Top Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools: Boosting Social Emotional Learning in Classrooms
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has become a cornerstone of modern education, helping students develop vital life skills such as self-awareness, empathy, decision-making, and relationship-building.As schools across the globe prioritize SEL alongside academic learning, educators are turning to innovative tools and apps that make integrating SEL into the classroom seamless, engaging, and effective.
Introduction: The Importance of SEL in Today’s Schools
The demands on students today go beyond achieving academic excellence. They need to navigate complex social landscapes, manage stress, and build resilience. Social Emotional Learning in schools is essential in equipping students with these skills, improving not just individual outcomes, but the overall school climate. Recent research shows that effective SEL programs are linked to increased academic performance, better emotional regulation, and decreased behavioral problems.
Actually,according to the Collaborative for Academic,Social,and Emotional Learning (CASEL),SEL interventions can lead to an 11 percentile-point gain in academic achievement. as the demand for effective SEL grows, educators need access to powerful tools and apps supporting SEL, empowering them to foster student well-being while streamlining instructional practices.
Key Features of Effective SEL Tools and Apps
When selecting digital platforms for Social Emotional Learning, it’s important to look for features that enable real growth and classroom integration. Top SEL tools and apps often provide:
- Customizable SEL curriculums
- Interactive activities and games
- Real-time progress tracking and reporting
- Teacher resources and support materials
- family and caregiver engagement features
- Data privacy and age-appropriate content
Below, we explore the best tools and apps supporting SEL in schools, each designed to boost Social Emotional Learning in classrooms for all age groups.
The Best SEL Tools and Apps for the Classroom
1.Panorama Education
Panorama Education is a leader in the SEL space, offering a powerful platform for measuring and supporting student social-emotional skills.With survey tools, actionable insights, and progress monitoring, Panorama makes it easy for teachers and administrators to assess and support SEL at scale.
- Provides SEL surveys for students, staff, and families
- Data-driven reports to tailor interventions
- Research-based SEL curriculum resources
2. classdojo
ClassDojo is a widely adopted classroom app that encourages positive student behaviors and strong classroom culture. Its digital platform fosters teacher-student-parent connections and supports daily SEL integration.
- In-app rewards for demonstrating SEL skills
- Communication tools for teachers and families
- SEL video series for social skills, mindfulness, and empathy
3. Second Step
Second Step is a complete SEL program utilized in elementary through middle schools. Their online portal provides lesson plans, videos, classroom activities, and educator support.
- Evidence-based curriculum for each grade band
- Interactive, scenario-based digital lessons
- Family engagement and take-home resources
4.Mood Metre
Mood Meter, developed by the yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, helps students and teachers label, understand, and regulate their emotions. By checking in on their mood, students become more self-aware and develop strategies for emotional well-being.
- Simple, intuitive mood tracking for daily use
- Personalized strategies for managing emotions
- Data visualization for teachers to support students
5. peekapak
Peekapak blends SEL curriculum with stories and interactive games, delivering engaging content for teachers, students, and families.
- Story-driven lessons aligned with CASEL competencies
- Gamified learning modules for K-8
- Parent engagement through home stories and activities
6. Imagine Learning SEL (formerly Purpose Prep)
Imagine Learning SEL offers multimedia lessons, videos, and interactive activities focusing on character advancement, mindfulness, and conflict resolution.
- Video-based lessons and reflections
- Customizable for school and district needs
- Built-in progress monitoring for educators
7. Stop, Breathe & Think (now MyLife Meditation)
A student-amiable mindfulness app, Stop, Breathe & Think aids children and teens in understanding and managing anxiety, improving focus, and building a habit of self-care.
- Guided mindfulness and meditation exercises
- Mood check-ins and personalized recommendations
- Specialized resources for kids and teens
8. edmodo
While Edmodo is known for its learning management functions, it also offers built-in SEL spaces for class discussions, collaborative projects, and resources for empathy and digital citizenship.
- Safe platform for social learning and support
- Digital citizenship and empathy resources
- Teacher-parent-student communication features
Benefits of Integrating SEL Tools and Apps in Schools
Embracing digital SEL solutions in the classroom offers a range of benefits that extend far beyond individual lessons:
- Increased student engagement: Interactive tools and gamified platforms make learning about emotions and behaviors fun and relevant.
- Consistent SEL practice: Apps facilitate daily check-ins and ongoing skill development, not just one-off lessons.
- Actionable insights: Real-time data helps teachers identify students who may need additional support or interventions.
- Whole-school alignment: Shared platforms allow for school- or district-wide SEL initiatives,ensuring everyone speaks the same language of social emotional learning.
- Stronger family involvement: Many tools offer parent portals or home activities, extending SEL beyond the classroom.
Practical Tips for Maximizing SEL Tools and Apps in the Classroom
- Start small – Introduce one app or tool to avoid overwhelming staff and students.
- Build SEL into daily routines – Use daily mood check-ins,brief mindfulness activities,or class discussions to establish SEL as a classroom norm.
- Engage families – Share app access and SEL learning goals so parents can reinforce skills at home.
- Promote student voice – Let students help choose class tools or lead SEL activities to build ownership.
- Use data to inform action – Regularly review SEL app data to identify trends, celebrate successes, and target support.
Case Study: SEL Success in Action
At Jefferson Middle School, the introduction of ClassDojo and Mood Meter led to measurable improvements in both school climate and academic performance. Teachers used digital check-ins each morning, while parents received weekly SEL activity updates. In one semester, disciplinary incidents dropped by 35%, and over 80% of students reported feeling “more supported” by teachers.
“When students understand and manage their emotions,classrooms become more productive and joyful for everyone.” — Ms. Jamie Conrad, SEL Specialist
First-Hand Experience: Educators Talk About SEL Apps
Teachers commonly cite the following benefits from implementing SEL tools:
- “With Panorama, my team sees where each child is thriving or struggling, and we can truly personalize our lessons.” – Mr. Rivera,School Counselor
- “The look on my students’ faces during Peekapak stories is priceless—they’re excited to learn how to solve real-life problems!” – Ms. Lee, Grade 3 Teacher
- “Mood Meter check-ins made it so easy for shy students to communicate. I know how everyone’s really feeling before we start our day.” – Mr.Saunders, Middle School Teacher
Conclusion: Empowering the Next Generation Through SEL
Social Emotional Learning in schools is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for nurturing well-rounded, resilient students. With the right tools and apps supporting SEL, educators can provide consistent, personalized, and impactful SEL experiences every day. Whether through data-driven platforms like panorama or engaging stories from Peekapak, these digital resources are transforming how classrooms approach student well-being and success.
By thoughtfully integrating top SEL tools and apps, schools can create a culture of empathy, inclusion, and growth that prepares students not just for academic achievement, but for thriving in all areas of life.
Are you ready to boost Social Emotional Learning in your school? Explore these recommended tools and watch your classroom climate transform!