Looking for social emotional learning activities for autism? A way to boost student confidence, track behavior, and build a strong classroom community—all while keeping things fun and functional? Let me introduce you to one of my favorite editable social emotional learning activities for autism and preschool: character trading cards!
Don’t miss these ideas, too!
ABCs of Emotions: A fun and engaging tool for building emotional literacy, self-regulation, and a positive classroom community
Positive Self-Talk Social Story: Help preschoolers learn the power of positive self-talk with a social story for your social skills small group or morning meeting in your autism classroom.
Daily Behavior Charts and Classroom Systems: Explore effective daily behavior charts and classroom systems to monitor and manage behavior, helping students understand expectations and consequences.
Why Social Emotional Learning Activities Work So Well
There’s something magical about turning your students into their own characters. With this activity, students get to celebrate who they are, what they’re working on, and the positive skills they bring to your classroom.
Here’s why these trading cards are a game-changer:
- Built-in buy-in: Kids love personalizing and collecting cards (think Pokémon but with life skills).
- Visual and interactive: Perfect for early learners and students with autism who benefit from strong visual supports.
- Data-friendly for you: The cards include built-in behavior tracking which could be used with your daily behavior report home to keep everyone on the same page.
🧰 What’s Included
This 45-page editable SEL activity is packed with everything you need to launch this in your classroom right away. Social emotional learning activities for autism and young learners are so helpful!
🃏Editable Character Trading Cards
- One-sided: name, grade, favorite thing, personal skills, and more
- Two-sided: includes full Super Skills checklist
- 6 colors × 3 shapes – great for classroom groups
- Blank student-made versions for creative play
🎯 Super Skills Posters & Tracker
- 10 skills like Kindness, Teamwork, Creativity, and more
- Full-page, mini, and black-and-white options
- Class tracker to work toward rewards or parties
✍️ Positive Affirmation Tracing Pages
- “I am…” and “I can…” statements
- Supports handwriting, confidence, and SEL reflection
📚 Teacher Directions & Ideas
- Suggestions for classroom games, leveling up, skill swapping, and more
💬 How to Use This in Your Classroom
Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas:
- Use the cards during your morning meeting to highlight a student’s strengths
- Display the Super Skill of the Week with the matching poster
- Keep track of positive behaviors and send updates with the daily behavior report home
- Celebrate student growth with “level up” card versions or classroom parties
- Use shapes/colors to group students for partner work, centers, or brain breaks
🍎 Why It’s Perfect for Back-to-School
You’ve got a lot on your plate at the beginning of the year—IEP progress monitoring, circle time, building relationships, and setting expectations. This resource pulls it all together and helps you:
✔️ Reinforce classroom norms
✔️ Build a safe, inclusive environment
✔️ Track behavior and SEL progress from Day 1
✔️ Communicate clearly with families
🎁 Ready to Get Started?
Grab the full Editable Character Trading Card and Behavior Tracker SEL Activity and start building classroom culture with confidence and clarity.
This resource is one of my go-to editable social emotional learning activities for autism and preschool—especially during back-to-school season when routines, relationships, and communication matter most.
