10 Powerful tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools: Enhance Social-Emotional Learning Today
social-Emotional Learning (SEL) stands as a cornerstone for fostering healthy, well-rounded students equipped to handle academic, personal, and interpersonal challenges. With the digital age rapidly shaping education, there is a wealth of innovative tools and apps supporting SEL in schools. From emotional check-ins to interactive mindfulness, these resources can genuinely transform classroom culture, empower educators, and boost student success.
What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social-Emotional learning (SEL) is the systematic approach to teaching students the skills they need to understand and manage emotions, establish and maintain positive relationships, show empathy, set goals, and make responsible decisions. SEL improves not only academic outcomes but also emotional intelligence, resilience, and overall well-being.
According to CASEL, schools that integrate SEL experience better academic performance, improved classroom behavior, and higher graduation rates.
Benefits of Integrating SEL Tools and Apps in Schools
- Enhanced student engagement through interactive, student-centered experiences.
- Increased self-awareness and emotional regulation among students.
- Better classroom climate and reduced disciplinary issues.
- Streamlined educator efforts through actionable insights and data tracking.
- Facilitation of remote/hybrid learning with digital, accessible resources.
10 Powerful SEL Tools and Apps for Schools
Here’s a curated list of the best SEL apps and tools educators and administrators can implement today for transformative results in K-12 schools.
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1.ClassDojo
ClassDojo is a multifaceted communication platform that bridges students,teachers,and parents. Its SEL features encourage positive behavior, growth mindset, and emotional literacy through real-time feedback and digital portfolios. With daily check-ins and a focus on classroom community, ClassDojo is a staple for modern schools.
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2. Second Step
developed by the committee for Children, Second Step offers evidence-based SEL curricula for PreK-Grade 8. The program includes digital and print lessons focusing on empathy, emotion management, and decision-making. Teachers benefit from easy integration into existing learning routines.
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3. Panorama Education
Panorama offers data-driven SEL surveys, actionable analytics, and a responsive playbook of educator resources. Schools can track students’ social-emotional competencies and tailor interventions for continuous enhancement, making it a valuable tool for administrators and counselors.
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4. Emotionary
This engaging app introduces students to a “dictionary” of feelings, promoting emotional vocabulary advancement. Students explore a wide range of emotions through games, guided reflection, and creative journaling—helpful for elementary and middle school classrooms.
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5. Headspace for Educators
The popular mindfulness app offers free access for educators and K-12 staff. Headspace’s guided meditations, breathing exercises, and mindful movement activities can be used for classroom brain breaks or student self-care, supporting stress reduction and focus.
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6. Mightifier
Mightifier empowers peer-to-peer positive feedback, fostering empathy, kindness, and a supportive classroom environment. Students recognize and celebrate each other’s strengths digitally, encouraging a positive school culture rooted in SEL.
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7. Check-In Connect
Specializing in emotional check-ins, this platform allows students to confidentially share their feelings each day. Educators receive real-time insights, making it easier to offer support proactively. It’s ideal for both in-person and virtual learning environments.
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8. Peachjar Social-Emotional Wellness Platform
Peachjar streamlines communication about SEL events, resources, and wellness initiatives. Schools can promote SEL programs and keep families engaged, ensuring a holistic approach to student well-being.
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9. Random Acts of Kindness Foundation
This app/resource center delivers ready-to-use SEL activities,lesson plans,and kindness challenges. It helps cultivate empathy, inclusivity, and compassion among students, which are essential social-emotional learning components.
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10. Breathe For Mind
Breathe For Mind offers short mindfulness activities and breathing exercises designed specifically for classroom routines. Teachers can use them during transitions or before assessments to help students regulate emotions and manage anxiety.
Practical Tips for Implementing SEL Tools in Schools
- Start small: Introduce one or two apps, gathering feedback from staff and students.
- Offer training: Provide brief PD sessions for teachers to get the most out of each tool.
- Integrate into daily routines: Use SEL apps for morning check-ins, mindfulness breaks, or group activities.
- Engage families: Share app resources and tips with parents to extend SEL learning at home.
- Monitor progress: use analytics dashboards and surveys to track growth and adjust approaches.
Real-World Case study: SEL App Impact in Action
Lincoln Middle School in Kansas implemented ClassDojo and Panorama Education for one full academic year. Teachers reported a 35% decrease in behavioral referrals and a noticeable improvement in peer relationships.By leveraging regular emotional check-ins and group discussions, students felt more heard and empowered to manage stress and resolve conflicts constructively.
“SEL apps made it easier to support students who might otherwise slip through the cracks. The culture shift has been amazing.” — 6th Grade Teacher at Lincoln Middle School
Start with one or two SEL tools from this list and watch your students flourish both academically and socially!
Conclusion: Empowering Students Through Effective SEL Tools
As classrooms face unique challenges in today’s changing world, using tools and apps supporting SEL in schools is crucial for nurturing resilient, empathetic, and triumphant students. With solutions ranging from emotional check-ins to mindfulness techniques, every educator can find the perfect fit for their school community. Investing in social-emotional learning not only improves student well-being but also paves the way for a brighter, more compassionate future.
Have you tried any of these SEL apps in your classroom? Share your experiences in the comments or connect with us for more Social-emotional Learning resources!