top Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools: Enhance Social-Emotional Learning in the Classroom
Introduction: Why SEL Matters in Today’s Classrooms
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has become a cornerstone of modern education, empowering students to manage emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. As schools strive to cultivate safe, supportive learning environments, SEL programs are more crucial than ever—especially with the help of innovative digital tools and apps. In this article, we’ll explore the top SEL tools for schools, highlight their benefits, and share practical tips for integrating them seamlessly into your classroom routine. Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or parent, this comprehensive guide will help you choose the best SEL resources for your learning community.
What is social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social-Emotional Learning refers to the process by which children and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.SEL programs promote self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making—skills vital for academic performance and lifelong success.
Benefits of Integrating SEL Tools and Apps in Schools
- Improved Student Engagement: Interactive SEL apps keep students motivated and involved in their learning.
- Data-Driven Insights: Digital platforms provide valuable analytics to help educators track student progress and adapt instruction.
- Personalized Learning: Many tools offer tailored experiences based on individual social-emotional needs.
- Inclusive Classrooms: SEL technology ensures accessibility, supporting diverse learning requirements.
- Reduced Behavioral Issues: Proactive SEL approaches decrease conflicts and disruptive behavior.
- Positive School climate: Consistent SEL fosters empathy, collaboration, and a supportive community.
Top SEL Tools and Apps for Classrooms
Here is a curated list of the most effective social-emotional learning tools and apps transforming classrooms in 2024:
1.Second Step
Second Step is a widely-used SEL curriculum offering age-appropriate lessons and activities from pre-K to middle school. The digital platform provides interactive content,videos,and teacher guides focused on empathy,emotion management,and problem-solving.
- Comprehensive digital and printable resources
- Professional growth modules for staff
- Family resources to reinforce learning at home
2. Classcraft
Classcraft gamifies SEL, turning positive behavior and emotional skills into points and rewards. with real-time feedback, customizable quests, and a strong focus on empathy and teamwork, classcraft makes SEL immersive and engaging.
- Motivates through gamified experiences
- Promotes teamwork and collaboration
- Offers educator dashboards for tracking
3. Peekapak
Peekapak blends storytelling and digital SEL games to help students practice self-regulation, empathy, and teamwork. The platform supports K-5 classrooms and provides integrated family engagement features.
- Interactive stories aligned with CASEL competencies
- Engages families through take-home resources
- data analytics for teachers and administrators
4.EVERFI
EVERFI offers digital SEL courses for K-12, covering topics from communication and problem-solving to digital citizenship and mental wellness. Free to K-12 schools, EVERFI is research-backed and easy to implement.
- short,interactive lessons with real-world scenarios
- Reporting tools for educators
- Comprehensive modules for various grade levels
5. Emotional ABCs
Designed for younger learners, Emotional ABCs helps children understand feelings and develop emotional self-regulation. The app utilizes games, videos, and printable worksheets, supporting social emotional learning in early education.
- Easy for teachers and parents to use
- Engaging visual and audio content
- Aligned with national SEL standards
6.MoodMeter
Based on Yale’s Center for Emotional Intelligence framework, MoodMeter is a simple yet powerful app that lets students and teachers track their emotions. tracking moods fosters awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience.
- Color-coded mood tracking
- Facilitates classroom check-ins and discussions
- Promotes self-reflection and self-regulation
7. Flip (formerly Flipgrid)
While not exclusively an SEL app, Flip helps students express themselves, share perspectives, and build community through asynchronous video discussions. Teachers can create prompts around SEL topics like kindness, empathy, or coping with stress.
- Fosters student voice and connection
- Supports reflective, peer-to-peer learning
- free and easy to integrate with existing platforms
8. Stop, Breathe & Think
Stop, Breathe & Think provides mindfulness and meditation exercises for students and teachers, supporting emotion management and stress reduction.
- Mindfulness practices for all ages
- Check-in tools to track emotional well-being
- Customizable to fit classroom routines
Practical Tips for Integrating SEL Tools into Your Classroom
- Start Small: Introduce one SEL tool or activity at a time, gradually building student comfort.
- Model SEL Skills: Use apps as opportunities to demonstrate emotional regulation and empathy in action.
- Involve Families: Select resources (like Peekapak) that extend learning beyond the classroom.
- track Progress: Use built-in analytics to identify areas for growth and celebrate achievements.
- Promote Student Voice: Encourage sharing and reflection using collaborative apps.
- Offer Choice and Adaptability: Allow students to pick from different SEL activities or digital tools.
First-Hand Experience: SEL Apps in Action
Many teachers report dramatic shifts in classroom climate after introducing SEL apps. Such as, one elementary teacher used the Emotional ABCs platform during morning meetings and saw notable improvements in students’ ability to articulate their feelings. Middle school educators using Classcraft observed an uptick in positive peer interactions and reduced disruptive behaviors. Integrating digital SEL resources helps students develop real-world coping strategies while making daily routines more interactive and student-centered.
Case Study: Transforming SEL at Mapleview Middle School
Mapleview Middle School piloted Second Step and MoodMeter as part of its schoolwide SEL initiative. Teachers noted a marked increase in self-awareness and conflict resolution among students.Discipline referrals dropped by 40% within the first semester, and school climate surveys indicated higher levels of student connectedness. The combination of structured SEL lessons and daily mood check-ins created a consistent,supportive habitat where all students could thrive.
Choosing the Right SEL Tools for Your School
When selecting SEL tools or apps, consider the needs of your students, your instructional goals, and the existing technology infrastructure. Key factors to evaluate include:
- Alignment with evidence-based SEL frameworks (like CASEL)
- Ease of use for teachers and students
- Age and grade suitability
- Data privacy and security protocols
- Family engagement features
- Integration capabilities with current curriculum and learning management systems
Most importantly,look for platforms that are inclusive,accessible,and culturally responsive to ensure every student has opportunities to build vital SEL skills.
Conclusion: Empowering Students Through SEL Technology
Investing in SEL tools and apps is an investment in the holistic development of students. By leveraging the right digital resources, educators can foster emotionally bright, resilient, and compassionate learners prepared for both academic and life challenges. As classrooms evolve, integrating top SEL apps not only enhances social-emotional learning but also transforms the overall school climate for the better. Start exploring these solutions today and witness the positive impact on your students’ lives.