Words to Live By: Lessons & Learning Objectives

Common Language | Getting Started | Social Emotional Learning

Words to Live By are the ABC’s of social emotional learning and provide a shared common language that’s fun, easy to understand, and helps create teachable moments wherever you are. It gives adults the language to support children and for kids, it gives them the words and skills to help them be the best version of themselves.

There are ten essential lessons embedded in Words to Live By—two lessons for each of the five core competencies. Each lesson has a learning objective that indicates whether a child has mastery over the lesson. Below, you’ll see which competency is associated with the Words, along with the lesson and learning objective for each.

Competency

Self-Awareness

Self-Management

Responsible Decision-Making

Social Awareness

Relationship Skills

Words to Live By

I Love and accept who I am on the inside...

...and know my emotions are nothing to hide.

Life's full of surprises that make me feel different ways.

If I can control myself I'll have much better days.

I understand the choices I make should be what's best for me to do...

...and what happens is on me and not any of you.

I understand others are unique. I want to learn more about everyone I meet.

I want to step into their shoes and see what they are going through.

I am a friend. I support and trust. Working together is a must.

Kind and caring I will be. I listen to you. You listen to me.

Essential Lesson

Love and accept who you are

Share your emotions

Understand that life is full of surprises and different feelings

Learn to control yourself

Make choices that are best for you

What happens as a result of your choices is on you and no one else

Others are unique and it's important to learn more about them

Step into the shoes of others to see how they feel

Be a friend who supports and trusts others

Work together by being kind, caring, and listening

Learning Objective

Kids will claim and value personal strengths and weaknesses, and individuality.

Kids will understand that there is a wide range of emotion within the human experience. They will develop a vocabulary that demonstrates their understanding of this range.

Kids will understand the dynamic that can cause an emotional hijacking.

Kids will understand the dynamic between thoughts, feelings, and actions and this understanding assists in managing impulses.

Kids will learn how to brainstorm alternative actions and predict consequences before choosing the action they will take.

Kids will understand their responsibility for positive and negative outcomes.

Kids will learn the many ways in which people can differ and how spending time with different people can have a positive effect.

Kids will learn skills to understand the emotional state of others.

Kids will understand the importance of positive feedback and learn how to give it appropriately. They will learn to make supportive, rather than critical suggestions.

Kids will work in teams to recognize the value of each individual's contribution as well as the benefits of teamwork.

Download Words to Live By Curriculum At a Glance

Featured Resources

The Power of A Common Language

Learn how a common language helps build the foundation for a positive climate and sets expectations within a school, classroom, or program community.

20 Discussion Starters & Activities

Use this collection to teach all five social emotional learning competencies and all ten of the essential lessons of Words to Live By at your own pace.