Top Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools: Enhance Student Social-Emotional Learning Today
Social-emotional learning (SEL) has become an essential pillar in K-12 education, shaping better learners and more empathetic citizens. As more schools recognise the importance of SEL, educators are turning to powerful digital tools and apps to cultivate a healthy, supportive learning environment. In this guide, explore the top SEL tools and apps transforming student well-being, discover the benefits of incorporating SEL technology in your classroom, and gain practical tips to maximize impact. Let’s nurture emotional intelligence and resilience in our schools today!
What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social-emotional learning refers to the process through which children and adults acquire and apply skills to manage emotions, set goals, show empathy, maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL is linked with higher academic achievement, improved behavior, and better mental health. Digital SEL tools provide structured opportunities for students to develop thes vital life skills seamlessly within their educational journey.
Why Use SEL Tools and Apps in Schools?
- Promote positive classroom culture
- Encourage self-awareness and self-management
- support students’ mental health and emotional well-being
- Foster empathy, collaboration, and interaction
- Enable early identification of students needing additional support
- Track SEL progress with actionable data for teachers and administrators
Top SEL Tools and Apps for Schools in 2024
Here’s a curated list of the best tools and apps supporting SEL in schools, featuring intuitive platforms, engaging activities, and insightful tracking features suited for modern classrooms.
1. second Step
Second Step, developed by the Committee for Children, is one of the most widely adopted SEL curricula worldwide. Its online toolkit provides:
- Grade-appropriate lessons with interactive media (K-8)
- Digital teacher resources and training
- Progress tracking for individual students and classes
- Family resources for at-home reinforcement
2. ClassDojo
ClassDojo is more then a classroom management app — it’s a vibrant community builder. For SEL, it offers:
- Positive behavior tracking and feedback through digital points
- ‘big Ideas’ video series on empathy, mindfulness, and emotional regulation
- Parent messaging to extend SEL beyond the school walls
- Student portfolios for sharing SEL progress
3.Move This World
This multimedia SEL platform uses creative movement, music, and mindfulness to teach emotional management and conflict resolution. Features include:
- Video-based lessons for daily SEL practice (PreK-12)
- Emotional check-ins and journaling tools
- Admin and teacher dashboards with real-time insights
- Family engagement resources
4. Stop, Breathe & Think Kids
Perfect for K-5, this mindfulness and meditation app empowers young students to recognize, label, and manage their emotions. It offers:
- Personalized mindfulness activities based on how students feel
- Guided meditations and breathing exercises
- Emotion-tracking progress reports
- educator management tools
5.Panorama for Social-Emotional Learning
Panorama Education’s SEL platform is a data-driven hub trusted by thousands of districts. Key features:
- SEL surveys to assess student well-being, strengths, and needs
- Actionable dashboards for educators and administrators
- Resource library for targeted SEL interventions
- Integration with school data systems
6. Peekapak
peekapak combines literacy and SEL with interactive learning adventures:
- Story-based lessons aligned to CASEL competencies
- Home extension activities
- Digital literacy games and character-building challenges
- Reporting for teachers and families
7.zones of regulation App
This tool helps students practice self-regulation, emotion identification, and coping skills:
- Interactive games teaching emotional zones and strategies
- Can be used with the popular printed curriculum
- Customizable for individual learner needs
8. Flocabulary SEL
Flocabulary uses educational hip-hop videos to engage K-12 learners in SEL topics:
- Catchy songs about empathy, goal-setting, and growth mindset
- Comprehension activities and discussion prompts
- Quizzes and lyric-writing for creative reflection
Benefits of Using SEL Tools in Schools
- Increased Engagement: Interactive games, multimedia, and storytelling resonate with digital-native students.
- Consistency & Equity: digital platforms standardize SEL access for all learners and support differentiated instruction.
- Progress Monitoring: Actionable data identifies students who need more support and celebrates growth.
- Teacher Support: Ready-made lessons and professional progress save time and boost efficacy.
- Parent collaboration: Family communication features keep SEL practice consistent at home.
Practical Tips for Implementing SEL Apps in the Classroom
- Start Small: Introduce one tool at a time and integrate it into a routine (e.g., weekly or during transitions).
- Model & reflect: Use the tools alongside your students, participate in discussions, and reflect on your own experiences.
- Involve Families: Share home-access codes or activity summaries with parents to reinforce learning.
- Collect Feedback: Regularly survey students on which activities resonate most and adapt as needed.
- Set Goals: Use app data to set personal or class SEL goals and celebrate progress together.
Case Study: SEL Success at Greenview Elementary
Greenview Elementary, a diverse school in the Midwest, integrated classdojo and second Step across all grades. Within one academic year, the school reported a 37% reduction in classroom disruptions, increased student participation in class discussions, and positive feedback from parents regarding at-home SEL activities. Teachers noted that digital checkpoints and reward systems increased motivation and made it easier to identify students needing additional emotional support.
Real-World Experiences from Educators
“Move This World brought my students together in ways I hadn’t seen before — shy kids became classroom leaders,and our morning check-ins started a new tradition that made everyone feel safe.”
— ms.Lisa Ramirez, 5th Grade Teacher, California
“Using Stop, Breathe & Think for daily mindfulness breaks helped my class regulate their energy, and office referrals went down. The kids even ask for their favorite meditations!”
— mr. Tony Chen, School Counselor, New Jersey
Conclusion: Empower Your School With SEL Apps
Prioritizing social-emotional learning in schools ensures every student develops emotional intelligence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Integrating top SEL tools and apps offers structured, engaging, and meaningful opportunities for growth—benefiting students, educators, and families alike. Whether you’re looking to start small or overhaul your SEL approach, these resources are invaluable allies in promoting student well-being and academic success.
Embrace the power of SEL technology to create happier, healthier, and more connected learning environments today!
Ready to enhance SEL in your school? Try one of these apps today and transform your classroom climate!