Top Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools: Enhancing Social-Emotional Learning for Students
The importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) in schools has never been greater. As educators and administrators seek to foster positive school climates, resilience, empathy, and self-regulation among students, innovative SEL tools and apps are emerging as essential allies. Integrating SEL technology can help educators assess,teach,and reinforce the skills students need to succeed both academically and in life. in this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top SEL tools and apps for schools, highlight their benefits, and share practical tips for effective implementation.
What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which students acquire and apply knowledge, skills, and attitudes to manage emotions, set goals, show empathy, build relationships, and make responsible decisions. According to CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning), SEL is proven to have a positive impact on academic achievement, mental health, and overall well-being.
- Self-awareness – recognizing emotions and strengths
- Self-management – regulating thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
- Social awareness – empathizing with others, understanding diversity
- Relationship skills – building healthy relationships, communication
- Responsible decision-making – making ethical choices
why Schools Need SEL Tools and Apps
While customary classroom settings can provide a foundation for SEL, digital tools are increasingly used to enhance learning and measure progress. SEL apps and platforms:
- Engage students through interactive content
- Offer personalized experiences and instant feedback
- Enable ongoing assessment and data collection
- Support educators with lesson plans,resources,and analytics
- Foster inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments
The right SEL resources can transform social-emotional learning from a periodic activity into a daily practice,embedded into school routines and culture.
Top SEL Tools and Apps for students and Educators
Below is a curated list of leading SEL apps and platforms designed specifically for schools. Each tool offers unique features to support the growth of key social-emotional skills.
1. Second Step
- Overview: Second Step is a holistic SEL curriculum offering interactive videos, activities, and conversation starters for grades PreK-8.
- Key Features: Age-appropriate lessons, family engagement, bullying prevention modules, robust teacher support.
- Why Schools Love It: Evidence-based,scalable,aligns with CASEL framework.
2. Peekapak
- Overview: Peekapak delivers immersive SEL stories and interactive lessons blending reading, writing, and social-emotional skill building for grades PreK-5.
- Key Features: Story-based learning,progress monitoring,dashboard for teachers,family engagement resources.
- Why Schools Love It: Fun, easy to implement, supports virtual and blended learning.
3. ClassDojo
- Overview: ClassDojo is a communication app connecting teachers, students, and parents, with a dedicated SEL toolkit featuring video lessons and journaling.
- Key Features: Positive reinforcement, student portfolios, mindfulness activities, customizable settings.
- Why Schools Love It: Enhances home-school connection, encourages student voice, free basic version.
4.Move This World
- Overview: Move This World uses video-based emotional management exercises, designed for daily classroom practice and to build resilience and communication skills.
- Key Features: motion and mindfulness exercises, teacher resources, reporting features.
- Why Schools Love It: Integrates seamlessly into daily routines, supports whole-child well-being.
5. Emotional ABCs
- Overview: Emotional ABCs provides evidence-based activities teaching emotion identification, self-regulation, and problem solving for elementary students.
- Key Features: Interactive games, printable workbooks, classroom tools, progress tracking.
- Why Schools Love It: Simple interface, accessible for younger learners, effective for special education.
6.Everfi
- Overview: everfi delivers digital SEL courses that focus on character education, mental health, conflict resolution, and safe social media use.
- Key Features: Standards alignment, assessment modules, reporting dashboard, resources for grades K-12.
- Why Schools Love It: Free to schools, research-backed, cyberbullying and mental health modules.
7. Sanvello for Schools
- Overview: Sanvello offers evidence-based mental wellness tools such as mood tracking,guided meditations,and peer support for middle and high school students.
- Key Features: Mobile app, mood journaling, anonymous peer chat, teacher guidance tools.
- Why Schools Love It: Supports adolescent health, addresses stress and anxiety, secure platform.
Benefits of Using SEL Tools and Apps
Integrating SEL apps into classrooms and schoolwide practices brings comprehensive benefits for students, teachers, and overall school climate:
- Improved Emotional Intelligence: Tools help students recognize and manage their emotions.
- Positive School Culture: Fosters kindness, respect, and inclusiveness.
- Better Academic Outcomes: SEL supports focus, motivation, and engagement, leading to higher achievement.
- Reduced Bullying and Absenteeism: Regular use of SEL platforms helps create safer learning environments.
- Support for Mental Health: apps provide coping strategies, resilience training, and access to wellness resources.
- Data-driven Instruction: Analytics help teachers tailor interventions and monitor student growth.
Practical Tips for Implementing SEL Tools
To maximize the impact of SEL technology in your school, consider these practical implementation tips:
- Start with Staff Training: Provide educators with thorough training on selected tools and underlying SEL principles.
- Integrate SEL Across the Curriculum: Incorporate SEL lessons into math, literacy, science, and art.
- Prioritize Student Voice: Allow students to reflect, share feedback, and personalize their learning experiences on SEL apps.
- Encourage Family Involvement: Use platforms with parent portals and home activities to broaden SEL practice beyond the classroom.
- Monitor Progress Regularly: Use dashboards and analytics to assess student growth and adjust strategies as needed.
- Create Safe Digital Spaces: Ensure compliance with data privacy and security standards to protect student information.
Case Studies: SEL Tools Making an Impact
Second Step in Action – ABC Elementary School
After integrating Second step,ABC Elementary observed:
- 25% decrease in discipline referrals
- Improved classroom climate scores,measured through teacher surveys
- Students demonstrated increased empathy and conflict-resolution abilities
Move This World – Urban Middle School
Daily video exercises from Move This World contributed to:
- Reduction in reported anxiety and stress levels among students
- Enhanced focus and participation,measured during advisory periods
- Greater peer support and positive communication in group activities
Real-Life Experience: Teacher Viewpoint
“Implementing ClassDojo’s SEL toolkit helped my third-grade class become more emotionally aware and responsible. The instant feedback and family engagement features made it easy to reinforce positive behaviors both in class and at home. Students who previously struggled with self-regulation are now leading group discussions on empathy and kindness.”
– Ms. Lopez, 3rd Grade Teacher
Conclusion: Enhancing SEL in Schools for Lasting Success
as schools continue to embrace technology, SEL tools and apps provide dynamic and effective pathways to nurture students’ social-emotional skills, foster resilience, and build welcoming learning communities. By selecting platforms that align with your school’s values and goals, and integrating SEL into daily practice, educators can ensure that students are equipped not just for academic success, but for lifelong well-being.
Whether you’re searching for a comprehensive SEL curriculum or individual resources to address emotional health and relationship skills, the tools and apps highlighted above are transformative options for any school. Prioritize professional development, gather ongoing feedback, and create meaningful SEL experiences—as when students thrive emotionally, they excel in every other aspect of their lives.
If you’re ready to bring SEL technology into your school, explore the platforms listed in this guide, connect with fellow educators, and start building a culture where social-emotional learning is celebrated every day!