A college friend of mine worked as an animator at Pixar, which is one of the many reasons I’ve followed their films so closely over the years. I also have a child who loves baseball—so when I heard Pixar was releasing a new series called Win or Lose, I couldn’t wait to check it out. The show brings together personal passion, family connection, and meaningful storytelling in a way that really connects with Starr’s mission to build understanding, foster connection, and support healing.
With plenty of humor, emotional depth, and relatable stories, Win or Lose follows a co-ed middle school softball team in the week leading up to their big championship game. Each episode focuses on a different character’s perspective—from players to parents to the umpire—offering a unique look at how personal experiences shape how people see the same moment. It has captured my heart—and it’s why I believe it’s a must-watch for educators, parents, and professionals committed to trauma-informed care and social-emotional learning.
This shifting perspective offers a powerful lesson in empathy—and mirrors the principle that behavior is communication. Like the show’s characters, the children we work with bring their own stories to every situation. Trauma, adversity, and stress don’t always show up in obvious ways. They show up in avoidance, outbursts, perfectionism, or withdrawal. They show up in how kids play the game—not just whether they win or lose.
What’s Really Going On? Teaching Empathy and Building Resilience
Each Win or Lose episode invites viewers to ask, “What’s going on behind the behavior?” It’s a question we encourage educators, caregivers, and community leaders to ask every day. This kind of curiosity creates space for kids to feel like they belong—something that’s at the heart of our Circle of Courage® model and essential to building resilience.
Seeing the same story from different points of view is a powerful reminder: everyone has a story. That message lines up perfectly with our Certified Trauma and Resilience Specialist online courses. In it, participants learn how to recognize signs of trauma and respond with compassion. It’s not about fixing everything—it’s about showing up, being curious, and really seeing each child for who they are and what they’ve been through.
A Teaching Tool for SEL in Classrooms and Beyond
Win or Lose can also be used as a powerful conversation starter in classrooms and youth programs. Educators can guide students through exercises in perspective-taking, emotional regulation, and storytelling—all key components of social-emotional learning (SEL).
Looking for activities to use in the classroom? Our book Mind Body Skills: Activities for Emotional Regulation includes simple, effective ways to help kids improve their emotional regulation by strengthening the connection between thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. In addition, our Courageous Choices program helps kids manage emotions, build positive behaviors, and use SEL skills in everyday life.
From the Screen to the Real World
At Starr, we talk often about creating environments where children feel safe, seen, and supported. Pixar’s Win or Lose gives us a beautiful roadmap for how that might look in practice—through understanding, empathy, and connection.
So as you laugh, reflect, and maybe even tear up while watching, think about how this kind of storytelling can shape the way you see and support the kids in your life. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, social worker, or youth advocate, this series is a powerful reminder that building resilience starts with seeing the whole child.
To learn more about how Starr Commonwealth can support your SEL and trauma-informed care journey, visit our online store or check out our professional learning opportunities. Let’s keep doing the work—together.
