Imagine this: you select a story to read aloud, click one button—and suddenly, an AI-powered avatar of every student in your class appears inside the story on their own device. As you read, each child sees themselves as the hero navigating the challenges and emotions of the tale.
No prep. No printing. No scrambling for activities. Just storytime transformed into a personalized SEL adventure where every student feels seen, included, and empowered.
That’s the magic of Empowering SEL Through Storytelling, an on-demand course offered through SchoolDay Academy, powered by Coursera. Designed for K–6 teachers, this hands-on training combines the art of storytelling with AI-driven tools in the Heroes Made app—helping you bring SEL lessons to life with virtually zero prep.
Because let’s be honest: teachers want to meet students’ emotional needs, but SEL lesson planning often feels like one more thing on an already full plate. This course changes that—with ready-to-use, one-click lessons that help your students grow in kindness, empathy, and problem-solving—without adding more work for you.
Why SEL Matters—Now More Than Ever
Elementary teachers know the truth: big feelings happen in little bodies every day. From playground conflicts to test anxiety, students need tools to manage emotions and connect with others.
After decades working across Title I and high-performing schools, one truth stands out: SEL is not optional—it’s essential. Regardless of background, today’s students are navigating emotional challenges that directly impact learning.
Research confirms that SEL works:
- SEL programs improve academic performance by 11–13 percentile points.
- Students in SEL-rich classrooms show better attendance and test scores.
- SEL reduces disruptive behavior, emotional distress, and substance use.
- SEL strengthens protective factors that support mental health and well-being.
In short, SEL isn’t a luxury—it’s foundational to learning and lifelong success.
This course brings SEL to life using storytelling and AI personalization:
- Every student sees themselves as the hero of the story—thanks to instant avatars.
- Teachers guide students through relatable scenarios—choosing kindness, solving conflicts, or showing empathy.
Afterward, teachers select follow-up activities with one click—no lesson planning required.
What You’ll Learn
Through five self-paced modules, teachers will explore how to integrate SEL naturally into daily routines—no prep, no stress.
- Foundations of SEL
- Understand the five SEL competencies and why they’re critical for K–6 development.
- Explore the link between emotion, behavior, and academic growth.
- Understand the five SEL competencies and why they’re critical for K–6 development.
- Uncovering the Gap
- Identify why today’s students struggle with emotional regulation.
- Learn how SEL storytelling bridges the gap between content and connection.
- Identify why today’s students struggle with emotional regulation.
- Using the Heroes Made Platform
- Discover how AI-powered storytelling turns every student into the story’s hero.
- Learn setup, classroom integration, and best practices for impact.
- Discover how AI-powered storytelling turns every student into the story’s hero.
- Zero-Prep Lesson Tools
- Access pre-made SEL activities—reflections, discussion prompts, and worksheets—ready to launch instantly after storytime.
- Customize follow-ups based on student needs.
- Access pre-made SEL activities—reflections, discussion prompts, and worksheets—ready to launch instantly after storytime.
- Student Storytelling Templates
- Guide students to write their own SEL stories using grade-level templates.
- Encourage self-expression, empathy, and reflection through creative writing.
- Guide students to write their own SEL stories using grade-level templates.
Course Details:
- Format: 5 modules with videos, readings, and hands-on classroom activities.
- Completion Time: 6–8 hours, fully self-paced.
- Access: Includes full onboarding to the Heroes Made platform with a free trial.
- Certificate: Shareable SchoolDay Academy credential for PD records.
Real-World Impact
Picture this: you’re reading a story about a playground conflict. Each student’s avatar experiences the situation firsthand. Afterward, you launch a ready-made kindness activity—and hands shoot up:
- “I could invite them to join us!”
- “I’d share my ball so they’re included.”
Or imagine a problem-solving story about a group project. Students reflect on fairness, teamwork, and listening to others. Suddenly, SEL isn’t a lesson—it’s an experience.
That’s what this course delivers: students practicing empathy and problem-solving in real time, while you guide with ease.
And the best part? You didn’t spend a single extra minute prepping.
Why SchoolDay Academy Recommends This Course
At SchoolDay Academy, we curate professional development that is both practical and inspiring—PD that teachers can apply immediately in the classroom.
Empowering SEL Through Storytelling stands out because it:
- Makes SEL doable—turning storytime into meaningful social-emotional learning.
- Uses AI tools that personalize lessons for every child, instantly.
- Supports teachers’ goals for inclusion, empathy, and student connection.
- Offers affordable access through SchoolDay Academy’s K–12 pricing model—$149 per user per year, with bulk discounts as low as $100 per user, compared to Coursera’s $399 retail rate.
With SchoolDay Academy, districts can provide teachers with professional learning that supports both hearts and minds—while keeping budgets predictable and sustainable.
Final Thoughts
Helping every child see themselves as the hero of their own story builds more than literacy—it builds confidence, empathy, and resilience that last a lifetime.
Explore and enroll in Empowering SEL Through Storytelling through SchoolDay Academy (powered by Coursera) to bring SEL to life in your classroom—magically, instantly, and with zero extra prep.
