Feelings scale showing a girl angry with her hands on her head, a teenage boy with his head in his hand, a girl with a faint smile looking out into the distance, a young man wearing headphones and smiling, and a toddler with a happy grin.

Feelings First: Social Emotional Learning Tools for Every Learner

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) helps students build the skills to understand their feelings, connect with others, and navigate challenges with confidence. For students with autism and other developmental disabilities, SEL is especially powerful—it creates opportunities to practice communication, develop friendships, and build self-advocacy skills in ways that celebrate their strengths. By fostering empathy, resilience, and a sense of belonging, SEL supports not only academic growth, but also lifelong well-being. Below, you’ll find a collection of resources designed to make SEL more accessible, meaningful, and fun for all learners.

How Do You Feel? Board

Learning to recognize and name emotions is an important part of social-emotional growth. When students can identify how they’re feeling, they’re better able to manage emotions, build stronger relationships, and succeed in and out of the classroom.

This simple check-in tool is a great way to start conversations:
👉 “How am I feeling today?”
👉 “What can I do if I’m not feeling my best?”

DOWNLOAD The How Do You Feel? Board

Visual Support titled "How do you Feel?" with three depictions of feelings: red sad face, yellow neutral face, and green happy face.

Self-Management

Having students set a goal for SEL using a goal sheet provides them with a structured way to practice coping strategies and strengthen their self-management skills.

This simple goal sheet can help students:

Identify the coping strategy that works best for them
Track their progress and recognize when their goal has been met.

DOWNLOAD The Self-Management Coping Guide

Self-Management. Model coping strategies and organization in your classroom. What is my goal? Which coping skill will I use? Breathing Rainbow, Count to 10, Smell the Flower, or Blow out the candle. What steps do I need to take to reach my goal? How will I know when I have reached my goal?

Agree/Disagree Script

Understanding and navigating social interactions can be challenging for many students, but small tools can make a big difference. The “Agree/Disagree” Script is designed to help students recognize perspectives, express opinions respectfully, and engage in conversations.

With simple, visual prompts like:

“I agree with you.”
“I don’t agree with you.”
“Can you explain why?”

DOWNLOAD The Agree/Disagree Script

Two illustrations depciting wither "I agree with you" or "I don't agree with you"

AHA+ Apology Form

An AHA+ Apology Form is a kid-friendly tool to help students reflect, take responsibility, and make a positive plan moving forward.

With checkboxes, simple prompts, and space to write or draw, this form makes it easier for students to practice meaningful apologies while building empathy and accountability.

Download your copy today and start turning “oops” moments into “aha” moments!

DOWNLOAD The AHA+ Apology Form

My AHA+ Apology Form with the following questions: 1) What did I do? 2) How did it affect others? 3) I am sorry for: 4) Next time I will:

Human Development Center

LASARD

Feelings First: Social Emotional Learning Tools for Every Learner

How Do You Feel? Board

Self-Management

Agree/Disagree Script

AHA+ Apology Form