEL support.
- Alignment with MTSS: School counselors can use these kernels to align their counseling programs with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), offering Tier 1 support through classroom instruction and Tier 2 interventions like small group and individual counseling.
By integrating these brief but impactful lessons, educators and counselors can effectively support students’ social and emotional development in various educational settings.