Be kind. Encourage compassion. Inspire creativity. Nurture courage. Grow your mind.
Every student has abilities; some of them may not be as easily seen. The Hidden Abilities Toolbox is a hands-on, strengths-based SEL activity for Kindergarten - 2nd grade. It helps students name what makes them unique, and then encourages them to see special qualities in others. Plan for about 30-45 minutes. It works as a standalone lesson or as part of a broader SEL unit. It also works well at home with a small group of kids.
Hidden Abilities are strengths that aren't immediately obvious, either to others or to the child themselves. They may not show up in grades or typical classroom performance. Even so, they're just as real and just as worth naming. For young learners, helping them see these less visible strengths is one of the most powerful things an educator can do for their confidence and sense of belonging.The Hidden Abilities Toolbox activity is a playful, tactile way to begin that journey.
Start by having students decorate their small box with whatever craft supplies are available. This becomes each student's personalized Hidden Abilities Toolbox. Encourage them to make it as expressive and unique as they are. The decorating process is itself a moment of self-expression — a signal that their version of this box is unlike anyone else's.
Next, place a small mirror inside each box. Ask students to look into it and think about what makes them special — not just what they're good at in school, but who they are. What do they love? What do people always come to them for? What lights them up? Have students jot down or draw these qualities on an index card and place it in the box.
Prompt for Kindergarten: "What's something you love to do that makes you feel really good?" Prompt for Gr. 1–2: "What's something you can do that you don't think other people notice? That's a hidden ability."
By now, students have decorated their box and reflected on what makes them unique. This step takes their thinking a little further. Ask each student to write or draw one hidden ability they want to put in their Toolbox — it can be something from the mirror reflection, something that came up while decorating, or something brand new. Anything counts: drawing, singing, storytelling, sports, making people laugh, organizing things, taking care of animals, or noticing when someone is sad.
Remind students there are no wrong answers. The goal is honest self-discovery.
Now, invite students to share their hidden ability with the group. Before they begin, set the tone together: "In this classroom, we celebrate each other. Our job is to listen and cheer."
This is where the magic happens. Students often hear their peers name things they'd never thought to say out loud — and recognize them instantly as true.
Finally, draw names from a hat. Each student writes or draws an appreciation note for the classmate they drew. The note highlights the hidden abilities they noticed during the activity. These notes go into each student's Hidden Abilities Toolbox.
Want to go deeper? Add a musical discovery round between Steps 2 and 3. Create a short playlist of diverse music — something upbeat, something slow, something from a different culture or genre than your students usually hear. Play a snippet of each song and ask:
"How does this song make you feel? Show me — you can dance, draw, or write it down."
This helps students connect with their emotional responses and often surfaces unexpected hidden abilities: the student who starts choreographing, the one who listens with total stillness and then describes the feeling perfectly. A 2021 systematic review published in Environmental Research and Public Health found that using music in education for children ages 3–12 can positively support emotional intelligence — improving emotional perception, expression, and regulation — as well as boosting creativity and prosocial skills.
Strengths-based SEL activities are increasingly recognized as more effective than deficit-focused models — especially for diverse learners. When students learn to identify and articulate their hidden abilities early, research shows improvements in self-confidence, peer relationships, and academic engagement.
CASEL — the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning — identifies self-awareness as the foundational competency of SEL, defining it as the ability to recognize one's emotions, thoughts, and hidden abilities and understand how they influence behavior. The Hidden Abilities Toolbox activity is a hands-on entry point into exactly that competency.
The broader evidence for SEL is strong. A landmark 2011 meta-analysis published in Child Development by Durlak, Weissberg, and colleagues studied 213 school-based SEL programs and more than 270,000 students. They found that SEL participants showed an 11-percentile-point gain in academic achievement compared to peers who did not participate. Students also showed meaningfully improvements in social skills, attitudes, and behavior.
In addition, the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley notes that students with strong social-emotional skills perform better in school. They also have stronger relationships with peers and teachers, experience greater well-being, and are less likely to engage in risky behavior — these benefits extend well into adulthood.
The Curious B.E.I.N.G.s is a disability-informed, strengths-based SEL program that has been implemented in 18 schools across 7 states, reaching more than 1,800 students, with 91% of teachers saying they would recommend it. Teachers report students using lesson language to navigate conflicts, improved collaboration, and increased peer inclusion — outcomes rooted in exactly this kind of self-discovery work.
Q: What grade level is the Hidden Abilities Toolbox activity appropriate for?
A: The Toolbox activity is designed for Kindergarten through 2nd grade. For 3rd–5th grade, see the age-appropriate alternatives in the section above — the same hidden abilities work, adapted for older learners.
Q: How long does the Hidden Abilities Toolbox activity take?
A: Plan for 45–60 minutes for the full activity, including decorating time. For a shorter version, skip the decorating step and use a plain box or folder instead — that brings it down to about 20–30 minutes. The optional Musical Discovery add-on adds approximately 10–15 minutes.
Q: Where does this fit in a school day?
A: It fits naturally into a dedicated SEL block, morning meeting, or advisory period. It also works well as a back-to-school community-building activity at the start of the year.
Q: What is a strengths-based SEL activity?
A: A strengths-based SEL activity helps students identify, name, and build on what they do well — rather than focusing only on gaps or challenges. The Hidden Abilities Toolbox is one example: a tactile, K–2 activity that surfaces student strengths and guides them from self-discovery to peer recognition. As CASEL's framework makes clear, self-awareness — including recognizing one's own hidden abilities — is the foundational competency from which all other social-emotional skills grow.
Teaching empathy to children is one of the most powerful things adults can do to build inclusive, compassionate communities. Research shows empathy skills begin developing as early as age 3 and with the right activities, parents and educators can nurture this superpower intentionally. One of the simplest and most effective ways to build empathy in kids is through play-based perspective-taking, like the "What I Think I Know vs. What I Learned" guessing game.
Empathy is the ability to recognize and share the feelings of another person, to walk in their shoes and see the world through their eyes. For children ages 3-10, developing empathy lays the foundation for:
- Making and keeping friendships
- Navigating conflict with kindness
- Appreciating differences in others
- Building inclusive, belonging-centered communities
Raising my son Guion, who also happens to have Down syndrome, I've witnessed firsthand how empathy transforms the way children relate to one another. When kids learn to look past first impressions and get genuinely curious about others, something remarkable happens: they stop seeing differences as barriers and start seeing them as what makes the world interesting.
Young children learn best when they're playing. Play-based empathy activities work because they:
- Lower a child's defensive barriers (it's a game, not a lesson)
- Create natural moments of surprise and discovery
- Give children language and practice for perspective-taking before they need it in real situations
This is the heart of the Curious B.E.I.N.G.s approach: curiosity first, judgment never.
Ready to unlock the superpower of empathy in your child? This simple three-step game is designed for ages 5 and up and works equally well at home, in the classroom, or at family gatherings. All you need is a printed question card and a willing partner.
How to Play:
The magic of this activity is in the gap between guesses and reality. Almost every child who plays this game is surprised — and that surprise is the empathy lesson. The activity shows, in a concrete and memorable way, that:
- Our first impressions and assumptions about people are often incomplete
- People are always more than what meets the eye
- Getting curious about someone is the first step to genuine connection
I've always believed that while similarities may draw us toward each other, it's in our differences that we truly grow and learn - it is what makes this world a beautiful and colorful place. When we teach children to be curious about what makes each person unique - rather than be unsettled by it - we give them the building blocks of a genuinely inclusive mindset.
That's the mission of Curious B.E.I.N.G.s: to help every child grow into someone who sees the world and each other with kindness and wonder.
A: Empathy skills being emerging as early as age 2 - 3, when children start to recognize others' emotions. By ages 4 - 6, most children are developmentally ready for simple perspective-taking activities like the one above. Structured play and guided reflection can accelerate and deepen this development throughout elementary school (and at home).
Research and classroom experience point to three key strategies: (1) perspective-taking activities that make other people's inner lives (emotions, feelings) vivid and real, (2) structured reflection after those activities, and (3) stories featuring characters with diverse abilities and backgrounds. The Curious B.E.I.N.G.s program integrates all three across 8 lessons for PreK–5.
A: Get curious. Ask your child: what can this person do, and how do they do it? That simple shift — from focusing on what's different to discovering what's possible — is where empathy begins. And it's a lesson that goes both ways: every person, regardless of ability, has something to offer and something to learn. Resources like Cincinnati Children's and ZERO TO THREE recommend letting children's natural curiosity lead — answering their questions openly and honestly rather than shushing them, and keeping the focus on what makes each person whole.
Rebecca Wilson Macsovits is a Colorado mother of three, including her son Guion, who has Down syndrome. She is the founder of Curious B.E.I.N.G.s and author of Guion the Lion. The Curious B.E.I.N.G.s disability-informed, strengths-based SEL program has been implemented in 18 schools across 7 states, reaching 1,800+ students.
Curious B.E.I.N.G.s are who we aspire to be, and we want to take you and your kids along for the adventure of leading a kind and caring life. As Curious B.E.I.N.G.s, we believe it’s important to…
Explore our website, follow Curious B.E.I.N.G.s on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to the Curious B.E.I.N.G.s newsletter to receive engaging, educational resources that will inspire the next generation of Curious B.E.I.N.G.s.
Pilot School Program, Phase II
Inspired by my son, Guion, who thrives with Down syndrome, our journey at Curious B.E.I.N.G.s is about more than just sharing our story; it's about shifting the narrative for those often marginalized due to special needs. Our mission is to transform the conversation from a focus on limitations to a celebration of abilities, highlighting the unique strengths each person possesses. Guion's resilience and spirit are the spark for Guion The Lion, a project that embodies our commitment to changing perceptions and fostering a more inclusive perspective.
Guion The Lion is not just a book; it represents the cornerstone of Curious B.E.I.N.G.s broader mission, inviting us into a world where the diversity of abilities is not only acknowledged but celebrated with joy. This narrative urges us to look beyond first impressions, discovering the true potential within each of us, especially those with special needs. By focusing on what individuals can do, rather than what they can't, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation of the boundless potential within our communities. It's about creating a space where every person's abilities are recognized and celebrated, encouraging us all to see the extraordinary in everyone.
We are thrilled to introduce the Guion The Lion unit, a series of three interconnected lesson plans designed to engage students in a journey of discovery, reflection, and celebration. These lesson plans complement the message of Guion The Lion, and provide a comprehensive framework for fostering empathy, understanding, and inclusivity among your students.
- Lesson Plan 1: Perspective directly ties to the core message of "Guion the Lion," emphasizing the importance of seeing the world through another's eyes. This lesson invites students to step into the shoes of others, expanding their understanding and empathy.
- Lesson Plan 2: Self-Awareness encourages students to reflect on their own hidden abilities and strengths, fostering a sense of self-discovery and confidence in their unique talents.
- Lesson Plan 3: Celebration builds on the self-awareness cultivated in the previous lesson, guiding students to celebrate the hidden abilities and strengths of their peers. This lesson reinforces the message that everyone has something valuable to offer, promoting a community of support and appreciation.
These lesson plans are designed to build upon each other, creating a comprehensive educational experience that mirrors our mission to shift the narrative toward celebrating diversity and abilities in all forms. By integrating these lessons into your curriculum, you are not just teaching your students valuable life skills, you are inviting them to be part of a larger movement that values and uplifts every individual.
Our goal is to inspire a more inclusive world where every child and adult feels valued for their contributions, creating a community where curiosity and kindness pave the way for recognizing and celebrating each individual's unique journey. Thank you for joining us in this important work, for it is through your dedication and passion that we can truly make a difference.
Access all plans and activity materials, here.
Best,
Rebecca
Rebecca Wilson Macsovits
Founder/Owner Curious B.E.I.N.G.s
There doesn’t have to be a holiday or a reason for a kind gesture–every day there is an opportunity for our kids to celebrate friendship and kindness while embracing inclusion.
This year, let’s foster inclusion in classrooms, communities and neighborhoods across the country by exchanging cards that promote inclusion and celebrate all abilities. Inclusion not only promotes a sense of belonging but also lays the foundation for a compassionate and diverse future.
Celebration Cards for kids are more than just paper and colors–they are powerful tools for instilling values of empathy, inclusion, and celebration of all abilities and backgrounds. By encouraging children to exchange cards with inclusive messages, we contribute to a future where inclusion is the norm, and every child feels valued and loved. Let's take time to encourage our kids to share messages that celebrate the unique traits of their friends and classmates! Who’s with us?
>>DOWNLOAD & PRINT CELEBRATION CARDS HERE
Curious B.E.I.N.G.s are who we aspire to be, and we want to take you and your kids along for the adventure of leading a kind and caring life. As Curious B.E.I.N.G.s, we believe it’s important to…
Will you join us? Explore our website, follow Curious B.E.I.N.G.s on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to the Curious B.E.I.N.G.s newsletter to receive engaging, educational resources that will inspire the next generation of Curious B.E.I.N.G.s.
Get ready to unlock the magic within and celebrate the unique, “hidden” talents that make each child extraordinary with this simple activity for kids. This activity is designed for a group of two or more kids, so it can be done at home with friends or siblings or in a classroom setting!
Time to embark on a journey of self-discovery and appreciation for others!
>>DOWNLOAD THE ACTIVITY PRINTABLE HERE
Questions to discuss:
This "Hidden Talents Toolbox" activity is a powerful tool for children to discover, express, and appreciate their individuality and the unique gifts of others. Let the magic unfold as you celebrate the diversity of abilities within your group!
Engaging in a mindfulness scavenger hunt with your kids can be a fantastic way to teach mindfulness through play, promote their mental well-being and create lasting, positive memories.
Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment without judgment. A scavenger hunt encourages children to focus their attention on the present, heightening their awareness of their surroundings and the details within them. This mindful engagement can contribute to improved concentration and reduced stress.
If the scavenger hunt is conducted outdoors, it provides an opportunity for children to connect with nature. Spending time in natural surroundings has been linked to numerous benefits, including reduced stress levels, enhanced mood, and improved overall well-being.
A scavenger hunt encourages children to observe their environment closely as they search for specific items. This can enhance their observation skills and attention to detail, fostering a greater appreciation for the world around them.
Whether conducted indoors or outdoors, a scavenger hunt typically involves movement. Physical activity is essential for a child's overall health, contributing to better physical fitness, improved mood, and increased energy levels.
If you plan the scavenger hunt as a family or group activity, it provides an opportunity for teamwork and collaboration. Children can work together to solve clues, share discoveries, and celebrate each other's successes. These collaborative experiences contribute to the development of important social skills.
Scavenger hunts often require a degree of patience and persistence. Some items may be harder to find than others, and solving clues may take time. This experience teaches children the value of perseverance and the satisfaction that comes with overcoming challenges.
Mindfulness activities, like scavenger hunts, can help children develop emotional regulation skills. By focusing on the present moment, children learn to manage their emotions more effectively and respond to challenges with a calmer mindset.
A scavenger hunt can be an educational experience, incorporating elements of science, nature, and problem-solving. When children associate learning with fun and excitement, they are more likely to develop a lifelong love for acquiring knowledge.
Planning a mindfulness scavenger hunt with your kids offers a variety of benefits, ranging from improved mental well-being to strengthened love for learning. It's an enjoyable and accessible way for parents to promote mindfulness and create positive, lasting memories with their children.
Ready to plan a mindfulness scavenger hunt?
>>DOWNLOAD THE CURIOUS B.E.I.N.G.S MINDFULNESS SCAVENGER HUNT
Happy mindful hunting!
For more art activities to support your child’s social-emotional learning, follow Curious B.E.I.N.G.s on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to the Curious B.E.I.N.G.s newsletter.
In the world of child-rearing, there's a magical ingredient that I believe can transform children into kind-hearted individuals: empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It's the superpower that allows children to put themselves in someone else's shoes. When kids develop empathy, they become attuned to the emotions of those around them–whether it's a friend who's upset or a sibling who's excited.
But, how do we teach our kids empathy? Play is a natural way for kids to explore the world, learn about their surroundings, and develop crucial social and emotional skills, like empathy and kindness.
Our “Feelings Matching” worksheet is a great activity to employ when teaching kids about emotions and empathy.
DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THIS ACTIVITY HERE
Understanding different feelings and emotions is the first step toward teaching children empathy. And, once empathy takes root in a child's heart, kindness naturally follows.
For more art activities to support your child’s social-emotional learning, follow Curious B.E.I.N.G.s on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to the Curious B.E.I.N.G.s newsletter.
Hey awesome teachers! I’m Rebecca Wilson Macsovits, a proud Colorado mother of three amazing kids and the author of Guion The Lion. My oldest son, Guion, is our very own superhero - he also happens to have Down syndrome. Guion’s vibrant spirit and unique perspective inspired me to create the fun world of Guion the Lion. In our book, we've got a special mission: to show readers that embracing differences doesn't have to be tricky at all. Nope, it's as simple as sparking a bit of curiosity and embarking on a new adventure, together.
We cherish diversity because it adds depth and richness to our world. When we talk about diversity, we embrace everyone, including those who are differently abled. EVERY individual is an essential part of our wonderfully diverse world, and one of our core principles is to treat everyone, regardless of their differences, with kindness and respect. Thank you for helping spread this message throughout your classroom and your community!
Lesson Plan 1
This lesson plan is closely tied to the book's message of seeing the world from a different perspective, which can lead to unimaginable fun.
Pre-K - A New Adventure: Seeing the World Differently
Kindergarten - A New Adventure: Seeing the World Differently
1st/2nd Grade - A New Adventure: Seeing the World Differently
Lesson Plan 2
This plan focuses on inclusivity and listening, emphasizing that everyone, regardless of their unique abilities, has hidden talents that might not be readily seen.
Pre-K - 2nd - Celebrate ALL Abilities: Embracing Inclusivity and Hidden Talents
Children have an incredible superpower: curiosity! They're like little detectives, constantly trying to unravel the mysteries of the world. As parents, caregivers, and educators, it's our mission to harness this superpower and help our kids appreciate the wonderful tapestry of diversity in our world.
Here’s a game that takes curiosity to a whole new level, Curious B.E.I.N.G.s Bingo! It's not just any old bingo – it's a journey of discovery and connection. Imagine your kids embarking on an exciting adventure where they get to explore and celebrate the diversity of their peers while having an absolute blast. Let’s play!
Step 1: To get started, you'll need Curious B.E.I.N.G.s Bingo cards. Click the links below to download the bingo cards.. Each card is a treasure map, guiding your child on a quest to find the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary.
Curious B.E.I.N.G.s Bingo Card A
Curious B.E.I.N.G.s Bingo Card B
Curious B.E.I.N.G.s Bingo Card C
Curious B.E.I.N.G.s Bingo Card D
Curious B.E.I.N.G.s Bingo Card E
Step 2: Gather the young adventurers and explain the rules. The goal? To find fellow explorers who match the descriptions on their bingo cards. Encourage them to be brave, approach new friends, and ask questions that unveil the hidden gems within each person.
Step 3: The excitement builds as they fill in the squares with the names of their newfound friends. And here's the twist – instead of shouting "Bingo!" when a row or column is complete, they shout "Curiosity!" because they've unlocked the magic of discovering what makes each person unique.
Curious B.E.I.N.G.s Bingo isn't just a game–it's a journey of learning, laughter, and enlightenment. As kids play, they're not only absorbing facts about their friends but also building essential life skills, like being great listeners, showing empathy, and mastering the art of conversation.
This game teaches them that our world is a kaleidoscope of colors, cultures, and experiences, and that's what makes it so fascinating. So, the next time you want to ignite your child's passion for understanding others, remember Curious B.E.I.N.G.s Bingo! It's not just an educational game–it's a ticket to a world where differences are celebrated, and friendships are forged across all backgrounds and abilities.
Ready for a game that turns curiosity into a superpower for unity and acceptance? Let's roll those dice and shout, "Curiosity!" together!
For more ideas of how to teach kids about inclusion, curiosity and compassion, follow Curious B.E.I.N.G.s on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to the Curious B.E.I.N.G.s newsletter.
Social-emotional learning is a process designed to support children when learning how to cope with feelings. Art is a powerful tool that helps shape the minds of children, builds confidence, encourages acceptance of differences, allows for creativity and free expression, and builds problem-solving skills.
Art is often seen as a way to explore and express social emotional concepts, such as kindness, empathy, and curiosity. Because art is typically seen as an activity rather than a challenge, it serves as a fun way to reach children who may be resistant to other teaching strategies.
Need some fun art activities? Here are 4 ways to help support your child’s social-emotional development through art.
Children can learn so much through art and other activities once they begin to use their imagination and be creative.
DOWNLOAD THESE ACTIVITIES HERE >>
For more art activities to support your child’s social-emotional learning, follow Curious B.E.I.N.G.s on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to the Curious B.E.I.N.G.s newsletter.
