Top Tools and Apps for Supporting SEL in Schools: Essential Picks for Educators
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is more than just a buzzword—it’s a transformative approach to education, empowering students to understand themselves, collaborate with others, and succeed in and out of the classroom. Leveraging cutting-edge SEL tools and apps can make implementation easier, more effective, and engaging for educators and students alike. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top tools and apps supporting SEL in schools, share practical tips for educators, and highlight the profound benefits of integrating technology into SEL strategies.
What is Social Emotional learning (SEL)?
SEL—or Social Emotional Learning—refers to the process through wich children and adults acquire the skills needed to manage emotions, build healthy relationships, set positive goals, show empathy for others, and make responsible decisions.Effective SEL programs contribute to improved academic performance, reduced behavioral problems, and lifelong success.
Why Use SEL Tools and Apps in Schools?
The rise of educational technology offers educators powerful resources to teach,assess,and reinforce SEL skills seamlessly. Using apps and digital platforms helps personalize learning, track progress, provide instant feedback, and engage students in creative ways. Investing in the right SEL tools can help educators:
- Make lessons interactive and fun
- Improve student engagement and participation
- Monitor progress & personalize interventions
- Connect lessons to real-life scenarios
- Foster supportive and inclusive classroom environments
Top SEL Tools and Apps: Essential Picks for Educators
Choosing the right SEL tools is crucial for successful integration. below are some of the most impactful and popular apps designed specifically to support SEL in schools. Each brings unique features ideal for different age groups and educational needs.
1. ClassDojo
- Best for: K-12 classrooms,remote and hybrid learning
- Features: ClassDojo allows teachers to promote positive behaviors and mindsets by awarding points and providing instant feedback. It encourages classroom community through digital portfolios and reflection tools.
- SEL Impact: Fosters growth mindset, self-awareness, and community building.
2. Sanford Harmony
- Best for: Elementary educators seeking structured SEL curriculum
- Features: Offers free research-based lesson plans, activities, games, and tools for fostering communication, respect, and empathy.
- SEL Impact: Evidence-driven support for relationship building and conflict resolution.
3. Peekapak
- Best for: Grades PreK–5, story-based learning
- Features: Engaging narrative-driven adventures and digital lessons designed around the five SEL competencies. Includes remote learning support.
- SEL Impact: Encourages empathy, self-regulation, and responsible decision-making.
4. Emotional ABCs
- Best for: Early elementary, younger students
- Features: Animated videos, games, printables, and workshops focused on emotional identification and regulation.
- SEL Impact: Supports emotional literacy and coping skills.
5. Second Step
- Best for: K–8, systemic SEL implementation
- Features: Comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum addressing bullying, resilience, emotional regulation, and social skills.Includes digital teacher guides and activity portals.
- SEL Impact: Improves classroom culture and reduces discipline issues.
6. Wakelet
- Best for: All grade levels, collaborative learning
- Features: A curation platform that allows teachers and students to collect, organize, and reflect on resources, experiences, and emotions—great for digital portfolios and sharing SEL journals.
- SEL Impact: Encourages self-awareness and reflection.
7.Mood Meter App
- Best for: Middle and high schoolers
- Features: Developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, this app helps students identify, track, and discuss their emotions using the famous Mood Meter.
- SEL Impact: Builds emotional vocabulary and self-regulation skills.
8.Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
- Best for: PreK, early elementary
- Features: Fun interactive activities where Sesame Street monsters teach stress management, emotional regulation, and problem-solving techniques.
- SEL Impact: Empowers young learners with lifelong coping strategies.
9. Stop, Breathe & Think
- Best for: Middle/high school, mindfulness
- Features: Guided mindfulness activities, emotional check-ins, and meditation for managing stress and promoting mental health.
- SEL Impact: Elevates self-awareness and resilience.
10. Ripple Effects for Staff & Students
- Best for: Secondary schools, comprehensive intervention
- Features: Personalized, multi-modal digital programs for mental health, SEL, and behavior intervention. Includes modules for trauma support and restorative practices.
- SEL Impact: Addresses complex emotional and behavioral needs at whole-school scale.
Benefits of Integrating SEL Tools and Apps
Integrating SEL tools and apps in schools offers numerous benefits to students, educators, and entire school communities:
- Increased Engagement: Interactive digital activities encourage active participation and deeper learning.
- Data-Driven Insights: Many platforms offer analytics and reporting to track progress and identify needs for intervention.
- Personalized Support: Adaptive technology tailors lessons to individual student strengths and challenges.
- Remote and hybrid Versatility: Most SEL apps work effectively in virtual, hybrid, or customary classroom settings.
- Family Involvement: Many tools include resources and portals for parents to reinforce SEL skills at home.
- Improved School Climate: SEL fosters trust, mutual respect, and a positive classroom environment.
Practical tips for Educators: Maximizing SEL App Success
To make the most of these powerful SEL tools, educators can follow these proven strategies:
- Select Age-appropriate Tools: Ensure apps fit your students’ developmental level and unique classroom needs.
- Integrate SEL Into Daily Routine: Use fast check-ins, reflection activities, and group challenges regularly—not just in designated SEL time.
- Model SEL Skills: Demonstrate self-regulation, empathy, and responsible decision-making yourself. Authenticity is key.
- Share With Families: Encourage parents to engage with SEL apps at home. Many platforms include family resources.
- Track Progress: Use built-in data tools to monitor individual and group growth, adapting instruction as necessary.
- Foster Discussion: Use app activities as springboards for conversations on emotions, diversity, and respect.
Case Studies: Real-World Success Stories
Whitney Elementary School’s SEL Change via ClassDojo
After implementing ClassDojo school-wide, Whitney Elementary reported a 32% decrease in disciplinary referrals and an overall improvement in classroom climate.Teachers used daily check-ins and digital portfolios, noting increased student self-confidence and peer collaboration.
sanford Harmony Boosts Empathy and inclusion in LAUSD
In Los Angeles Unified School District’s pilot program with Sanford Harmony, participating classrooms demonstrated stronger peer relationships and reduced incidents of bullying. Teachers cited the structured lesson plans and games as helping students practice empathy in practical, everyday situations.
First-Hand Experiance: Quotes from Educators
“The stories and activities in Peekapak make SEL lessons so much more engaging. My students love the characters and have started talking about kindness and problem-solving outside the classroom.”
– Mrs. Chong,Grade 3 Teacher,New Jersey
“Using the Mood Meter has transformed how my students self-assess their feelings.They’re more open to discussing emotions, and I’ve seen big improvements in classroom behavior and peer interactions.”
– Mr. Patel, Middle School counselor, Texas
Conclusion: Empowering SEL Success in Your School
Adopting the top SEL tools and apps listed above provides educators with the resources they need to foster lasting emotional intelligence, empathy, resilience, and academic achievement in students. Whether you’re enhancing traditional lessons or shifting to digital-first classroom experiences, integrating these essential picks for SEL ensures that your teaching practices address the whole child and create a thriving school culture.
Start small, stay consistent, and watch as your students blossom into confident, compassionate learners—equipped for success in school and beyond. The future of education is SEL-enabled, and these tools are your springboard to lasting impact.