Social Emotional Learning Activities That Build Brave Girls

Because brave girls aren’t born—they’re taught how to feel, lead, and believe in themselves.

Here’s the truth: bravery isn’t about being fearless. It’s about knowing yourself, managing big emotions, and choosing kindness—even when it’s hard. That’s the heart of social emotional learning (SEL), and when we teach it with intention, we’re not just shaping smart students—we’re shaping confident, courageous humans.

SEL helps girls develop emotional intelligence, empathy, self awareness, and resilience—all the ingredients of authentic leadership. The best part? These skills can be taught in ways that are fun, reflective, and empowering.

Whether you’re in a classroom, coaching circle, or after-school group, these SEL activities help girls feel their feelings, support each other, and show up bravely in their lives.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Social emotional learning helps girls build confidence, compassion, and courage

• Brave girls are emotionally aware, self reflective, and values-driven

• Group activities encourage empathy, connection, and safe expression

• SEL makes self esteem growth part of everyday life—not just a one-time lesson

1. Emotion Check-In Circle

Start your sessions with a quick feelings check-in. Use an emotions chart or color-coded cards and invite girls to share (verbally or silently) how they’re feeling. This normalizes emotions and builds self awareness.

2. What’s In My Control?

Girls draw two circles—one labeled “In My Control” and one “Out of My Control.” Then brainstorm together. This activity helps reduce anxiety and builds inner confidence by focusing on what they can influence.

3. Empathy Roleplay

Create real-life scenarios (a friend gets left out, someone says something mean online, etc.) and have girls act out kind, brave responses. Reflect on how empathy and boundaries can go hand in hand.

4. Feelings + Coping Tools Match Game

Create cards with feelings on one side and coping strategies on the other. Girls take turns matching emotions to healthy responses. It’s playful and practical.

5. Compliment Web

Using string or yarn, sit in a circle and pass a ball of yarn while giving a genuine compliment to someone. By the end, you’ve created a literal web of kindness—something girls can see and feel connected to.

6. “I Feel, I Need” Journaling

Teach girls this simple sentence stem to express themselves clearly and kindly:
“I feel ____ because ____. What I need is ____.”
Example: “I feel left out because I wasn’t invited. What I need is a check-in from my friend.”

7. Brave Moment Story Sharing

Invite girls to share a moment when they were brave. It could be something big (standing up for someone) or small (asking for help). Celebrate all kinds of courage.

8. Kindness Challenge Cards

Give each girl a kindness card with a small, meaningful challenge—write a kind note, invite someone to sit with them, help out without being asked. Reflect at the end of the week: How did it feel to be brave and kind?

9. “What Lights Me Up” Identity Collage

Girls create a collage of their interests, values, and dreams. Then pair it with journaling prompts:

• What makes me feel like my best self?

• How can I lead with these strengths?

10. Brave Breath Breaks

Teach girls a simple grounding breath they can use when they feel overwhelmed. Try “4-4-4” breathing:

• Inhale for 4

• Hold for 4

• Exhale for 4
  It becomes a tool they can use anywhere, anytime they need courage.

Want a Ready-to-Use SEL Confidence Curriculum?

The Confidence & Self Esteem Coaching Kit is a 4-week program that weaves together SEL, journaling, confidence-building, and group connection in one beautifully guided resource. With reflection prompts, roleplays, group activities, and calming tools, it’s everything you need to build brave, emotionally empowered girls.

Because when girls learn to feel their feelings and believe in themselves, they become a force for good in the world.

With Love,
Kate