At Stepping Stones, we value every feeling and actively guide children to understand themselves, connecting with others, and growing together. Social-emotional Learning enables students to explore their emotions through story reading, creative activities, and teamwork, discovering the importance of trust and cooperation.
We have captured some lively class moments, and we would like to share them with you.
It’s Normal to Have Mood Swings
At the beginning of the lesson, the teacher guided students to create classroom agreements together: raise your hand, listen carefully, and respect each other.
One student asked, “What if someone says my answer before I do?”
The teacher smiled and replied, “You can say it again. That’s okay.”
At Stepping Stones, every idea will be heard, and every emotion deserves to be seen.
Through stories such as When Sophie Gets Angry – Really, Really Angry and activities like the Anger Choice Wheel, students explored different emotions.
When asked, “Have you ever had an emotion volcano?”
Plenty of little hands shot up. Some talked about broken toys, others mentioned their arguments with siblings, while one student proudly shared, “My volcano didn’t erupt today!”
Students then created their own emotion wheels and emotion masks, turning invisible feelings into colourful works of art.
What is Happiness？
In this class, the volunteer teacher introduced the Happiness Ladder to the students. From basic physical care and good relationships with others to becoming their better selves, students learned what happiness means together.
Students also explored the difference between short-term happiness and lasting happiness.
Buying an ice cream feels exciting, but why doesn’t that feeling last forever? They gradually discovered that happiness isn’t only about getting something new, but also about appreciating the moments we already have. At the end of the class, a new habit was unlocked: savour the moment. Slow down. Notice something you enjoy. And quietly remind yourself,
“I’m lucky today.”
Building Trust Through Stone Soup
Trust begins with working together.
With guidance from the volunteer teachers, students tried the “Trust Bridge” challenge. Working in pairs, they leaned back, held hands, and learned how to create a stable “bridge”.
Some laughed, “You’re pulling too hard!”
Others suggested, “Let’s be gentle so that the bridge won’t sway.”
They adjusted together until every bridge became stronger and steadier.
Later, students listened carefully to the story Stone Soup, discovering how kindness and cooperation can bring a community together. Finally, the whole class created their own Stone Soup. Each student shared foods they could or couldn’t eat, while classmates listened carefully and remembered every detail. As ingredients were chosen, cheerful voices filled the classroom.
“Everyone can eat that!”
“We all like this one!”
Through listening, remembering, and caring for one another, students discovered that cooperation begins with understanding others.
Growing Together
Social-emotional Learning is not about finding the right answer. It is about listening, sharing, and growing together.
At Stepping Stones, we hope every child learns not only to express their own feelings, but also to understand others with empathy, confidence, and kindness.