Top Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools: Enhance Social-Emotional Learning Efforts

by | May 12, 2025 | Blog


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

  1. Align with ⁢Your SEL Framework: Choose apps that complement established models (such as CASEL) and standards.
  2. Start ⁣Small: Pilot one or two⁢ tools in select classrooms before broader rollout.
  3. Involve Stakeholders: Gather input from students, families, and staff to select engaging, culturally responsive tools.
  4. Embed SEL Daily: ​ Integrate micro-lessons, mood check-ins,‌ and mindfulness exercises into​ classroom routines.
  5. Review Data: Use analytics dashboards to adjust instruction and provide ‌timely, targeted support.
  6. 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!