10 Essential Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools: Enhance Social-Emotional Learning Today
looking for the best tools and apps supporting SEL in schools? Modern classrooms recognize that academic learning goes hand-in-hand with developing strong social-emotional skills. Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps students build emotional intelligence, resilience, empathy, and healthy relationships—skills that set them up for lifelong success. In today’s digital age, a variety of tools and apps make it easier than ever to integrate SEL practices into everyday classroom experiences.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 essential SEL tools and apps you can start using today to enhance social-emotional learning in your school. Whether you’re a teacher,administrator,counselor,or parent,these resources are designed to foster well-being,collaboration,and emotional literacy among students of all ages.
Why Social-Emotional Learning Matters in Schools
Social-emotional learning isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a foundation for academic achievement and holistic student development. A robust SEL program can lead to:
- Improved academic performance
- Reduced behavioral issues and classroom disruptions
- Better relationships between students, teachers, and peers
- Healthier classroom environments and school climate
- Greater emotional regulation, empathy, and self-awareness
- Engage students with interactive, age-appropriate activities
- Provide real-time feedback and progress tracking for educators and parents
- Facilitate individualized support for diverse learners
- strengthen home-school dialogue channels
- Offer data-driven insights for continuous SEL betterment
10 Essential Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools
Dive in as we present our carefully curated list of top SEL tools and apps that can transform the way students grow both emotionally and socially.
1. Second Step
Second Step is a comprehensive SEL curriculum offering digital programs, videos, and interactive activities tailored for PreK-8 students.The platform addresses essential competencies including empathy, emotion management, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making, making it a staple for many schools worldwide.
2. ClassDojo
Widely beloved in K-12 classrooms, ClassDojo builds a positive school culture through digital portfolios, instant feedback, and engaging activities that reinforce SEL principles. The app encourages positive behavior, student reflection, and seamless teacher-parent communication.
- Promotes self-awareness and self-management
- Facilitates parent-teacher-student interactions
3. Mood Metre
Developed by Yale’s Center for Emotional Intelligence, Mood Meter empowers students and teachers to track, label, and manage emotions. Regular emotion check-ins help students recognize their feelings, expanding their emotional vocabulary and boosting self-regulation skills.
4. EVERFI’s Social-Emotional Learning Suite
EVERFI offers engaging digital courses on topics such as compassion, mental wellness, and character education. Their SEL suite covers K-12 levels and provides real-world scenarios, interactive assessments, and teacher resources for meaningful classroom implementation.
5. GoNoodle
GoNoodle integrates movement, mindfulness, and fun brain breaks into the classroom—vital for reducing stress and fostering self-awareness. With hundreds of short, kid-friendly videos, it’s a hit for elementary classrooms aiming to bring balance and energy to the school day.
6. Peekapak
Peekapak offers a literacy-based approach to SEL featuring stories, digital lessons, and collaborative games. Teachers and parents can monitor progress as students work through modules around empathy, gratitude, and teamwork, supporting both school and home environments.
- Promotes self-reflection through storytelling
- Engages families with at-home activities
7. Remind
Remind helps teachers connect with students and parents securely, making SEL integration efficient.Through messaging, announcements, and digital reminders, Remind strengthens home-school partnerships and keeps everyone engaged in students’ emotional well-being.
8.Stop, Breathe & Think
Stop, Breathe & Think offers mindfulness exercises and emotional check-ins for all ages. its easy-to-use interface guides students to pause, evaluate their emotions, and participate in meditative practices to lower stress and increase focus.
9. The Zones of Regulation
Focused on emotional regulation, The Zones of Regulation provides visual tools, apps, and lesson plans to help students recognize and manage different emotional states. Widely used in special education and mainstream classrooms, it supports better self-control and conflict resolution.
10. Panorama Education’s SEL Survey Tools
Panorama Education offers research-backed surveys and analytics tools that measure SEL progress in students.Its actionable reports help schools tailor interventions, monitor climate, and guide data-driven SEL strategy.
Real-World Success: SEL Tools Making a Difference
After implementing classdojo and Second Step, Oak Ridge Elementary noticed a significant reduction in disciplinary referrals and classroom disruptions within just one semester. Teachers reported that students engaged more thoughtfully during circle time and peer disputes were resolved faster, thanks in part to improved communication and conflict-resolution skills fostered through regular SEL activities.
According to school counselor Ms. Torres, “Our students now talk about their feelings openly. The apps we use not only help track progress but also trigger critically important conversations at home and in the classroom.”
Practical Tips for Using SEL Tools and Apps Effectively
- Start Small: Introduce one tool at a time and build familiarity before layering in new resources.
- Adapt for Your Students: Customize activities to fit cultural context, age, and class dynamics.
- Encourage Consistency: Set aside regular time for SEL activities—daily or weekly works best.
- Promote Reflection: Use journals, digital portfolios, or group discussions to reinforce SEL lessons.
- Engage Families: Share resources and updates with parents to bridge school and home environments.
- Monitor and Adjust: Collect feedback from students and staff to improve experiences and outcomes.
conclusion: Empower Your School with SEL Tools Today
Integrating tools and apps supporting SEL in schools isn’t just about adopting the latest technology—it’s about creating environments where students can thrive emotionally and academically. Whether you’re seeking a structured curriculum, instant communication tools, or engaging digital activities, the ten solutions above offer a powerful starting point.
Start enhancing social-emotional learning today by exploring these essential resources. When schools prioritize SEL, they invest in the long-term well-being and success of every student. Ready to unlock the power of SEL in your classroom? Begin your conversion with these top-rated tools and watch your school community flourish.
For more tips and expert guides on SEL integration, explore our SEL resources.