We all know that Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is necessary to help students find their voice. And I’ve got just the thing to make it happen: ‘Video Diary Tools for SEL and EFL‘. This free resource is more than just a classroom activity, it’s a game-changer. Let’s unpack why these tools are exactly what your students need, whether they’re learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) or simply navigating the beautiful, messy journey of life.

Why Video Diary Tools for SEL and EFL Matter?

You already know the importance of helping students connect with their emotions, but combining that with language learning? Genius.

That’s where Video Diary Tools for SEL and EFL come in. Imagine your students creating personal, thoughtful video diaries where they talk about their day, reflect on their emotions, and build confidence—all while practising their English skills. It’s a perfect blend of heart and language, and it’s designed with busy teachers (like you!) in mind.

SEL teaches students how to understand themselves and others. For more practical ideas, check out our post on Why is SEL Important in Classroom Management?

These tools give students the chance to reflect, create, and share in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. For EFL students, it’s a golden opportunity to practise speaking and writing in English, all while exploring their emotions in a safe, supported way.

How to Use Our Sample Video

Before we go any further, let me give you a sneak peek at the sample video included in the Video Diary Tools. This video shows students a concrete example of what a video diary could look like. It’s short, sweet, and packed with inspiration.

Use this 1 min video in your classroom to spark discussions

Ask your students:

• What do you notice about the video?
• How does the person share their feelings?
• What ideas would you include in your own video diary?
• Did the teacher include everything she wrote on her storyboard? Is that good or bad? Why?

It’s a simple way to get their creative juices flowing while showing them the potential of this project.

What’s in the Video Diary Tools for SEL and EFL?

The Video Diary Tools for SEL and EFL has six tools:

• A Sample Video: A short, 1-minute video diary to demonstrate what’s possible.
• A Storyboard: Think of it as a blueprint for their videos, helping them plan their ideas step by step.
• Planning Sheets: These printable sheets get students thinking about their day, feelings, and what they’re proud of.
• Canva Video Instructions: A simple guide for using Canva to create polished, professional-looking video diaries.
• A Checklist: Students can tick off each step as they go, because who doesn’t love a good checklist?
• Reflection Questions: After making their videos, students can think critically about their work and what they’ve learned.

These tools work beautifully together to guide your students through the process, whether they’re new to video creation or tech-savvy pros.

SEL Meets Creativity: Why Teachers Love It

Here’s the magic of Video Diary Tools for SEL and EFL: it turns learning into a personal, creative journey. Students don’t just memorise vocabulary or rehearse grammar rules; they use English to express who they are. For teachers, this resource ticks all the right boxes.

Video diaries help students practice self-reflection, explore creativity, and develop digital storytelling skills. Check out this post for more ways to nurture creative thinking in your classroom.

And because it’s all wrapped up in a visually engaging activity, your students will be so focused on creating something cool, that they won’t even realise how much they’re learning.

Perfect for EFL Students—But Great for Everyone

The Video Diary Tools for SEL and EFL are designed with EFL students in mind, but this resource works for all students.

For EFL learners, the tools provide scaffolding. They guide students with sentence starters, vocabulary banks, and visual prompts. It’s like having a safety net, so they can take risks with their new language and build fluency without fear.

But even your fluent English speakers will benefit. Video diaries help students practice self-reflection, explore creativity, and develop digital storytelling skills. These activities align perfectly with the core competencies of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), which empower students to manage emotions, build strong relationships, and make responsible decisions.

Whether your classroom is full of language learners, budding artists, or future filmmakers, this resource will meet them where they are and help them shine.

The Video Diary Tools works across the board:

• Art: Students can incorporate their artwork into their videos, blending visual and verbal storytelling.
• PDHPE (Personal Development, Health, and Physical Education): Reflecting on emotions and well-being is a perfect match for this subject.
• Social Studies: Ask students to create video diaries connected to historical events or cultural experiences.
• Drama: Video diaries as monologues? Yes, please.
• ICT/Digital Technologies: Teach digital skills like video editing and design in a hands-on, engaging way.

You can easily adapt these tools to suit your subject area and your student’s needs.

Why This Resource Works for All Age Groups

The Video Diary Tools for SEL and EFL are flexible enough to fit into upper primary and secondary classrooms.

For primary students, simplify the process with fewer prompts and shorter videos. For secondary students, challenge them to explore more complex ideas or experiment with advanced video editing techniques. Whatever their age or ability, these tools provide the support they need to succeed.

Encourage Students to Reflect and Share

Reflection is where the real learning happens. The Video Diary Tools include thoughtful reflection questions to help students dig deeper:

• What was your favourite part of making this video?
• What did you learn about yourself today?
• How can you improve next time?

You’ll be amazed at the insights your students share. And because they’re using English to express themselves, their language skills will grow naturally alongside their emotional intelligence.

Make It Yours: Sign Up to Access This Free Resource

Are you ready to bring Video Diary writing and SEL into your EFL classroom? This resource isn’t just free it’s part of a growing collection of monthly resources designed to support teachers like you.

Sign up for membership today and get access to this tool and so much more. Let’s make learning creative, personal, and powerful for every student.

Take the Next Step

With the Video Diary Tools for SEL and EFL, you’re not just teaching English or fostering SEL skills—you’re helping students discover their voice and tell their story. That’s a gift they’ll carry with them far beyond your classroom.

So what are you waiting for?