The relationships were always there. The language was missing.
Teachers know which students are disengaged. They can see the gaps — in participation, in connection, in self-expression. What’s harder is finding a way in that doesn’t feel like an intervention or an add-on to an already packed day.
The Elementals started with a 1998 conversation in a Denver classroom — a group of at-risk freshmen, a quote about unused human resources, and a teenager who distilled it perfectly: “Use it or lose it.”
That conversation became a 20-year framework used in 18 countries. The insight at its core: qualities like empathy, curiosity, and voice aren’t things you can teach directly. They emerge when students reclaim the more basic human capacities underneath them — observation, participation, communication, touch.
The Elementals give teachers a five-minute tool that opens those conversations naturally. Students self-identify. They set their own goals. The teacher’s job shifts from delivering content to coaching growth.
Don’t do to… do with.
Download the Elementals Social-Emotional Development Framework and Receive a 10%-Off Coupon for the Tool & Companion Guide
“The Elementals are like a voice in my head telling me to go beyond what’s familiar or comfortable. There is a wonderfully optimistic flavor to each card.”
“I used these with my class and referred to them as ‘Super Powers’ – students loved thinking about them that way!”
“Practicing the Elementals has been extraordinary. Waking up to them, appreciating them…was fantastic. They are a treasure and a lifetime journey that one can practice but not know.”
“They greatly helped improve my engagement with people in my life.”
“The Elementals activity calls for pausing our busy lives and taking time to observe, reflect, listen and act.”
“It made personal growth something more simple and not so daunting and complex. I loved the focus on one thing.”
Please contact us for bulk orders! Discounted pricing for >5 cards and/or books.
* Free Shipping in the U.S. $25.85 additional for all international orders added at checkout.
Ready to order?
Choose what works for you
Free U.S. shipping on all orders. Not sure? The Complete Set is our most popular — and saves you $5.
The Elementals Cards
All 16 elemental cards. Great for personal use or as a standalone classroom tool.
$15
Free U.S. shipping
Order cards onlyComplete Set — Cards + Guide
The full experience. All 16 cards plus the Educator's Guide with 6 classroom-ready activities.
$32
Free U.S. shipping
Order the Complete SetEducator's Guide
Already have the cards? Add the guide for 6 structured ways to use them with any group.
$22
Free U.S. shipping
Order guide only✓ Money-back guarantee · Questions? Contact us
Ordering for a school or district? Contact us for bulk pricing.
The Elementals Are:
Educator’s Guide
Provides helpful guidance & six ways to use them in the classroom, with individual students, and in your lesson planning. Student Worksheets and Action-Planning templates are included. Not satisfied? We are happy to return your payment.
