Top Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools: Enhance Student Wellbeing and Engagement
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has become foundational in modern education, empowering students with the skills they need to manage emotions, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. With the rise of digital education, numerous SEL tools and apps are helping schools worldwide enhance student wellbeing and engagement. This definitive guide explores the top SEL tools and apps, their key features, proven benefits, and practical integration tips for educators.
What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Why is it Crucial?
SEL refers to the process through which students develop essential soft skills such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Research shows that fostering social-emotional competencies can:
- Improve academic performance
- Reduce behavioural issues
- Enhance classroom climate
- Increase engagement and motivation
- Promote long-term mental health and wellbeing
Digital solutions for SEL offer teachers creative ways to nurture these skills in both classroom and remote learning environments.
Top SEL Tools and apps in 2024
Here are some of the leading SEL platforms and apps making a transformative impact in schools today:
1. ClassDojo
- Best For: Building positive classroom culture and dialogue
- Key Features:
- Digital portfolios for students
- Instant feedback and positive reinforcement (points, rewards)
- Integrated messaging with families
- Real-time classroom management tools
Why It Works: ClassDojo supports SEL by fostering empathy, obligation, and a sense of community through classroom goals, recognition, and family engagement.
2. Panorama for Social-Emotional Learning
- Best For: SEL assessment and progress monitoring
- Key Features:
- Surveys for students, staff, and families
- Data dashboards for tracking SEL progress
- Actionable insights and resources for educators
- Integration with school data systems
Why it effectively works: Panorama provides valuable insights into the school climate and individual SEL growth, allowing data-driven interventions and informed school strategies.
3.Second Step
- Best For: Thorough SEL curriculum from pre-K to grade 8
- Key Features:
- Ready-to-use, grade-level lesson plans
- Videos, activities, and assessments
- Focus on emotional regulation, empathy, and bullying prevention
- family resources for at-home learning
Why It works: Second Step’s structured approach ensures consistent SEL skill development and equips teachers with research-based instructional materials.
4. Mood Meter
- Best For: Emotional awareness and self-regulation
- Key Features:
- Visual mood tracking using the Yale Center’s RULER framework
- Personalized strategies for emotional management
- Data analytics for tracking emotional trends
Why It Works: Mood meter helps students build vocabulary for emotions while guiding them in real-time towards productive coping strategies.
5. Pear Deck
- Best For: Interactive SEL check-ins and formative assessments
- Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop, drawing, and quick-response SEL prompts
- Anonymous or named participation encourages honesty
- Templates designed for empathy, self-reflection, and mental health check-ins
Why it Works: Pear Deck’s engaging format allows teachers to embed SEL seamlessly into any subject while gauging student sentiment and wellbeing.
6. Headspace for Educators
- Best For: Mindfulness, meditation, and self-care practices
- Key Features:
- Guided mindfulness and relaxation exercises for students and teachers
- Classroom-ready breathing and movement activities
- Evidence-based strategies for stress, focus, and self-esteem
Why It Works: Headspace promotes calm, focus, and resilience—key components of SEL—helping prevent teacher burnout and supporting whole-class wellness.
7. Kahoot!
- Best For: Gamified SEL activities and icebreakers
- Key Features:
- Customizable SEL quizzes and team challenges
- Collaborative play to foster teamwork and communication
- Student-driven question creation for self-expression
Why it effectively works: Kahoot! turns SEL into an interactive,fun experience,which boosts participation and helps students practice social skills in real time.
Benefits of Using SEL Tools and Apps in Schools
- Personalizes learning: Adaptive content and check-ins meet diverse student needs.
- Promotes Equity: Every student has a voice, fostering inclusivity and belonging.
- Streamlines Data Collection: Teachers and administrators gain actionable insights for targeted support.
- Ongoing Family Engagement: Many tools actively involve families for greater impact.
- Improved Teacher Wellbeing: educators receive resources and strategies for their own social-emotional health.
Practical Tips for Integrating SEL Apps in the Classroom
- Start Simple: Begin with easy-to-use tools (like daily Mood Meter check-ins) before expanding to full programs.
- Embed SEL in Daily Routines: Use brief mindfulness exercises (Headspace), quick check-ins (Pear Deck), or peer recognition (ClassDojo) during transitions or circle time.
- Celebrate Growth: Utilize digital portfolios and points systems to recognize SEL milestones for both individual students and the whole class.
- Gather Feedback: Use survey tools (Panorama) to understand what’s working and find areas of need, involving students in the process.
- Family partnerships: Share resources and app access with families so SEL can be reinforced at home.
Case Studies: SEL Tools in Action
Case Study 1: ClassDojo at Lakewood Elementary
After adopting ClassDojo schoolwide,Lakewood Elementary reported a 30% decrease in classroom disruptions and a 15% increase in positive parent-teacher communication. Management found that students actively engaged with SEL discussions, and the community celebrated achievements together.
Case Study 2: Panorama SEL in Urban High School District
By implementing bi-annual SEL assessments with Panorama, an urban high school district identified rising stress levels in students post-pandemic. Using this data,they introduced mindfulness activities via Headspace and increased counselor outreach,resulting in improved student well-being scores by year’s end.
Frist-Hand Experience: Teacher Perspectives
“Using Mood Meter as a daily check-in tool gave my quieter students a voice. I was able to spot when someone needed support—sometimes before they even asked for it.”
– Ms. Thompson, 3rd Grade Teacher
“Second Step helps me teach empathy in ways that are easy for kids to understand and practice. The ready-to-go resources make SEL accessible for busy teachers.”
– Mr. Lopez, Middle School Counselor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about SEL Tools and Apps
Are SEL tools appropriate for all age groups?
Yes, many SEL platforms offer tailored experiences for early childhood through high school, ensuring age-appropriate content and activities.
How can schools measure the impact of SEL apps?
Impact can be tracked via built-in assessments, surveys, reduced behavioral incidents, improved grades, and positive feedback from students and families.
What about student privacy?
Top SEL apps comply with major data privacy standards (like FERPA and COPPA). Always review privacy policies and parental consent features.
Conclusion: SEL Tools Are Transforming Student Wellbeing and Engagement
By leveraging top SEL tools and apps, schools can create nurturing, supportive environments where all students thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. These platforms simplify the process for educators, offering actionable insights and practical resources to address students’ holistic needs.
As technology continues to evolve, so does the potential to innovate and personalize SEL experiences. Start by exploring a few of the tools above, gather feedback from your learning community, and watch engagement and wellbeing flourish in your school.
Ready to enhance your school’s SEL journey? share this guide, inspire your colleagues, and empower every learner—one mindful moment at a time.