3 Easy Ways to Build Social Emotional Learning into Summer Activities

Summer break is here, and families are ready for fun and relaxation. While many parents are excited to enjoy more quality time and a break from the school-year routine, they’re also concerned about summer learning loss. That’s why so many turn to academic camps or at-home learning materials for reading, writing, and math.

But there’s another important area to keep building during summer: social emotional learning (SEL).

The great thing about SEL is that it doesn’t require a workbook or classroom setting. Summer offers natural and meaningful ways to strengthen SEL through everyday family activities. Here are three easy ways to support your child’s growth in self-awareness, empathy, confidence, and relationship skills while enjoying summer adventures together.

 

Use Volunteering to Build Empathy, Confidence, and Social Awareness

Volunteering is a powerful way to support social emotional development. It can build empathy, boost confidence, and strengthen leadership and teamwork skills. And with more flexible schedules and warm weather, summer is the perfect time to get involved in service projects.

Many civic organizations like Rotary International and Kiwanis International offer family-friendly volunteer options. Religious organizations and local nonprofits such as animal shelters, food pantries, nursing homes, and libraries also often welcome help from children and families.

You can also help your child design a service project based on an issue they care about. Kids are often deeply concerned about their communities and the world around them. When they take the lead, they are more engaged, and the SEL benefits multiply.

For example, my son Isaiah is passionate about the environment. He has taken responsibility for making sure we recycle properly at home and has started cleaning up litter in our neighborhood. Projects like these promote responsibility, leadership, and compassion.

 

Turn Museum Visits into SEL Opportunities

Museums are more than educational outings. They’re also a chance to practice self-awareness and social awareness in a relaxed and inspiring environment.

Art, history, and cultural museums help students understand different people, places, and experiences. Exhibits often tell powerful stories and spark emotional reactions. These reactions are great opportunities for reflection.

When you visit a museum, ask your child questions like:

• How do you feel when you look at this painting or sculpture?
• What do you think the artist was feeling or trying to say?
• What surprised you about this exhibit?

Talking about these responses helps kids build vocabulary around their emotions and understand the experiences of others. These moments of curiosity and connection help strengthen both empathy and self-awareness.

Art museums in particular often include emotional storytelling and symbolism. Learning about the people and cultures behind the art helps children develop deeper appreciation for diversity and different perspectives.

 

Use Summer Social Time to Strengthen Relationship Skills

Friendship is a key part of childhood, and summer allows more space for kids to spend time with peers. Whether it’s playing outside, visiting each other’s homes, going to amusement parks, or participating in camps and sports, these interactions help build relationship skills.

Children grow their ability to communicate, listen, cooperate, and resolve conflicts through regular social interaction. These are core components of social emotional learning.

You can also combine peer time with other SEL-focused activities. For example, your child and their friends might:

• Visit a museum together and discuss the exhibits afterward.
• Organize a group volunteer project.
• Plan a fun outing that includes collaborative decision-making and teamwork.

These experiences help kids connect, share ideas, and support each other, all while growing important life skills.

 

Support SEL Growth All Summer Long

Volunteering, museum visits, and spending time with friends are just a few ways to build social emotional learning into your summer. Once you start looking, you’ll find opportunities everywhere to support your child’s self-awareness, empathy, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Looking for more tools to make SEL part of your child’s summer?
Check out our guided journals for kids designed to support self-awareness, reflection, and growth through fun and creative prompts.

Want more ideas to support confident kids?
Read why confident students still need encouragement and discover ways to offer support beyond surface-level praise.

 

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Stacey Montgomery
Mom, Author, and Founder, Believe and Be Brave

 

© 2021 Stacey Montgomery. All rights reserved.
Last updated on April 19, 2025