Top Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools: Enhance Social-Emotional Learning Efforts
In today’s educational landscape, academic achievement is just one piece of the puzzle. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has taken center stage as schools strive to nurture resilient, empathetic, and well-rounded students. The good news is there’s an ever-growing array of digital SEL tools and apps available to educators, students, and parents. These resources are designed to empower social-emotional learning in classrooms, easing implementation and expanding impact. In this article, we’ll showcase the top tools and apps supporting SEL in schools, discuss their features, benefits, and provide practical tips for integrating them seamlessly into your school culture.
What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social-Emotional Learning,or SEL,is the process by which children and adults understand and manage emotions,set and achieve positive goals,feel and show empathy for others,establish and maintain positive relationships,and make responsible decisions. Research shows that effective SEL programs improve student outcomes, create safer learning environments, and foster lifelong wellbeing.
Why Using Digital Tools and Apps Matters for SEL Integration
SEL is most effective when it’s continuous and accessible, reaching students in and out of the classroom. Digital tools and apps make SEL engagement easier to scale and personalize. They:
- Offer interactive, real-time feedback and tracking
- Accommodate varied learning styles and needs
- Facilitate interaction among students, staff, and families
- Provide data and insights to refine SEL strategies
- Make SEL activities engaging and relatable for digital-native students
Top SEL Tools and Apps for Schools in 2024
Here’s our roundup of the leading SEL tools and apps supporting SEL in schools. Each resource varies in approach and functionality—consider your school’s priorities,existing resources,and student needs when selecting the best fit.
1. Second Step
- Overview: Second Step is one of the most widely adopted SEL programs in schools globally, offering a digital platform for interactive SEL lessons across all grade levels.
- Key Features:
- Age-appropriate curricula for PreK–Grade 8
- Interactive videos, games, and exercises
- Teacher guides and family engagement tools
- Progress monitoring and reporting
- Benefits: Evidence-based, comprehensive, adaptable for in-person or online learning.
2. Classcraft
- Overview: Classcraft gamifies SEL by embedding social-emotional skills development directly into classroom routines using quests, “powers,” and positive behavior rewards.
- Key Features:
- Personalized avatars and quests for student engagement
- Behavior tracking and recognition systems
- Integration with Google classroom and other LMSs
- Analytics dashboard for teachers
- Benefits: Encourages teamwork, engagement, and positive behaviors through a fun, interactive platform.
3. Panorama Education
- Overview: Panorama offers a data-driven SEL platform with student surveys, behavior analytics, and targeted SEL interventions.
- Key Features:
- Student SEL surveys for actionable insights
- Professional development modules for staff
- Customizable interventions for at-risk students
- Reports for administrators and whole-school tracking
- Benefits: Empowers school communities to tailor SEL with precision, track outcomes, and inform strategic planning.
4.Peekapak
- Overview: Peekapak blends SEL storytelling with interactive lessons and activities for K-8 students in a digital-first format.
- Key Features:
- Standards-aligned SEL stories and lessons
- Student-driven online platform with personalization
- Parent engagement and home extension resources
- Assessment tools for tracking SEL growth
- Benefits: Makes SEL relatable and fun with engaging narratives, accessible virtually or in person.
5.Nearpod SEL
- Overview: Nearpod’s SEL curriculum features interactive lessons delivered through its acclaimed classroom engagement platform, promoting self-awareness, empathy, and community.
- Key Features:
- Thousands of premade SEL lessons and videos
- Formative assessments and polls
- Live or student-paced lesson options
- Data export and analytical tools
- Benefits: Seamless integration with existing tech, highly interactive to engage entire classes or individuals.
Other Noteworthy SEL Apps & platforms
- Emotional ABCs: Excellent for elementary SEL foundations
- Mood Meter: Empowers self-reflection and emotional tracking
- Sanford Harmony: Free SEL curriculum and digital tools for PreK–6
- Mind yeti: Audio-guided mindfulness and SEL activities
- Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame: Early childhood resilience app
- GoNoodle: Movement and mindfulness breaks for elementary grades
Benefits of Implementing SEL Tools and Apps in Schools
- Improved Academic Performance: students with strong SEL skills often achieve better grades and test scores.
- Enhanced School Climate: digital SEL tools foster inclusivity,empathy,and positive relationships.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Apps provide measurable insights that guide whole-child instruction and interventions.
- Family engagement: Manny platforms feature resources for caregivers, strengthening home-school SEL partnerships.
- Reduced Behavioral Issues: SEL increases self-regulation, reducing incidents of bullying and classroom disruption.
Practical Tips for using SEL Tools and Apps Effectively
- Align with Your SEL Framework: Choose apps that complement established models (such as CASEL) and standards.
- Start Small: Pilot one or two tools in select classrooms before broader rollout.
- Involve Stakeholders: Gather input from students, families, and staff to select engaging, culturally responsive tools.
- Embed SEL Daily: Integrate micro-lessons, mood check-ins, and mindfulness exercises into classroom routines.
- Review Data: Use analytics dashboards to adjust instruction and provide timely, targeted support.
- Provide Professional Development: Train staff on both the technology and SEL best practices for sustained success.
Case Study: How One School District Enhanced SEL with Digital Tools
“When we adopted Panorama and integrated daily Nearpod SEL lessons, we saw a 22% increase in student engagement scores and a noticeable decline in disciplinary referrals.Staff appreciated the insight data provided, and parents reported more positive conversations about emotions at home.”
— SEL Coordinator, Midwestern Public School District
This is just one example of how strategic use of SEL tools and apps can drive measurable improvements in student and school success.
First-Hand Experience: An Educator’s Perspective
“Integrating SEL apps in schools was a game changer for our remote and in-person lessons.Apps like Second Step and Mind Yeti made it easy to provide quick emotional check-ins and mindfulness breaks, setting a positive tone for our school day. Student participation was higher, and their ability to articulate feelings improved significantly.”
—Fourth Grade Teacher, California
Conclusion: Choosing the Right SEL tools for your School
SEL tools and apps for schools are more than just a digital trend—they’re vital for nurturing the whole child and building resilient, collaborative learning communities. Whether you opt for comprehensive platforms like Second Step or innovative solutions such as Classcraft or Panorama, the key is thoughtful implementation. Start today by exploring these top tools, involving your team, and embedding SEL into your curriculum. Your students’ futures—and your school community—will thank you!