Top tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools: Enhance Student Wellness and Learning
In today’s ever-evolving educational landscape, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has become a cornerstone for fostering not just academic achievement, but whole-child development. With the rise of digital platforms, educators and administrators now have access to a wide range of tools and apps supporting SEL in schools, designed to nurture student wellness, resilience, empathy, and collaboration.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top SEL tools and apps, discuss their key features, dive into real-world benefits, and share tips for triumphant integration in your school environment. Whether you’re an educator, school leader, or parent, these resources will equip you to enhance both the social-emotional and academic growth of students.
What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) refers to the process by which students acquire and apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to manage emotions, set positive goals, show empathy, build relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL empowers students to thrive in—and outside—the classroom, making it a foundational component of 21st-century education.
SEL programs have been linked to higher academic performance, improved behavior, and greater emotional well-being, according to research by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL).
Benefits of Using Tools and Apps for SEL in Schools
- Personalized Learning: Technology offers tailored content to individual student needs and SEL skill levels.
- Real-Time Data & Feedback: Teachers receive actionable insights, allowing them to support struggling students more effectively.
- Engagement & Motivation: Interactive activities, gamification, and multimedia enhance student participation and retention.
- Scalable & Accessible: Apps bring SEL to diverse classrooms, whether in-person or remote, ensuring all students can benefit.
- Parental involvement: Many platforms enable parent-teacher communication, reinforcing SEL principles at home.
Top Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools
Hear are the leading SEL tools and apps making an impact in schools across the nation:
1.Second Step
- Overview: A research-backed SEL program, Second Step offers digital and classroom-based lessons that teach essential social-emotional skills.
- Features: Age-specific curriculum, interactive videos, digital resources, and educator support.
- Why Schools Love it: user-friendly planning tools, alignment with CASEL framework, and proven impact on school climate.
2. ClassDojo
- Overview: Widely recognized for its behavior management toolkit, ClassDojo also features modules to help students reflect on emotions, set goals, and celebrate achievements.
- Features: Digital portfolios, instant feedback, “Big Ideas” SEL video series, and parent communication tools.
- Why schools Love It: Engaging, simple UI, integrates SEL into routine classroom activities, and bridges home-school connection.
3. EVERFI
- Overview: EVERFI provides free online courses on digital wellness, health, mental wellness, and SEL skills tailored to different grade levels.
- Features: Interactive modules, real-life scenarios, auto-grading, and progress tracking.
- Why Schools Love It: Blends SEL with digital citizenship, is standards-aligned, and great for hybrid or distance learning.
4. Rethink Ed
- Overview: Rethink Ed delivers a comprehensive SEL platform, including lessons, assessment tools, and resources for teachers, students, and families.
- Features: Video modeling, self-assessments, mindfulness exercises, and built-in progress monitoring.
- Why Schools Love It: Addresses anxiety, bullying, and self-regulation with evidence-based content suitable for the entire school community.
5. Peekapak
- Overview: Peekapak engages students through storytelling, digital adventures, and writing prompts, focusing on character-building and SEL themes.
- Features: Gamified reading, lesson plans, personalized dashboards, and family engagement activities.
- Why Schools Love It: Powerful storytelling,easy alignment with Common core and SEL standards,and strong home-school connection.
6. Mood Meter
- Overview: Developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, the Mood Meter app helps students (and teachers) identify, label, and regulate their emotions.
- Features: Simple,color-coded interface,emotion tracking,self-reflection tools,and progress over time.
- Why Schools Love It: Promotes emotional vocabulary, mindfulness, and actionable self-regulation techniques.
7. Harmony SEL
- Overview: Harmony SEL offers free digital and print resources to foster communication, relationship skills, and respect among students from PreK to 6th grade.
- Features: Games, Buddy Up activities, SEL stories, and teacher guides.
- Why Schools Love It: No-cost, flexible integration, and strong foundation for launching SEL district-wide.
8. Stop, Breathe & Think (Now: mylife Meditation)
- Overview: This award-winning mindfulness app invites students to check in with how they feel and recommends short, age-appropriate meditations and breathing exercises.
- Features: Custom wellness journeys, guided mindfulness lessons, and mood tracking dashboards.
- Why Schools Love It: Supports stress management, builds self-awareness, and is scientifically validated for youth.
SEL Tools in Action: Success Stories
In a large Midwestern school district, implementation of ClassDojo and Second Step resulted in a 25% decrease in disciplinary incidents and a noticeable rise in classroom participation over one school year. Teachers reported that integrating SEL modules made students more confident in expressing their feelings and resolving conflicts independently.
Many schools report that combining digital SEL tools with traditional teaching fosters a safe,inclusive community culture. As an example, using the Mood Meter daily as a ‘morning check-in’ encourages students to acknowledge and regulate their emotions, setting a positive tone for learning.
Practical Tips for Integrating SEL Tools and Apps
- Start Small: Begin with one or two platforms to avoid overwhelming teachers and students.
- Prioritize Professional Development: Offer training sessions, webinars, and resources to help staff confidently utilize SEL tools.
- Encourage Family Participation: Choose platforms that offer resources or portals for parents and guardians, strengthening school-home partnerships.
- Monitor Progress: Use built-in analytics to track student growth and adjust instruction as needed.
- Promote Student Voice: Let students provide feedback on which SEL activities or apps resonate most.
Frequently Asked Questions About SEL Tools and Apps
- Are SEL tools appropriate for all grade levels?
Absolutely. Most leading SEL apps offer content tailored for elementary, middle, and high school students.
- Is there evidence that SEL apps improve student outcomes?
Yes. Numerous studies show that SEL tools can boost attendance, grades, and long-term well-being, as cited by CASEL and the American institutes for Research.
- Do these apps require 1:1 devices?
While some tools work best with individual devices, many are suitable for shared classroom environments or used as part of group lessons.
Conclusion: Harness Technology to unlock student Wellness and Success
Embracing tools and apps supporting SEL in schools is a powerful way to nurture empathy, resilience, and emotional literacy while enhancing academic performance and positive school culture. By thoughtfully selecting and integrating the top SEL platforms—like Second Step, ClassDojo, and Mood Meter—schools can equip every student to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
Whether you’re starting your SEL journey or seeking to strengthen existing programs, leveraging these innovative digital resources brings lasting benefits to students, educators, and families alike. Start exploring, and watch your school community flourish!