Top Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools: Enhance Social Emotional Learning in Classrooms
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a vital aspect of modern education. As schools strive to cultivate emotionally bright, resilient, and empathetic students, digital tools and apps have emerged as powerful allies. This guide explores the top SEL tools and applications supporting social emotional learning in schools, their benefits, and practical tips to integrate them for impactful classroom experiences.
What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) refers to the process through which children acquire and apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set positive goals, show empathy, maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL in classrooms creates safe,inclusive,and effective learning environments,ultimately boosting both student well-being and academic outcomes.
Why Integrate SEL Tools and Apps in Classrooms?
- Technology makes SEL accessible, engaging, and measurable for students and teachers alike.
- SEL platforms save educators time through ready-to-use activities, curricula, and progress tracking.
- Digital SEL tools offer personalized support, catering to diverse learner needs and backgrounds.
- Apps enable continuous practise, reflection, and reinforcement of SEL concepts beyond traditional lessons.
- Data-driven insights empower teachers to adjust interventions and celebrate student growth.
Top SEL Tools and Apps Supporting Social Emotional Learning in Schools
Here’s a roundup of the leading SEL platforms and applications designed to enhance social emotional learning in classrooms:
1. Second Step
- Overview: Second Step is a widely-adopted SEL curriculum that combines complete lesson plans, videos, and digital resources, focusing on skills like empathy, emotion management, and problem-solving.
- Features:
- Interactive digital lessons and games
- Teacher guidance and family dialogue tools
- Assessment and progress monitoring
- Best For: Elementary and middle schools seeking a research-based,whole-school approach to SEL.
2. ClassDojo
- Overview: ClassDojo transforms classroom culture by helping students build positive behavior and growth mindset through reward points and feedback loops.
- Features:
- Instant feedback on SEL skills (e.g., teamwork, persistence)
- Student portfolios for reflection
- Parent-teacher communication tools
- Best For: Elementary and middle school classrooms looking to reinforce SEL skills daily.
3. peekapak
- Overview: Peekapak offers an engaging SEL curriculum through story-based lessons and gamified learning. Its online platform includes literacy integration to reinforce core SEL competencies.
- Features:
- Interactive stories and assessments
- Student and parent dashboards for home engagement
- Resources in multiple languages
- Best For: K-8 classrooms adopting literacy-based SEL strategies.
4. Mood Meter
- Overview: Developed by the Yale Center for emotional Intelligence, Mood Meter helps students and educators check in with their feelings, increasing emotional vocabulary and self-awareness.
- Features:
- Daily mood tracking
- Personalized strategies to shift emotions
- Visual emotion mapping
- Best For: Middle and high school students working on self-regulation and well-being.
5. Everyday Speech
- Overview: Everyday Speech provides a robust video modeling curriculum for SEL and social skills growth.It’s widely used for both general and special education needs.
- Features:
- Video-modeling lessons with real-life scenarios
- Interactive activities and games
- Printable resources and teacher guides
- Best For: K-12 classes,especially for students needing targeted social skills support.
6. Calm Schools
- Overview: The Calm app’s school edition brings guided mindfulness,breathing exercises,and meditations directly to the classroom,supporting teachers and learners alike.
- Features:
- Audio and video mindfulness activities
- Teacher mindfulness and self-care tools
- Classroom relaxation breaks
- Best For: All school ages—ideal for stress reduction and focus-building.
7. ZONES of Regulation
- Overview: ZONES of Regulation uses colors to help students identify their emotions and develop effective coping strategies,available as a web-based tool and app.
- Features:
- Color-coded emotion zones
- Visual supports and check-ins
- Customizable coping strategies
- Best For: Elementary schools and special education classrooms seeking practical self-regulation frameworks.
8. Feelings Wheel apps
- Overview: Numerous apps (such as Marc Brackett’s Mood Meter or Plutchik Wheel of Emotions) make it easy for students to describe and understand emotions beyond just “happy” or “sad.”
- Features:
- Interactive, color-coded wheels
- emotion labeling and journaling
- Reflection prompts
- Best For: All age groups—great for morning meetings, journaling, and conflict resolution.
Benefits of Using SEL Tools in Schools
- Evidence-based Impact: Digital SEL tools align with CASEL’s competencies (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision-making), proven to increase academic achievement and reduce behavioral issues.
- Differentiated Learning: Personalized content meets diverse emotional and developmental needs, ensuring every student gets support at their level.
- Enhanced engagement: Interactive multimedia,games,and peer collaboration make SEL relatable,memorable,and fun.
- Parental involvement: Many apps include family dashboards, home assignments, or communication tools to continue SEL growth outside school hours.
- Data for Responsive Teaching: Real-time insights and progress tracking help educators identify struggling students and intervene sooner.
Practical Tips for Using SEL Apps in the Classroom
- Start with Clear Goals: Define which SEL skills (e.g., self-awareness, empathy, self-regulation) are most crucial for your classroom community. Align your tool selection accordingly.
- Schedule Consistent Check-ins: Dedicate a few minutes at the start or end of each day for SEL app check-ins or reflections.
- Encourage Student Ownership: Let students track their emotional states or achievements on apps,fostering a sense of responsibility and agency.
- Integrate with Curriculum: Connect SEL lessons to academic content where possible—for example, discussing emotions in literature or scenarios in science and history.
- Provide Family access: Share app links and summaries with parents, encouraging SEL conversations and practice at home.
- Monitor Progress: Use built-in analytics to track growth and tailor support or celebrate SEL milestones.
Real-Life School Success: SEL App Implementation Case study
Greenwood Elementary, Ohio: After integrating Peekapak and ClassDojo into their daily routines, Greenwood elementary instructors observed a 30% decrease in behavioral incidents and saw significant improvements in classroom climate.Teachers noted that students became more supportive of one another, practiced conflict resolution skills independently, and took pride in their self-reflection journals. Parental feedback mentioned more open conversations at home and greater resilience when facing challenges.
First-Hand Experience: Teacher Testimonial
“Using the Mood Meter app with my fifth graders has transformed classroom mornings. Students quickly check in, describe how they’re feeling, and share strategies they’re using for a better day. Not only has it improved self-regulation, but it’s reduced anxiety and helped me better support my students’ emotional needs.”
— Ms. parker, 5th Grade Teacher
Conclusion: Embracing SEL Tools for a Healthier School Community
Integrating the right SEL tools and apps in schools is a game-changer for cultivating emotionally intelligent, resilient, and prosperous students. These digital resources empower educators to promote vital social and emotional skills in engaging, measurable, and sustainable ways. Whether you’re new to SEL or seeking fresh approaches,the tools highlighted above will support your journey toward a more connected and thriving classroom.
Ready to enhance social emotional learning in your classroom? Explore these apps,tailor activities to your students,and watch the change unfold—one mindful,empathetic learner at a time.