SEL Muscle Mastery

Six Tools for Building Resilience and Connection in Schools and Communities

"Lori Woodley-Langendorff's SEL Muscle Mastery is an inspiring and actionable guide for educators and caregivers navigating the complexities of social-emotional learning. With relatable anecdotes, practical tools, and a focus on empowering both adults and young people, this book delivers on its promise to foster resilience, connection, and growth. Its emphasis on self-awareness and modeling positive behaviors makes it a transformative resource for anyone committed to creating trusted spaces where communities thrive. This is a must-read for those passionate about impactful education and personal growth."

"This book provides a resource for adults to learn more about SEL and how this can impact how they approach a task or problem with their students. This is a much needed resource for any adult that is working with students. Modeling, teaching, and learning how to listen and respond is crucial as mental health concerns continue to rise in our young people.
This resource would be a great addition to the work of our mental health wellness team. Equipping the adults with a clear understanding of their mental health and recognizing how we respond to student needs."

"As a school counselor, I am profoundly inspired by Lori Woodley-Langendorff's unwavering dedication to empowering others through social-emotional learning (SEL). Her book, SEL Muscle Mastery, introduces the transformative 'Notice, Choose, Act' framework, which has significantly enhanced my ability to support students' emotional and social development. By treating SEL as a muscle to be strengthened, this guide provides practical strategies that have elevated my practice and deepened my connection with students. Lori's commitment to cultivating atmospheres where individuals recognize their inherent greatness and the interconnectedness of our life journeys makes this an invaluable resource for educators devoted to nurturing well-rounded individuals."

"SEL Muscle Mastery serves as a blueprint for developing and strengthening essential life skills—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship-building, and decision-making. The powerful concept of Notice. Act. Choose. transforms us from passive bystanders into active difference-makers. Written in a user-friendly style, this book empowers educators and caregivers alike to foster meaningful relationships, personal growth, and lasting change. While SEL muscles are not a new concept, Woodley-Langendorff inspires readers to actively engage in strengthening what matters most: relationships."

"SEL Muscle Mastery is a transformative and essential guide for educators and caregivers seeking to build resilience and foster deep connections with students. Lori Woodley-Langendorff masterfully blends research-backed strategies with relatable storytelling, equipping readers with practical SEL tools that create trusted spaces for growth. This book is a must-read for anyone dedicated to supporting the well-being of young people while strengthening their emotional intelligence and leadership."

"With over twenty years of experience teaching grades six through twelve, my success has been rooted in building positive relationships in a student-centered classroom. The ideas Lori Woodley-Langendorff shares in this book reinforce the work. I was lucky enough to witness and learn from her as a colleague, and I found myself once again being reminded and re-energized by what I read. Veteran teachers and new teachers alike, along with other VIPs in students’ lives, will find encouragement that well-being matters and can make all the difference in the way we are equipped to better our students’ lives and educational experiences."

"This book is a must-have for educators seeking to foster students' social-emotional growth while also nurturing their own well-being. Packed with practical strategies, it equips teachers to create supportive, empathetic learning environments without sacrificing self-care. SEL Muscles is a powerful guide for balanced and sustainable SEL practice."

"The author of SEL Muscle Mastery feels like a trusted friend sitting down to share practical, powerful tools for communicating with heart and clarity. Through simple, relatable advice like using "I-statements," not taking things personally, and getting clear on what you need, it offers strategies anyone can apply in everyday life. Whether in a classroom, at home, or in any relationship, these tools—perfectly described as muscles to practice and strengthen—are thoughtfully presented in a way that’s both easy to read and genuinely empowering."

"This is a powerful and practical guide that helps you cultivate emotional intelligence through a blend of personal reflection and actionable strategies. Designed for both educators and parents, each chapter offers insightful exercises and creative prompts that allow you to make the content your own, fostering deeper connections and personal growth. Whether journaling, reflecting, or engaging with the material in another way, this book provides valuable tools to navigate everyday life with awareness and intention."

"Lori's Woodley-Langendorff's SEL Muscle Mastery offers a groundbreaking approach to building emotional intelligence and resilience. Through practical exercises and insightful strategies, it empowers readers to strengthen key social and emotional skills that are vital for success in both personal and professional settings. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their emotional well-being and navigate life's challenges with confidence and empathy. This book is an invaluable resource for educators, parents, and individuals alike!"