Top Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools: Enhance Social Emotional Learning in the Classroom
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of modern education.As classrooms diversify and student needs evolve, there’s a growing demand for innovative approaches to supporting students’ emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills. Fortunately, a diverse range of SEL tools and apps are now available to help schools foster a positive, supportive, and engaging learning environment.In this article, we’ll explore the top tools and apps for SEL in schools, discuss their benefits, and provide actionable tips for integrating them into the classroom.
What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social Emotional learning refers to the process through which children and adults develop the skills to understand and manage emotions, set positive goals, show empathy for others, establish healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. Integrating SEL into education boosts academic achievement, reduces behavioral issues, and creates positive school climates for both students and educators.
- Self-awareness: Recognizing one’s own emotions and values.
- Self-management: Regulating emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
- Social awareness: Empathy and understanding toward others.
- Relationship skills: Establishing healthy connections.
- Responsible decision-making: Ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behavior.
Why Use Digital Tools for SEL in Schools?
Digital SEL platforms and apps can help streamline, personalize, and scale social emotional learning initiatives. These resources:
- Offer interactive, engaging content for all age groups
- Enable data-driven decision-making for teachers and counselors
- Accommodate a variety of learning styles and needs
- Provide timely feedback and track student progress
- Foster a consistent approach to SEL across classrooms and schools
Top SEL Tools and Apps for Schools
Here’s a extensive list of the best SEL tools and apps that schools are using worldwide to empower students and educators:
1. Second Step
Second Step is one of the leading SEL programs for PreK-8, offering a blend of curriculum, multimedia, and digital lessons. It covers self-management, empathy, problem-solving, and bullying prevention.
- Research-based and evidence-backed
- Available both online and offline
- Includes training and support for educators
- Family resources to extend learning beyond the classroom
2. ClassDojo
ClassDojo connects teachers, students, and families through a secure digital platform. While known for behavior management, it includes mindfulness activities, reflection prompts, and positive reinforcement features that support SEL growth.
- Instant feedback on behaviors and emotions
- Customization for classroom goals
- Student portfolios encourage self-expression
- Free for teachers, accessible on all devices
3. EVERFI
EVERFI offers free online SEL courses centered on mental wellness, healthy relationships, and character development. its gamified modules foster engagement and retention.
- Data tracking for teachers and administrators
- Interactive and relevant for middle and high schoolers
- Aligns with national CASEL SEL standards
4. Peekapak
Peekapak uses storytelling and interactive games to teach SEL skills. Its digital platform integrates with Google Classroom and offers a variety of ready-to-go lessons for PreK-5.
- Narrative-driven learning
- Flexible for in-person or remote settings
- Progress monitoring and parent engagement tools
5. MoodMeter
MoodMeter, developed by the Yale Center for emotional Intelligence, teaches students to identify, label, and regulate their emotions. The simple, color-coded interface is perfect for morning check-ins and daily SEL practice.
- Encourages emotional self-awareness and vocabulary
- Helps foster empathy and resilience
- Works for both individual and group use
6. Panorama Education
Panorama Education equips schools with assessment tools and actionable insights on student SEL competencies, well-being, and school climate. The platform supports data-informed SEL planning.
- Customizable surveys for students, teachers, and families
- Dashboards for tracking and reporting growth
- Professional development resources for educators
7. GoNoodle
GoNoodle energizes elementary classrooms with short movement and mindfulness videos. Its activities help children manage stress, focus attention, and build self-control.
- Fun, movement-based SEL strategies
- Free basic access
- aligns with CASEL competencies
8. Insight Timer for Schools
Insight Timer offers free access to thousands of mindfulness and meditation activities proven to lower stress and anxiety in students. The platform includes teacher guides for integrating mindfulness into any part of the school day.
- age-appropriate guided meditations
- Tools for reflection and gratitude practice
- Flexible for group or solo use
Benefits of Integrating SEL Tools in the Classroom
By embedding SEL into daily routines with the help of digital tools,schools experience a wide range of benefits,such as:
- Improved academic performance: SEL skills like self-regulation and empathy are linked to better grades and higher test scores.
- Reduced behavioral problems: Proactive SEL lessons decrease classroom disruptions and disciplinary referrals.
- Greater student engagement: Interactive SEL activities motivate participation and build a sense of belonging.
- Enhanced teacher-student relationships: SEL tools create opportunities for meaningful, supportive interactions.
- Positive school climate: Schools that prioritize social emotional learning report lower rates of bullying and absenteeism.
Practical Tips for Effective SEL Integration
Here are some strategies for successfully implementing SEL tools and apps in your school:
- Start with Staff Training: Provide professional development on SEL concepts and how to utilize chosen tools.
- Make it Routine: Integrate SEL check-ins or short activities into daily schedules (for example, use MoodMeter each morning).
- Leverage Data: Use analytics from SEL platforms like Panorama Education to track progress and personalize interventions.
- Engage Families: Choose tools (like Second Step or Peekapak) with parent components to extend SEL learning beyond the school walls.
- Seek Student Feedback: Regularly ask students what SEL content resonates with them—versatility keeps learning relevant!
Case Study: SEL Success in Action
Sunrise Elementary School in Ohio implemented ClassDojo, MoodMeter, and Second Step schoolwide. Within one year:
- Office referrals dropped by 25%
- Teachers reported greater classroom harmony and student collaboration
- 85% of families felt better connected to their children’s emotional growth
- Students described feeling safer and more supported at school
Teachers attribute their success to consistent use of digital SEL tools, a collaborative staff approach, and ongoing communication with families.
First-Hand Experience: An Educator’s Outlook
“Introducing SEL apps like Second Step and GoNoodle turned our morning routines into meaningful moments. Students share their emotions, cheer each othre on, and even lead mindfulness activities. Digital tools have made SEL more dynamic and accessible for every learner in my classroom.”
— Mrs. Johnson, 5th Grade Teacher
Conclusion: Empower Social Emotional Learning with the Right Tools
As educators and communities rally to support the whole child, Social Emotional Learning emerges as a non-negotiable pillar of student success. By leveraging the top SEL tools and apps for schools, teachers gain practical, engaging resources for nurturing empathy, resilience, and positive relationships in every classroom. Whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your SEL initiatives, integrating these digital solutions can make a measurable difference in academic performance and school climate.
Explore, experiment, and empower your students—because every learner deserves the social and emotional skills to thrive.