Kikori April Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Calendar
- Kikori App - Kendra Bostick & Bryn Lottig
- Mar 24
- 11 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Nurturing Student Growth Through Nature, Responsibility, and Connection 🌼
As spring blossoms around us, April brings the perfect opportunity to nurture growth—not just in nature, but in our students, too! This month’s SEL Calendar is all about deepening connections, taking responsibility, and stepping into leadership. After months of building trust and community in the classroom, April invites students to reflect on how far they’ve come and how they can use their voices, choices, and actions to make a positive impact. From celebrating Earth Day to honoring acts of kindness and community, each activity is designed to help students bloom socially, emotionally, and thoughtfully—just like the world around them.
🌱 What is the Kikori SEL Calendar?
The Kikori SEL Calendar is a research-based tool designed to help PreK-5 students grow their social-emotional skills in meaningful and joyful ways. Aligned with CASEL’s core competencies and built around Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, the calendar features daily activities connected to national days, monthly themes, and reflection prompts that support self-awareness, responsible decision-making, relationship-building, and more. Each month offers four learning intentions tailored to different grade levels, making it easy for educators to integrate SEL into their daily routines—no extra prep required!
Elementary (K-5) Beginner SEL Calendar
Advisory (Middle / High School) Beginner SEL Calendar
Ready to get started?
April SEL Calendar + FREE Morning Meetings
💻 How to Access the Kikori SEL Calendar for Free:
Getting started is easy (and free)! Here's how:
Click "Sign Up" or "Log In" to create your free educator account or access your existing one.
Enter your email to subscribe and unlock instant access to the calendar and companion resources.
Download Kikori’s April SEL Calendar below with one FREE Morning Meeting and Advisory session every week designed to foster connections, community and belonging.
This April, let’s re-wild our routines and help students reconnect—with nature, with each other, and with themselves. 🌳✨
Daily Morning Meeting and Advisory Activities to Transform Your Classroom
The Kikori SEL Calendar makes it easy to weave social-emotional learning into your day, every day. Each calendar is packed with experiential, research-backed activities to support your students’ growth.
Here’s what you’ll get with Kikori’s eSEL Calendar:
Morning Message or Advisory Announcement: Start the day with inspiration and focus.
Sharing or Acknowledging Activity: Foster connections and celebrate each other’s achievements.
Greeting Activity: Practice essential social skills through engaging group interactions.
Interactive National Day Activity: Have fun while learning through activities like “Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day” or “World Kindness Day.”
BONUS: Every activity aligns with CASEL's Social Emotional Learning standards, ensuring that your students build skills for the classroom—and life.
What click-and-play resources bring the Kikori SEL Calendar to life in your classroom?
📱 There’s an App for That!
Want to bring SEL to your fingertips? The Kikori App makes it easy to access daily activities, the monthly SEL Calendar, and thousands of community-building resources—anytime, anywhere!
🌟 Download the Kikori App on your phone or tablet:
Whether you're in the classroom, on the go, or planning from home—Kikori goes where you go!
Choose Kikori for Transformative SEL
Kikori isn’t just a resource—it’s your partner in creating a culture of kindness and connection in your classroom.
Here’s why educators love Kikori:
Daily SEL Activities: Access Morning Meeting slides, National Day activities, and more—all research-backed and easy to use.
Aligned to Standards: Every activity supports CASEL SEL Standards, 21st Century Skills, and Sustainable Development Goals.
Flexible for All Ages: With calendars for Elementary, Middle, and High School, Kikori meets students where they are.
Bringing the World into Your Classroom
Every day is an opportunity for discovery with Kikori’s National Day activities! These engaging themes invite students to learn about the world around them, weaving history, STEM, nature, and storytelling into daily classroom experiences. Whether it’s celebrating "Nature Day" (April 2), learning from childhood favorites like "National Chicken Little Day" (April 9), getting creative on "World Art Day" (April 15), connecting with the world around us on Earth Day (April 22), practicing empathy on "Global Pay It Forward Day" (April 28), or celebrating all of the school community members through our Appreciation Day Calendar - School Librarian Day (April 4), School Bus Driver Day (April 22) and Administrative Professionals Day (April 23) - each activity fosters authentic connections—with each other and the wider world.
By bringing these moments into the classroom, students not only develop their social-emotional skills but also build meaningful relationships and a greater understanding of the world. This blend of connection and learning aligns with the ultimate goal of SEL: to help students grow into empathetic, curious, and confident individuals ready to thrive in their communities.
April Focus Areas
🌱 1. Helping Our Classroom Community
Focus: Taking initiative and responsibility to contribute to a positive classroom environment.Includes:
Volunteering for classroom jobs
Helping classmates
Keeping spaces clean and organized
🧠 2. Solving Problems with Empathy
Focus: Thinking through solutions with others’ feelings in mind.Includes:
Problem-solving as a team
Considering others' perspectives
Communicating ideas respectfully
🏫 3. Contributing to Our School Community
Focus: Taking action to make a difference beyond the classroom.Includes:
Brainstorming ways to support the school
Working with classmates on community-focused projects
🌍 4. Creating & Implementing Community Change
Focus: Exploring, planning, and taking action on real-world issues.Includes:
Identifying community needs
Gathering information
Creating and carrying out a plan with peers
🌿 Growing Together with Nature: Why April is the Perfect Time for Connection and Reflection
As April blooms with longer days and signs of new life, it also offers a natural opportunity for students to slow down, step outside, and reconnect—with nature, with one another, and with themselves. After months of building relationships, routines, and trust within the classroom, April invites students to reflect on how far they’ve come and how their connection to the world around them can help them continue to grow.
This connection is especially powerful now. After a year of working on social-emotional skills like communication, empathy, and responsible decision-making, students are ready to bring those lessons beyond the classroom walls. Nature provides the perfect setting to practice mindfulness, appreciate different perspectives, and recognize their own role in a larger community.
In April, let’s encourage students to re-wild their spirits—dig in the dirt, write poems under trees, solve real-world problems inspired by nature, and celebrate how far they’ve come together. After all, just like the seasons, their growth is something to pause and appreciate.
Explore the April SEL Calendar
Morning Meetings marked with a ⭐ are available for free!
April Week 1
Week 1 SEL Learning Intention: Self-Awareness | Self-Confidence
April Week 2
Week 2 SEL Learning Intention: Self-Management | Self-Discipline
April Week 3
Week 3 SEL Learning Intention: Social Awareness | Perspective-Taking
Monday, Apr 14:
⭐ Tuesday, Apr 15:
Wednesday, Apr 16:
Thursday, Apr 17:
Friday, Apr 18:
April Week 4
Week 4 SEL Learning Intention: Building Relationships | Communication
Monday, Apr 21:
⭐Tuesday, Apr 22:
Thursday, Apr 24:
Friday, Apr 25:
April Week 5
Week 5 SEL Learning Intention: Responsible Decision Making
Monday, Apr 28
Tuesday, Apr 29
⭐Wednesday, Apr 30
Want More?
Go Pro or School-Wide
Kikori Pro Membership: For the cost of a single printable, unlock a whole month of fun, ready-to-go activities, helpful resources, and downloadable slides. It’s like a treasure chest of SEL goodness for your classroom! 💎
Kikori School-Wide Solution: Ready to bring Kikori to your whole school? Our School-Wide Solution includes everything you need—Tier 1 Morning Meeting curriculum, trauma-informed training, and a library of SEL playlists for all levels. It’s the perfect way to support every student on their SEL journey, from the first day to the last! 🌱
The Power of Nature: Groundbreaking Research Connecting Students to Nature 🌿
As the seasons shift and nature blooms anew, research continues to demonstrate the profound effects that spending time outdoors can have on students’ social, emotional, and cognitive development. The connection between nature and well-being isn’t just a passing trend; it’s supported by decades of research showing that outdoor learning experiences benefit students in multiple areas, from emotional regulation to cognitive skills and overall academic performance . Below is an overview of some of the most important and groundbreaking studies on the connection between students and nature.
1. Nature and Emotional Well-Being: A Vital Connection 🌿❤️
One of the most significant findings in the realm of education and nature is the positive impact outdoor exposure has on emotional health. A landmark study by Kaplan and Kaplan (1989) introduced the concept of "restorative environments," emphasizing that natural settings, such as parks and forests, help individuals recover from mental fatigue, reduce stress, and restore attention. Studies have consistently found that students who spend more time in nature show lower levels of anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems (Taylor & Kuo, 2009).
Study Insight: Research by Kuo (2015) found that children living in neighborhoods with green spaces have lower levels of aggression, better social interactions, and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.
2. Cognitive Benefits: Nature’s Impact on Attention and Focus 🧠🌱
Nature’s impact goes beyond emotional well-being; it also contributes to cognitive development. Attention Restoration Theory (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989) posits that natural environments help replenish cognitive resources by offering restorative experiences that reduce mental fatigue and enhance focus. Students who engage in nature-based learning tend to have better concentration, improved problem-solving skills, and higher academic performance.
Study Insight: A study by Berman et al. (2008) demonstrated that children who spent time in green spaces showed improvements in working memory and attention span. The study also noted that outdoor activities could enhance children's ability to focus on tasks that require sustained mental effort.
3. Nature and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Building Relationships and Trust 🤝🌳
Connecting with nature has been shown to play a crucial role in the development of social-emotional skills, such as empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Natural settings provide opportunities for students to practice teamwork, share experiences, and develop a sense of community. Through outdoor play, children learn how to work together, solve problems, and build trusting relationships.
Study Insight: Research conducted by Chawla (2006) showed that children who engage in environmental education programs or spend regular time outdoors develop stronger social bonds and a deeper understanding of the inter-connectedness of their actions within the world.
4. Nature and Physical Health: A Foundation for Growth 💪🌍
In addition to emotional and cognitive benefits, spending time outdoors promotes physical health, which in turn supports overall well-being. Studies have shown that students who engage in outdoor activities regularly are less likely to suffer from obesity and are more physically active. This physical activity contributes to better overall health and can support academic achievement by improving energy levels and reducing stress.
Study Insight: Fjørtoft (2001) found that children who play in nature-based environments develop better motor skills, coordination, and fitness than those who engage primarily in indoor play.
5. Nature and Environmental Awareness: Fostering a Sense of Responsibility 🌏💚
Connecting students to nature not only helps them grow emotionally and academically, but it also fosters a sense of environmental responsibility. Louise Chawla (2007) argues that hands-on, nature-based education plays a key role in cultivating environmental stewardship and a lifelong commitment to sustainability. Children who have direct experiences with nature are more likely to develop eco-friendly habits and become advocates for environmental conservation.
Study Insight: Research by Derrick, Reeve, and Dykstra (2016) found that children who engage in nature-based education are more likely to take part in environmentally responsible behaviors, such as recycling, conserving water, and supporting sustainability efforts.
6. The Role of Nature in Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in Schools 🧘♀️🌿
The mental health crisis in schools is well-documented, with rising rates of stress, anxiety, and burnout among students. Nature-based interventions have been shown to alleviate some of these challenges. Schools that incorporate outdoor learning environments, nature walks, or mindfulness practices in natural settings report improvements in students’ mental health, behavior, and overall engagement in schoolwork.
Study Insight: A study by Sharma-Brymer & Richards (2020) explored the positive effects of nature walks on adolescent mental health, finding that time outdoors reduced stress, enhanced mood, and fostered resilience in students.
Why Nature Matters for Students’ Growth 🌱
Spending time in nature isn’t just a luxury or a break from the classroom—it’s a critical component of a student's emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. As we see from these studies, the benefits of nature are vast, ranging from improved academic focus and emotional well-being to enhanced social skills and greater environmental responsibility. By integrating nature into the educational experience, we not only support students’ growth as individuals but also help them cultivate a deeper connection to the world around them—a connection that can have lasting impacts on their future.
Popular Books on Nature and Kids 🌿📚
Here are some classic and popular books that beautifully capture the connection between children and the natural world:
"The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein 🌳 A timeless story about selfless giving, the deep bond between a tree and a boy, and the cycles of life.
"The Wild Robot" by Peter Brown 🦊 A heartwarming adventure of a robot learning about nature, survival, and relationships in the wild.
"The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss 🌲 A delightful yet powerful tale about environmental stewardship, speaking up for nature, and the importance of caring for our world.
"A Walk in the Forest" by Maria Dek 🌳 A beautifully illustrated exploration of nature as a child takes a walk through the woods, observing its wonders.
"The Outdoor Toddler Activity Book" by Stacy Tornio 🏞️ A hands-on guide for parents and teachers to engage young children with nature-based activities that foster learning and exploration.
"My First Nature Book" by DK 🐦 A perfect introduction for young readers to the world of animals, plants, and natural wonders.
"Charlotte’s Web" by E.B. White 🐖🌾 A beloved story about friendship, loyalty, and life on the farm, where nature plays a key role in shaping the characters' lives.
References 📑
Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207-1212. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x
Chawla, L. (2006). Learning to love the natural world enough to protect it. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 103(44), 16664-16668. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0608102103
Chawla, L. (2007). Growing up green: Becoming an agent of care for the natural world. Applied Environmental Education & Communication, 6(1), 62-77. https://doi.org/10.1080/15330150701436542
Derrick, S. A., Reeve, C. L., & Dykstra, R. R. (2016). The role of nature-based experiences in the development of environmental attitudes. Environmental Education Research, 22(6), 820-838. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2015.1078087
Fjørtoft, I. (2001). The natural environment as a playground for children: The impact of outdoor play activities in pre-primary school children. Early Childhood Education Journal, 29(2), 111-117. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012576406329
Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. Cambridge University Press.
Kuo, F. E. (2015). How might contact with nature promote human health? Promising mechanisms and a possible central pathway. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 1093. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01093
Sharma-Brymer, V., & Richards, L. (2020). Nature-based interventions: The role of nature in addressing mental health crises among adolescents. Adolescence & Health Journal, 45(3), 234-247.
Taylor, A. F., & Kuo, F. E. (2009). Children with attention deficits concentrate better after walk in the park. Journal of Attention Disorders, 12(5), 402-409. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054708323000
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