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Culturally Responsive SEL Storytelling
Basic Tool Kit

Basic, Stories for use in building wide, in classrooms, out of school

12 downloadable award winning multi-cultural stories w audio files, activities and discussion questions (includes cultural background) aligned to both SEL competencies and Character.org character strengths great for ELA and Social Studies.

The Turtle Who Just Couldn’t Keep His Mouth Shut

The Child Who Swallowed the Sun

The Elephant and the Blind Friends

Introduction:

We are all fellow travelers, young and old alike, on the path of how to be good. Each story is like a journey. They can carry us to far-away places, places where special people live, and special things happen. But the most special place is in our hearts. And when we connect with the light in our hearts we can learn how to brighten our whole world and make our world the most special place.

The Stories with Embedded Social and Emotional Learning Competencies and Character Strengths

SELF MANAGEMENT
Story Title	Theme	Performance Character Strengths	Audio	Activity & Discussion Questions
The Turtle Who Just Couldn't Keep His Mouth Shut	A story of self-control	Responsibility, Self-Discipline
When Children Could Fly	Overcoming hurt/sadness Dealing with injustice.	Grit, Resilience, Coping, and Upstanding
SELF AWARENESS
Story Title	Theme	Moral Character Strengths	Audio	Activity & Discussion Questions
The Child Who Swallowed the Sun	A story to nurture your hidden gifts	Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, Courage, Honesty
The Boy Who Saved His World	Courage, Responsibility	Caring, Compassion, Courage
SOCIAL AWARENESS
Story Title	Theme	Civic Character Strengths	Audio	Activity & Discussion Questions
The Real Bargain	A story of caring and sharing	Empathy, Generosity, Citizenship
The Elephant and the Blind Friends	A story of respect for other’s opinions	Inclusion, Acceptance
The Wooden Bowl	A story of caring and sharing	Respect your elders
RELATIONSHIP SKILLS
Story Title	Theme	Intellectual Character Strengths	Audio	Activity & Discussion Questions
Shifting Sands	A story of forgiveness	Acceptance, Respect, Fairness
The Elephant and the Stray Dog	Friendship across barriers	Critical thinking, Open-mindedness
ETHICAL & RESPONSIBLE DECISION MAKING
Story Title	Theme	Character Strengths	Audio	Activity & Discussion Questions
The Little Girl Who Spoke with Trees	Learning from and taking care of nature	Concern for environment, Citizenship, Responsibility
The Kingdom of How to be Good	Cooperation – from “me to we”	Contributing to the common good
The Little Girl and the King	Honesty – Character is what you do when nobody is looking	Honesty, Integrity

Culturally Responsive SEL Storytelling Basic Tool Kit