How to Use Inside Out to Teach Social Emotional Learning
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Identifying emotional triggers worksheets from the Inside Out 1 & 2 SEL Activities Bundle
Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out and Inside Out 2 offer more than just entertainment—they provide rich frameworks for helping students understand the inner workings of their emotions. School counselors and educators can use these films as engaging tools to teach key Social Emotional Learning skills that align with developmental needs from upper elementary through high school.
1. Developing a Sense of Self
Both films portray Riley's internal emotional world, making abstract concepts like self-identity accessible. As students watch her core memories shape "personality islands," they begin to grasp how values, experiences, and emotions shape their own sense of self.
2. Identifying Emotional Triggers & Body Mapping Feelings
The characters—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust (and new ones like Anxiety in the sequel)—are a perfect starting point for helping students name emotions and recognize their triggers. Pairing Inside Out 1 & 2 emotions with body mapping exercises lets students locate where emotions live physically (tight chest for anxiety, warm face for anger), reinforcing self-awareness.
3. Evolving Personality Traits
Inside Out 2 introduces the idea that personality isn't static. As Riley matures, new traits emerge and old ones shift—mirroring real adolescent development. This helps students understand that growth, change, and even conflicting feelings are normal parts of becoming who they are.
4. Impulse Control & Complex Emotions
Both films highlight moments when emotions take over the “control panel.” This serves as a great analogy for teaching impulse control and emotional regulation. The sequel introduces more nuanced feelings like embarrassment and envy, opening the door to discussing emotional complexity and the importance of pausing before reacting.
5. Peer Pressure, Trends & Sarcasm
In Inside Out 2, Riley navigates peer pressure and the desire to fit in. This gives educators a natural path to discussions on resisting social trends that conflict with personal values. The film also touches on sarcasm—often used by tweens and teens to mask vulnerability. Discussions can explore how sarcasm can hurt others or disconnect us from authentic communication.
6. Understanding Anxiety
A new character, Anxiety, plays a major role in the sequel. This is a powerful representation of how worry can be both protective and overwhelming. Students can learn to differentiate between helpful and harmful anxiety, and counselors can guide them in developing coping strategies like grounding, reframing, and mindfulness.
7. Making Positive Choices & Conflict Resolution
From emotional meltdowns to critical decisions, the films show Riley learning through trial and error. These moments model how to brainstorm solutions, consider consequences, and make choices aligned with one’s values.
By embedding Inside Out and Inside Out 2 into SEL lessons, educators give students a visual and emotional language to explore their inner world. These films do more than entertain—they teach kids how to grow, reflect, and thrive. Check out activities to pair with both Inside Out and Inside Out 2 here.
