By Noelle Gutierrez

I recently collaborated with teachers on station rotation lessons, and a few asked how I have incorporated social-emotional learning into the stations I’ve developed.  Teachers can include various SEL activities in their stations that focus on the CASEL Framework‘s five competencies, and Catlin provides several strategies for each of the five competencies in her Social-Emotional Learning Series: Cultivating Skills All Students Need to Thrive.

I shared with the teachers that while working as an instructional coach, I developed several stations focused on self-awareness and self-management, specifically identifying one’s emotions and using self-management techniques.  For a catchy title, I called this the “relaxation station,” and it turned out to be a favorite station for both students and teachers alike. 

Relaxation Station Playlist 

Creating a relaxation playlist for students to work through at a station in a rotation does not require significant preparation but positively impacts students.  

Using a three-part mini-playlist, students begin with a breathing or body scan exercise. Teachers can find videos on YouTube for these exercises. When designing a 15 to 20-minute station rotation for secondary students, I found videos around five-minutes helpful and good for the first task.

After completing the breathing or body scan exercise, students spend time reflecting. Student agency is a key pillar of blended learning, so teachers should offer choices during this activity. Students can express their thoughts through writing, drawing, concept mapping, or recording an audio track. Teachers can also provide a variety of sentence prompts to guide their journaling or invite students to listen to soothing music or background sounds to help them block out classroom noise while they reflect.

For the final task in the playlist, students complete a mindfulness reflection about their experience at the station. Possible questions include:

  • How did you feel before starting the station rotation playlist?
  • How do you feel after completing the station rotation playlist?
  • What activity from the playlist did you find most beneficial?
  • What are three to five words that summarize what you’ve journaled?
  • What other mindfulness or relaxation activities would you like me to include on future station rotation playlists?

For secondary students, it is best practice not to ask them to share their journaling but to summarize it in a few words.  It is also helpful to ask them at the end of the reflection if they need to share anything with you. Some will use this as an opportunity to express some of their struggles, and as a teacher, you will want to follow up with them or ask them if they would like to speak to a counselor or wellness coach on campus. 

An Example from Middle School

I co-created a relaxation station playlist with Mrs. Brianna Carrick for her 8th-grade science classes. Although she regularly uses station rotation, this was the first time her students experienced a relaxation station.

After her last class, Mrs. Carrick couldn’t wait to tell me how much her students enjoyed the relaxation station playlist and that they asked for more activities. Here are some responses to two of the survey questions. 

Relaxation Station Choice Board

Another way to promote self-awareness and self-management is by providing students with a relaxation station rotation choice board. This station offers students agency by allowing them to participate in mindfulness activities such as mindful breathing, journaling, doodling, body scans, and stretching. Students can choose to do one activity for 15 minutes or two activities for about seven minutes each.  Teachers can provide anywhere from three to six choices on the choice board.

Additional Tips

  • Offer calming music and headphones to students during this station to help minimize distractions.
  • Allow for flexible seating during this station. Some students may want to work at a desk, while others may want to sit on the floor.  
  • Adapt the playlist or choice board to suit your students’ needs and ensure it aligns with their grade level. If you need help modifying it, ask an AI chatbot for help.

Wrap Up 

An SEL station, such as a “relaxation station,” is valuable because it helps students reduce stress and improve focus, creating a calmer, more engaged learning environment. It encourages self-awareness, allowing students to better understand and manage their emotions. By promoting a sense of calm and well-being, students can reset between academic tasks, making them more ready to learn. This balanced approach not only benefits students but also supports classroom management and smoother transitions.

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