Build empathy, perspective taking and social awareness with 65 character cards, discussion activities, printable worksheets and editable slides. US/SEL edition.

Web of Lives is a classroom discussion toolkit for ages 12–16. Students explore fictional lives, identify strengths and challenges, consider possible influences, and connect their ideas in a growing classroom web.

What is included?

• 65 printable character cards, with cover and index (38-page PDF).
• 25-page teacher guide: a 40-minute quick start, learning objectives, suggested card combinations, discussion guidance and classroom printables.
• 38-page card discussion reference, matched to the character identifiers, covering strengths, possible influences, choices and support.
• 24 editable PowerPoint slides with teacher notes, including an editable wall mind map.
• Separate printable wall mind maps in US Letter and US Tabloid sizes.

How can you use it?
Use small-group inquiry, paired discussion, independent reflection, presentations or a gallery walk. Students can write a support letter, produce a report, write as the character, compare lives and build a wall display connecting challenges, strengths, reasons and what could help. A single lesson can grow into a project across several sessions.

Skills and classroom contexts
Supports opportunities to practise empathy, perspective taking, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision making, speaking and listening, and reflective writing. Suitable for SEL, advisory, health, language arts and relevant civics discussions. Teachers can also use selected activities in PSHE or pastoral sessions where appropriate.

About this edition
This is the US/SEL edition, using US spelling and US-specific curriculum and optional civil-rights notes. It is a separate edition from the UK PSHE pack. SEL connections are described in the guide; this is not a claim of CASEL endorsement or complete state/district curriculum coverage.

Choose cards for your class
Suggested ages: 12–16. Read and select stories before teaching. The wider collection includes sensitive themes such as sexual readiness, self-harm and alcohol, alongside friendship, belonging, bullying, learning differences and everyday pressures. The teacher guide provides a narrower quick-start selection and discussion guidance.

Format: downloadable ZIP containing printable PDFs and an editable PPTX. Use only the pages and stories needed; the core activity is paper-based and the slides are optional. Brand images in the PowerPoint remain picture objects.