Explore the SEL Blog

Uno raced ahead, his paws kicking up dust as he darted down the path. “Come on!” he barked. “You’re too slow!” Behind him, Tank walked steadily, while a small, quick-moving figure slipped quietly through the grass. Rikki-Tikki. Uno skidded to a stop. “Wait… where did you come from?” Rikki-Tikki paused, whiskers twitching. “I’ve been here,”

When Lexus first arrived, everything felt new. New smells.New sounds.New friends. Lexus was curious about everyone, especially Tuffie. But Tuffie was not interested in a new friend yet. Tuffie liked quiet places.Tuffie liked her space.And Tuffie was still learning that this new home was safe. One afternoon Lexus slowly walked toward Tuffie. Tuffie looked up.

A Forest of Friends Short It started like every other Saturday. Car ride.Windows cracked.Tank riding shotgun like security.JJ vibrating in the back seat.Uno narrating everything. And Lexus… Lexus was quiet. Too quiet. They pulled into the coffee drive-thru. JJ began licking the air. “I smell whipped cream!” he gasped. Uno’s ears shot up.“Puppy cups confirmed.”

Tuffie’s character is often used as: Because Tuffie is an animal character, children are able to: Tuffie’s Role in Advocacy & SEL Tools As part of our community advocacy and SEL development work, Tuffie helps shape: Tuffie reinforces that emotional learning can be gentle, patient, and thoughtful — especially in environments where children are carrying

A Forest of Friends SEL Story Uno was the smallest of the group, a gray-and-white pup with one ear that liked to lean just a little differently. Some days, Uno felt like his markings made him stand out too much—or not enough. When the others played tag or showed off their tricks, Uno often hung