10 Best Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools: Enhance Student wellbeing Today
in today’s fast-changing educational landscape, social-emotional learning (SEL) has become a cornerstone for fostering not only academic achievement but also student wellbeing. as educators, parents, and administrators increasingly recognize the importance of students’ emotional and social health, new digital tools and apps have emerged to support SEL in schools. This guide covers the 10 best SEL tools and apps that enhance classroom culture, build resilience, and prepare students for lifelong success.
What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social-emotional learning refers to the processes through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, demonstrate empathy, maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
Why Use SEL Tools and Apps in Schools?
- Enhance student wellbeing: Support students in managing stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges.
- Foster positive classroom environments: Promote inclusivity,respect,and empathy.
- Improve academic outcomes: Research links SEL to improved focus, attendance, and test scores.
- support educators: Help teachers integrate SEL seamlessly into everyday lessons.
- Data and insights: Many SEL tools offer analytics for tracking student growth over time.
10 Best Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools
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1. ClassDojo
Among the most widely used free SEL apps, ClassDojo creates a positive classroom culture.Students build social skills by sharing learning moments, setting goals, and receiving feedback. Teachers can communicate with parents, share SEL resources, run discussions, and boost classroom engagement.
- Free & paid subscription tiers
- Parent-teacher-student collaboration
- Digital portfolios and real-time feedback
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2. Second Step
Second Step is a leader in SEL curriculum for K-8, offering digital and printed programs focusing on empathy, emotion management, and decision-making. Modules include lesson plans, videos, and interactive activities, making integrations seamless for teachers.
- Extensive curriculum for all school levels
- Flexible delivery: classroom, hybrid, or remote
- Assessment and progress monitoring
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3. Panorama for Social-Emotional Learning
Panorama Education provides research-backed survey tools that assess student SEL competencies and wellbeing.With robust data dashboards, educators get actionable insights to support targeted interventions and monitor the effectiveness of their SEL initiatives.
- Survey-driven insights
- Customizable dashboards
- Whole-child data integration
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4. MindUP
MindUP teaches mindfulness, emotional regulation, and positive psychology strategies in both digital and traditional formats. Its evidence-based curriculum is suitable for different age groups and emphasizes practical SEL practices.
- Research-based mindfulness program
- Lessons on gratitude, optimism, kindness
- Family engagement resources
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5. Pear Deck
While best known for interactive presentations, pear Deck offers ready-to-use SEL templates, formative assessments, and reflection tools that keep students engaged and emotionally aware during virtual or in-person learning.
- Integrates with Google Slides & Microsoft PowerPoint
- Live or self-paced sessions
- SEL-specific lesson templates
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6. Flip (formerly Flipgrid)
Flip empowers students to express themselves through short video discussions.It’s tailored for fostering peer-to-peer connection,sharing feelings,and encouraging self-reflection—key elements of effective SEL.
- Free video discussion platform
- Student voices and creativity showcased
- Safe, moderated spaces
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7. Breathe For All
Focused on K-12, Breathe For All brings mindfulness exercises and breathing techniques into the classroom.The app offers guided activities that help students reduce anxiety, build attention skills, and regulate emotions.
- short, curriculum-aligned mindfulness sessions
- Real-time mood check-ins
- Supports teacher self-care
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8. Sanford Harmony
Sanford Harmony focuses on relationship building and inclusive classrooms. The platform provides games, conversation starters, and daily SEL routines, all backed by CASEL and free for educators.
- Evidence-based, CASEL-aligned
- Free digital access
- Print-amiable activities
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9. 7 Mindsets
7 Mindsets delivers a K-12 SEL solution centered around positive mindsets. The multimedia curriculum includes video lessons, journals, and assessment tools to build resilience, self-efficacy, and lifelong optimism.
- Standards-aligned SEL curriculum
- Parent and staff training resources
- Built-in progress monitoring
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10. Stop, Breathe & Think (MyLife)
Formerly known as MyLife, this mindfulness app helps students and teachers check in with their emotions and access guided meditations. Research-backed and easy to use, it’s a favorite for promoting self-awareness schoolwide.
- Personalized mindfulness journeys
- Emotional check-ins and progress tracking
- Web and mobile app compatibility
Benefits of Incorporating SEL Tools in Schools
- Enhanced emotional intelligence: Students learn to identify,express,and manage their emotions effectively.
- Improved peer relationships: Tools foster empathy, cooperation, and respect among classmates.
- Reduced behavioral issues: SEL interventions decrease bullying, exclusion, and disruptive incidents.
- Boosted academic performance: Emotionally healthy students are better learners and problem solvers.
- Data-driven support: Educators receive continuous feedback on student wellbeing.
Practical Tips for Accomplished SEL Implementation
- start small: Incorporate one or two SEL tools before expanding.
- Train staff: Provide training for teachers to confidently implement SEL solutions.
- Embed SEL daily: Use rapid check-ins, reflective prompts, or mindfulness breaks every day.
- Encourage family involvement: Share resources with parents so SEL continues at home.
- Measure growth: Use surveys and analytics to track SEL progress and adapt interventions.
Real-World Experiance: SEL in Action
Case Study: Oakwood Middle School, Ohio
After introducing ClassDojo and Second Step into their classrooms, Oakwood Middle School reported a 26% decrease in suspensions and a 34% improvement in student-reported wellbeing, according to their annual Panorama survey. Teachers noticed students were more communicative about their emotions, and classroom disruptions dropped significantly.
Teacher Testimonial
“Integrating SEL apps like Flip and MindUP made a tangible difference in my students’ behavior and engagement. The video reflections helped me understand what my students are going through, even when they didn’t have the words to explain it,” shared Ms. Rodriguez, a fifth-grade teacher in California.
Conclusion: Empowering Students with SEL Tools & Apps
Social-emotional learning is more than a trend; it’s a research-backed necessity for modern education.With the right SEL tools and apps, schools can nurture emotional intelligence, build meaningful relationships, and enhance student wellbeing for every learner. By integrating these digital supports, educators foster positive classroom culture, improve academic results, and set the stage for healthier, happier students.
Ready to boost wellbeing in your school? Explore these top SEL tools and experience the transformative impact of social-emotional learning today!