Numerous studies have been conducted on education during the COVID-19 pandemic, but none have been done on efforts to improve students' social intelligence throughout the pandemic. The objective of this study was to illustrate how folktales were used to improve students' social intelligence in Kedurang Bengkulu while they were studying at home, given that social ability is one of key aspects of life (Salavera et al., 2017). The researchers collected the necessary data using a mixed method approach. Statistical analysis, observations, interviews, and documentation studies were used to obtain the data. This study revealed that folktales could be used as educational materials to help students enhance their social intelligence. It was based on the result of statistical analysis that showed the value of t-score is -45.633 with a P value of 0.000 < 0.05, it can be concluded that there is a significant difference in the mean score of the pre-test and post-test. Additionally, it was supported by the results of interviews with several teachers, families, and students. The utilization of folktales as a learning resource was able to shape students' social intelligence in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.