April Experiential Social Emotional Learning Calendar
- Kikori App - Kendra Bostick & Bryn Lottig
- Mar 15
- 12 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Nurturing Student Growth Through Nature, Curiosity, and Connection 🌼
As spring blossoms around us, April brings the perfect opportunity to nurture growth - not just in nature, but in our students! This month’s SEL Calendar is 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 Experiential Connection Calendar?
The Kikori SEL Calendar is a research-based tool designed to help PreK-12th grade 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!
Ready to get started?
April SEL Calendar + 1st Week FREE!
Go to the National Day activity
Click Slides under Materials
Hit play - ready to go, no prep needed!
2️⃣ Download Kikori’s April SEL Calendar
Click into your grade-level Calendar
👉 PreK-K | 1st-2nd | 3rd-5th | Middle School | High School
Follow the built-in instructions, materials, and reflection prompts
This April, let’s re-wild our routines and help students reconnect - with nature, with each other, and with themselves. 🌳✨
🌿✨ Here’s what you’ll love about the April Calendar!
This month, students build skills in:
🌎 Connecting values to action“I can explain how my values about the earth affect what I do.”
🌿 Using nature to regulate and reset“I can reduce stress by spending time in nature and noticing its details.”
✨ Staying focused through self-discipline“I can plan outdoor breaks to stay on task and ready to learn.”
🌸 Appreciating the natural world“I can notice and value the variety of plants, animals, and places around me.”
🤝 Working together to care for our environment“I can cooperate with others to take care of plants and animals.”
✔ Ready to use in Morning Meetings, Advisory, and across the school day
✔ Aligned to CASEL SEL competencies, with a focus on self-awareness, regulation, and social awareness
✔ Builds self-regulation and executive functioning through real, in-the-moment practice
✔ Strengthens group development and classroom community through shared experiences
✔ Aligned with Responsive Classroom practices and routines
✔ Connects students to nature to support focus, calm, and well-being 🌿
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?
Explore the April SEL Calendar
Morning Meetings & Advisory marked with a ⭐ are available for free!
🌈March Week 5
SEL Focus: Self-Awareness | Self-Confidence
⭐ Mon, March 30: National Pencil Day ✏️
⭐ Tues, March 31: Crayon Day 🖍️
⭐ Wed, Apr 1: April Fools' Day🤪
⭐ Thurs, Apr 2: Nature Day 🌺
⭐ Fri, Apr 3: National Find A Rainbow Day 🌈
🧘🏾♀️ April Week 1
SEL Focus: Self-awareness | Accurate Self-perception
Mon, Apr 6: National Library Day 📚
Tues, Apr 7: World Health Day 💙
Wed, Apr 8: International Kid's Yoga Day 🧘♀️
Thurs, Apr 9: National Chicken Little Day 🐔
Fri, Apr 10: Encourage a Young Writer Day ✍️
🐝 April Week 2
SEL Focus: Self-management | Stress Management
Mon, Apr 13: National Scrabble Day 🔤
Tues, Apr 14: National Gardening Day 🌼
Wed, Apr 15: World Art Day 🎨
Thurs, Apr 16: Save the Elephants Day 🐘
Fri, Apr 17: National Haiku Poetry Day 📝
🌎 April Week 3
SEL Focus: Social Awareness | Appreciating Differences
Mon, Apr 20: National Look-alike Day 👯♀️
Tues, Apr 21: Big Word Day 📖
Wed, Apr 22: Earth Day 🌿
Thurs, Apr 23: National Picnic Day 🧺
Fri, Apr 24: National Skipping Day 🎉
🌳 April Week 4
SEL Focus: Relationship Skills | Social Engagement
Mon, Apr 27: National Teach Children to Save Day 💰
Tues, Apr 28: Global Pay It Forward Day 🚌🦸♂️
Wed, Apr 29: Day of Trees🌲
Thurs, April 30: Honesty Day 🤝
Fri, May 1: School Principals Day/School Lunch Hero Day 🍎
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! 🌱
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 and 21st Century Skills.
Flexible for All Ages: With calendars for Elementary, Middle, and High School, Kikori meets students where they are.
What You Get with Kikori’s April Calendar
Daily routines designed to increase engagement, strengthen SEL skills, and reduce classroom management challenges (while having FUN!)
Kikori’s Experiential Connection Calendar gives educators simple, consistent practices that boost belonging, focus, and readiness to learn. Each component is intentionally designed to produce measurable outcomes - academically, socially and behaviorally.
🌀 Start Your Day with a Strong Morning Meeting or Advisory
Morning Meeting and Advisory daily sessions are aligned with the Responsive Classroom framework and sets the tone for connection and learning. With a consistent structure, students know what to expect, feel safe, and begin the day grounded and ready.
Welcome Message (1–2 min)
Begin with a warm, joyful message tied to the daily National Day theme. This gentle “hook” captures attention, creates anticipation, and helps students transition smoothly into learning mode. Here at Kikori, we believe SEL happens in the world around us, which is expressed through fun National Days!
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 "Optimist Day," exploring the science behind "Darwin Day," or reflecting on personal experiences during "International Mother Language Day," each activity fosters authentic connections—with each other and the wider world.
Sharing (3–5 min)
Daily sharing gets every student thinking, speaking, and connecting—which boosts engagement for the rest of the day. Each day offers a different style to support diverse learners:
Monday – Popcorn: Low-risk way to encourages initiative and confidence.
Tuesday – Partner Share: Strengthens communication and peer bonds.
Wednesday – Round Robin: Ensures every voice is heard.
Thursday – Journal Write: Gives space for reflection and quieter expression.
Friday – Small Group: Builds collaboration and connection.
When sharing becomes a habit, participation becomes the norm—not the exception.
Greeting (3–5 min)
Start with joy. Fun, inclusive greetings invite movement, eye contact, and social connection - helping students feel seen, welcomed, and ready for the day. March's free greetings include:
🎯 Weekly Experiential Activity (15–25 min)
Each week features an engaging, hands-on activity that strengthens January's CASEL SEL Skill-building learning intentions. Choose the version that fits your classroom:
Tier 1: Builds whole-class community (SEL or Wellness block)
Tier 2: Deepens teamwork and problem-solving (small group counseling)
Tier 3: Challenges students to reflect and stretch individually (individual SSW or counseling sessions)
These activities align with the weekly learning intention and provide meaningful opportunities to practice real SEL skills.
🧰 SEL Tools to Use All Week
These flexible, plug-and-play tools support smoother transitions, better self-regulation, and stronger focus, leading to more instructional minutes and less redirecting.
Check-In: Helps students name their feelings and identify what they need to be ready to learn.
Energizer (brain break):A quick movement burst that resets attention, boosts mood, and supports executive functioning—perfect between lessons.
Calmer: Mindfulness and grounding practices that help students refocus after high-energy moments.
Call & Response: A fun, community-building way to get attention quickly and reset focus during transitions.
🔄 Weekly Closing Circle (5 min)
End the day the same way you started - together. Students reflect on their growth, celebrate small wins, and reconnect to the weekly intention. Closing circles create a sense of completion that smooths the transition home and prepares them for the next day.
How does Kikori ensure these activities build social emotional skills like self-awareness and relationship skills?
Each activity follows the Kikori Experiential Learning Cycle by actively engaging youth and guiding them through reflection afterward.
These questions help youth:
Reflect by building self- and social-awareness (what happened during the activity?),
Connect by making meaningful connections to their own lives (how did what happened during the activity connect to other experiences?), and
Grow by engaging in personal growth (what are they going to take from this activity into their lives?).
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