11 Fun SEL Games for Middle School Students

Social-emotional learning (SEL) has become a buzzword in education, and for good reason! Did you know that studies show students with strong SEL skills are 11% more likely to graduate high school and succeed in college? 

SEL has long been touted for its ability to boost academic performance while fostering critical skills like empathy, critical thinking, and resilience. And it’s not just for the little tykes, either. Middle school presents a unique stage of development, where these skills are both challenged and honed due to the flurry of emotions and social pressures these students face.

That’s where SEL games come in. By playing games and approaching SEL concepts with humor and lightheartedness, you’re getting your students engaged without them even realizing it.

If you’re curious about what kinds of SEL games are ideal for middle school students, we’ve got you covered.

What Are SEL Activities?

So what is SEL? The most basic explanation is that it incorporates practices to develop self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These five key competencies provide a strong foundation for students to understand themselves (and to understand others), all while navigating relationships in meaningful, constructive ways. 

But SEL isn’t about giving a lecture or assigning a worksheet—it’s about hands-on interaction and active engagement. SEL activities aim to make these abstract skills tangible and relatable. 

These activities often involve role-playing, small group work, or reflection exercises. They promote emotional expression, empathy, and communication in ways that directly relate to middle schoolers’ daily experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. 

An SEL activity could be as simple as taking 5 minutes at the beginning of a lesson for a mindfulness exercise or as intricate as designing a group project focused on resolving real-world problems. 

The most effective activities are those that feel natural and enjoyable while subtly reinforcing social-emotional learning goals, leaving students with tools to better express themselves and manage challenges. 

When paired with structured lessons or informal class discussions, SEL activities allow for a well-rounded approach to building emotional intelligence in students. 

How Do You Incorporate SEL in Middle School?

It’s one thing to understand the importance of SEL, but it’s another to seamlessly weave it into your middle school classroom. 

The good news? SEL doesn’t need to feel like “one more thing” on your plate—it can be integrated into your existing routines and lessons with a little creativity. 

Start Small 

For those just dipping their toes into social-emotional learning, beginning with quick, 5-minute activities is a great way to introduce it. 

Try daily check-ins where students can share how they’re feeling by writing responses on sticky notes or using an emoji chart. These quick exercises build emotional awareness without taking much time from your lesson plan. 

Use SEL During Transitions 

Middle schoolers are in constant motion—from class to recess, or subject to subject. Use these transitions as moments to reflect or refocus. 

A mindfulness activity, such as 30 seconds of deep breathing, can help settle students after lunch or before a test. Or use circle discussions to reflect on the high and low points of the day. 

Incorporate SEL into Other Subjects 

SEL doesn’t need to be a standalone lesson. Reading a novel in English? Focus on the emotions of the characters and discuss how students might respond in similar situations. 

Teaching history? Encourage students to examine historical events through the lens of empathy and decision-making. The natural connections between SEL skills and academic topics make integration simpler than you might think. 

Gamify SEL 

If there’s one thing middle schoolers love, it’s a good game. Brief, structured activities or games can engage even your most reluctant students. 

These games are a low-pressure way to practice key competencies like teamwork, listening, and problem-solving—all while keeping SEL objectives front and center. 

11 Fun SEL Games for Middle School Students

Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Here are some of the most effective and enjoyable SEL games for middle school students. 

1. Emotion Charades 

Charades meets social-emotional learning. Write different emotions on slips of paper and have students act them out without speaking. Their peers must guess the emotion and discuss what situations might cause it. This game fosters self-awareness and empathy while keeping the classroom atmosphere fun and lighthearted. 

2. Human Knot 

This classic team-building exercise helps with relationship skills. Have students stand in a circle, hold hands with two different people (not directly next to them), and then work together to untangle themselves without letting go. Equal parts challenging and hilarious, this game teaches cooperation and communication in a natural, authentic way.

3. Mindfulness Bingo 

Prepare bingo cards with activities or feelings such as “helped a friend today,” “took three deep breaths,” or “practiced gratitude.” 

Encourage students to complete these activities during the week and reflect on how they felt about each task. Not only does this promote mindfulness, but it also introduces them to key concepts in a more interactive way. 

4. Perspective Swap 

Divide students into pairs and assign each pair a relatable middle school scenario, such as a group project disagreement or a lunchroom misunderstanding. Each student takes turns explaining how they’d feel and respond to the scenario from their partner’s perspective. 

5. Two Truths and a Lie (Feelings Edition) 

A twist on an old classic! Students share two true statements and one false one about how they felt about a recent event, like a class presentation or sports game. The group guesses which one is the lie. 

6. SEL Scavenger Hunt 

Organize a classroom scavenger hunt with tasks related to SEL objectives. For example, students need to ask someone how their day is going, compliment a peer, or create a thank-you card for a teacher. The hunt adds excitement while emphasizing kindness and social connections. 

7. Emoji Stories 

Use printed emoji cards or draw them on a whiteboard. Students must create a short story or scenario using a series of emojis. This fun exercise helps them articulate feelings and think creatively about emotional expression. 

8. Feelings Bingo

Create a Bingo board with various emotions written in each square. Students have to mark the squares when they experience or witness those emotions during the day. 

9. Role Play Scenarios

Assign students different roles and provide them with scenarios that require them to navigate social and emotional situations. Encourage them to work together to find appropriate solutions and handle conflicts effectively. 

10. Collaborative Art Activity

Divide students into small groups and provide them with art supplies. Each group starts a drawing, and after a fixed time, they pass their drawing to the next group. Each group adds their own creative contribution to the evolving artwork. 

11. Conflict Resolution Board Game

Create a board game that focuses on conflict resolution skills, in which students move through the game by resolving conflicts and practicing effective communication strategies. 

You’ll not only teach your students how to communicate effectively with each other, but you’ll also promote good problem solving and teamwork skills, too. 

The Takeaway

Implementing SEL in middle school doesn’t just meet educational goals; it creates a more empathetic, cooperative, and emotionally intelligent classroom culture. 

By integrating quick exercises, cross-curricular connections, and fun SEL games for middle school students, you can make your curriculum as enjoyable as it is impactful for your students. 

If you’re looking for more ways to support SEL in your classroom—whether for meeting IEP goals or enriching your teaching strategies—don’t hesitate to explore our other helpful resources and curriculum for SEL!