Behind the Scenes: Creating SEL Coloring Activities for Kids That Grow Emotional Language

Social-emotional learning doesn’t happen all at once. It grows slowly—through words we choose, conversations we repeat, and quiet moments when children feel safe enough to share.

That belief is guiding me as I work behind the scenes on a new set of SEL coloring pages paired with simple language prompts for teachers and parents. They’re still in progress, and I wanted to invite you into the why and the how before anything is finished.

A peek inside my Canva workspace 👀

Right now, my screen is filled with letters, prompts, and tiny design tweaks—all part of turning big feelings into kid-friendly learning tools. I can’t wait to share how these come together for teachers, parents, and little learners.

Why SEL Coloring Activities for Kids Are Powerful Tools for Emotional Language

Coloring is often seen as a quiet activity, but I see it differently.

When a child colors, their hands are busy—but their mind is open. That’s when gentle language can take root.

Each page I’m creating is designed to do more than entertain. It’s meant to:

• introduce emotional vocabulary in a natural way

• support calm focus and reflection

• give adults the words to guide meaningful conversations

The coloring page becomes the starting point—not the end.

The Heart of the Resource: Why Language Matters in SEL Coloring Activities for Kids

What takes the longest isn’t the design—it’s the words.

I spend a lot of time asking:

• Is this phrase child-friendly?

• Would a teacher feel comfortable reading this aloud?

• Does this invite conversation instead of giving a lecture?

I’m keeping the prompts short on purpose. Young children don’t need long explanations. They need clear, reassuring language they can hear again and again.

This part of the process involves a lot of revising, spacing, and yes—zooming in on Canva to see if everything feels right.

Creating With Teachers and Families in Mind

As a former educator, I’m always picturing where these pages might live:

• a calm corner in a classroom

• a morning meeting basket

• a kitchen table after a long day

That’s why the prompts are written to support both teachers and parents. The goal is flexibility—use one page in many ways, without pressure or perfection.

A Work in Progress (And That’s a Good Thing)

These resources are about halfway done, and I’m intentionally moving slowly.

SEL isn’t something to rush. It deserves thought, care, and testing—just like the conversations we hope children will carry with them.

Once the set is complete, I’ll be sharing one letter as a free sample, so educators and

families can see how the coloring pages and language prompts work together. Letter M

Pages like this are created intentionally—pairing calm imagery with simple language prompts so children can practice mindfulness in a way that feels safe and approachable.

There’s no right answer here—just space for children to pause, reflect, and talk about what calm means to them.

Want a Peek Behind the Curtain?

I’m even considering putting together a short video showing what this looks like in Canva—moving text, adjusting spacing, and refining language in real time.If nothing else, it might give you a good laugh.

If you’d like to follow along as this project unfolds, I’ll be sharing updates here and in my newsletter.

Because the best SEL tools don’t just teach skills—they create moments of connection.

Sometimes the most meaningful learning happens quietly, one word and one moment at a time.