Teach SEL through Teleporting Videos!

Imagine being able to teleport out of a tough situation, get advice or help from someone you trust, and return with the tools to resolve it. Sounds like something from a sci-fi movie, right? For 5th and 6th-grade students, this concept can come to life through this fun and creative lesson blending video creation with social-emotional learning (SEL).

Let's look at how you can use the magic of video editing to teach SEL competencies like self-awareness, self-management, and relationship skills, all while empowering students to think creatively and collaboratively.

Why Combine SEL and Technology?

SEL is essential for helping students navigate challenges, communicate effectively, and make thoughtful decisions. By integrating SEL with video creation, we give students the chance to collaborate and build confidence, while they role-play and practice these skills in a way that feels exciting and engaging. Adding technology, like these fun, simple video effects, transforms abstract concepts into tangible, memorable experiences, and gives students some video skills many of them are yearning for!

Undercover Learning

As an added bonus, they can even learn without even really noticing! You can add in the challenge of creating the video for younger students. That way, your students will take their role seriously, knowing they've got a real audience in mind, and when they're finished, you can share the videos with younger classes, making special in-builiding resources and fostering relationships between younger and older students. I call this undercover learning! They won't even realize how much they were learning! :)

The Lesson Plan: Teleporting to Solutions

Grade Level: 5th and 6th Grade

Duration: 2 hours (split into multiple sessions as needed)

Objective:

Students will role-play challenging situations and use the metaphor of teleportation to practice seeking help, managing emotions, and resolving conflicts.

Materials Needed:

• iPads with Camera and iMovie or Clips

• Props for role-play (optional) - Maybe include a hat or button they press to teleport!

• Pre-written prompts for group scenarios

Lesson Breakdown

1. Warm-Up: Recognizing Emotions and Coping Strategies (15 minutes)

Begin by discussing tough situations students might face in school or at home. Ask:

• “What makes these moments so difficult?”

• “What are some positive ways to handle them?”

Introduce teleportation as a metaphor for stepping away, gaining perspective, or seeking help. Create a class list of coping strategies, such as talking to a trusted adult, deep breathing, or brainstorming solutions with friends.

2. Group Work: Role-Playing Scenarios (10 minutes)

Divide students into small groups and assign each group a scenario (see examples below). Each scenario centers on a common challenge and requires students to act out teleporting for support before returning to solve the problem.

3. Planning and Storyboarding (20 minutes)

Groups brainstorm and plan their video. They divide their story into three parts:

1. Set up the challenging situation.

2. Teleport to a trusted peer or adult for advice.

3. Return and resolve the situation using the advice.

Encourage creativity! For example, students can use costumes, props, or exaggerated acting to make their videos more engaging.

4. Introducing Teleportation Tips and Tricks (30 minutes)

Introduce the Create Editing Effects lesson in the Everyone Can Create series and give students a little time to practice using simple video effects to simulate teleportation, by making a character disappear and reappear, perfect for this SEL lesson! Apps like iMovie or Clips make it easy to level up the teleportation fun with jump cuts or fade transitions that visually show characters disappearing and reappearing.

5. Filming and editing the videos (30 minutes)

Students act out and record their scenarios. Don't be afraid to give them some time limitations. Remind them that it can either be perfect or done, but not both! :)

5. Sharing and Reflection (15 minutes)

Groups present their videos to the class. After each video, lead a discussion:

• “What emotions were shown in the video?”

• “What strategy did the character use to solve the problem?”

• “How could you use this strategy in your own life?”

Scenario Ideas for SEL Role-Play

• Scenario 1: Dealing with Peer Conflict
• You and a friend are arguing during a group project because you both have different ideas. The argument escalates, and no one is listening. You teleport to a teacher to get advice on calming down and finding a compromise.

• Scenario 2: Overcoming Test Anxiety
• You feel overwhelmed before a big math test and can’t focus. You teleport to a friend who teaches you a simple breathing exercise to manage your stress.

• Scenario 3: Standing Up to Bullying
• You see someone being teased in the hallway but aren’t sure what to do. You teleport to the school counselor for advice on standing up for others and reporting the incident.

• Scenario 4: Managing Frustration During a Game
• During gym class, you make a mistake in a team game, and a teammate gets upset. Frustrated and embarrassed, you teleport to a coach to learn how to stay calm and encourage teamwork.

• Scenario 5: Asking for Help with Homework
• You’re stuck on a tough homework problem and feel like giving up. You teleport to a sibling or parent who explains the concept in a new way, giving you the confidence to finish the assignment.

Why This Lesson Works

• It’s Relatable: Students role-play real situations they face, making the skills feel relevant.
• It’s Creative: The teleportation metaphor and video effects make problem-solving fun.
• It’s Collaborative: Group work encourages teamwork, communication, and empathy.
• It Builds SEL Competencies: Students practice managing emotions, seeking help, and resolving conflicts in a safe, supportive environment.

CASEL SEL Competencies Addressed

• Self-Awareness: Students identify their own emotions during challenging situations and recognize how these emotions influence their actions and decisions.
• Self-Management: Students practice regulating their emotions by using coping strategies, such as deep breathing or seeking support, and learn how to manage stress effectively.
• Social Awareness: Students develop empathy by stepping into others’ shoes, considering the perspectives of trusted adults or peers who offer advice during their scenarios.
• Relationship Skills: Through collaborative role-playing and video creation, students enhance their ability to work in teams, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts constructively.
• Responsible Decision-Making: Students apply critical thinking to evaluate options, seek help, and make thoughtful decisions to resolve the problems presented in their scenarios.

Final Thoughts

This lesson combines the best of SEL and technology, helping students build life skills while having a blast with video creation. By acting out scenarios, teleporting to solutions, and reflecting on their experiences, students gain practical strategies for handling tough situations in real life.

Would you try this in your classroom? What other creative ways do you teach SEL? Let’s keep the conversation going!