Social Emotional Learning Activity

If I Was a Dolphin

Overview

This activity gives students the opportunity to put themselves in the place of a dolphin surrounded by marine debris. After looking at a picture of a dolphin swimming among plastic, students will write about how they would feel if they were the dolphin and what they would want people to do in order to help them live a healthier life.

Materials

  • “If I Was a Dolphin” template

  • Writing materials

  • Coloring materials

 

Activity Duration:

  • 30-35 minutes

Instructions

  1. Each student will receive a copy of the If I Was a Dolphin template.

  2. Explain to the class that they are going to look at the picture of the dolphin on worksheet and think about how that dolphin might feel.

  3. Give students 20-25 minutes to fill out and color their worksheet. At the end of the worksheet, students will draw what the dolphin’s life would look like if the ocean was clean.

  4. Once students have finished their worksheets, hang them up around the classroom and invite students to view each other’s worksheet.

  5. Following the gallery walk, have a 10 minute discussion with students using the reflection questions below:

    • As a whole, did we feel that the dolphin was happy or sad?

    • How did you feel after seeing the photograph of the dolphin?

    • How can we work together to help the dolphin and other marine animals dealing with ocean pollution?