Top Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in schools: Essential Picks for 2024
Social-emotional learning (SEL) has rapidly become an indispensable part of modern education, equipping students with essential life skills such as empathy, resilience, self-awareness, and responsible decision-making.With technology’s growing role in education, finding the right digital tools and apps for SEL is crucial for schools aiming to foster supportive and inclusive learning environments. In this extensive guide, we’ll explore the best SEL tools and apps for schools in 2024, offering insights into their features, implementation tips, benefits, and real-world case studies to empower educators, counselors, and administrators.
Why SEL Matters in Schools: The Foundation for Success
Research shows that strong SEL programs increase academic performance, promote positive behavior, and enhance student well-being. In today’s fast-paced,interconnected world,integrating technology-driven SEL solutions is more critical than ever. But selecting the right tools can be challenging amidst the surge in EdTech options. Let’s dive into the essential SEL tools that are shaping the classroom experience in 2024.
Best Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools for 2024
The following handpicked selection highlights the top-performing and most trusted social-emotional learning apps and platforms used in K-12 education. These picks balance functionality, accessibility, ease of use, and proven results.
1. Second Step
- Overview: A research-backed SEL curriculum designed by the Committee for Children.
- Features: Offers digital lessons, activities, and assessment tools for elementary, middle, and high school students.
- Benefits: Easy integration with LMS platforms like Google Classroom; supports mindfulness, empathy, and conflict resolution.
- Unique Points: Includes educator training and family resources.
2. ClassDojo
- Overview: Widely used communication platform fostering SEL through classroom culture and parent engagement.
- Features: Live feedback points, customizable avatars, secure messaging, portfolios, and SEL activities.
- Benefits: Motivates students, encourages positive behaviors, and connects home-to-school SEL learning.
- Unique points: Free for teachers; available in multiple languages.
3. Peekapak
- Overview: Interactive SEL platform combining storytelling, gamification, and digital lessons.
- Features: Narratives centered on SEL themes, child-friendly activities, formative assessments, and teacher dashboards.
- Benefits: Engaging for young learners; supports both in-person and remote SEL instruction.
- Unique Points: Family extension activities boost at-home SEL practice.
4. Emotional ABCs
- Overview: Award-winning SEL curriculum for elementary students focused on emotional regulation.
- Features: Videos, games, interactive lessons, and printable materials.
- Benefits: Simple, effective framework for identifying and expressing emotions; progress tracking for teachers.
- Unique Points: Used by thousands of schools globally.
5.Nearpod SEL
- Overview: Leading EdTech platform with robust SEL lesson library and interactive student engagement tools.
- Features: Ready-to-use SEL content, polls, quizzes, collaborative boards, and virtual field trips.
- benefits: Seamlessly integrates with existing lessons and devices; provides actionable data and insights.
- Unique points: real-time feedback fosters honest communication in safe digital settings.
6. Mood Metre™ (Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence)
- Overview: App based on the acclaimed RULER method for emotional intelligence.
- Features: Visual tools for labeling and understanding emotions, journaling, and trend tracking.
- Benefits: Builds emotional awareness and vocabulary; enhances student self-reflection.
- Unique Points: Suitable for both group and individual applications.
7. GoNoodle
- Overview: Video-based platform bringing movement and mindfulness into daily lessons.
- Features: Engaging videos, guided breathing, and SEL-centric activities.
- Benefits: Improves attention, regulates energy, reduces anxiety, and fosters classroom community.
- Unique Points: loved by younger grades for its fun, energetic approach.
8. Along
- overview: A free digital reflection tool empowering 1:1 student-teacher connections.
- Features: Pre-made SEL prompts, video/written responses, secure sharing, conversation starters.
- Benefits: Strengthens relationships, increases student voice, supports regular SEL check-ins.
- Unique Points: Supported by Gradient learning, a nonprofit backed by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
Key Benefits of Using SEL Tools and Apps in Schools
- Improved academic Outcomes: SEL fosters growth mindset, self-regulation, and focus, directly impacting grades and test scores.
- Stronger Emotional Well-being: Students learn to navigate stress, resolve conflicts, and celebrate differences.
- Positive School Climate: Reduces bullying, increases inclusivity, and strengthens relationships among peers and educators.
- Family Engagement: Many apps offer home connection features, helping families reinforce SEL skills outside school.
- Personalized and Differentiated Instruction: Digital platforms adapt SEL content for varying age groups, abilities, and learning styles.
Expert Tips for Successful SEL App Implementation
To maximize the impact of SEL technology in your classroom or school, consider these best practices:
- Align Tools with School Goals: Choose SEL platforms that support institutional values, diversity, equity, and inclusion agendas.
- Prioritize Privacy and security: Review data protection policies and permissions, especially when student facts is involved.
- Provide Staff Training: Ensure teachers are cozy with app navigation, curriculum integration, and troubleshooting.
- Blend Digital with In-Person Activities: Encourage a balance of screen time and face-to-face interactions for holistic growth.
- Engage Parents and Caregivers: Share SEL learning journeys and tips via platforms with home connection features.
- Monitor and Evaluate: Use built-in analytics and feedback to refine SEL strategies and highlight student progress.
Case Studies: SEL Apps in Action
Case Study 1: Elementary Success with Peekapak
At Harmony Elementary School in Colorado, teachers integrated Peekapak’s narrative-based activities into daily morning meetings. Within six months, reports indicated a 35% drop in playground disputes and a measurable boost in self-confidence among third graders. Parents praised the platform’s family activities.
Case Study 2: ClassDojo Fosters Home-School Partnerships
In New York City, PS 101 used ClassDojo to create custom SEL reward systems. Teachers observed higher attendance rates and better self-regulation in students with immigrant backgrounds, while families found translated resources invaluable for bridging cultural gaps.
Case study 3: GoNoodle Energizes SEL in Remote Learning
When faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, Riverside School District leaned on GoNoodle’s movement and mindfulness videos to combat remote learning fatigue. Teachers saw improved participation and emotional regulation, especially in younger students, as measured by daily check-ins.
First-Hand Educator Perspectives
“Implementing SEL apps like Nearpod and Second Step transformed our advisory periods. Students opened up about their feelings and peers developed genuine empathy. The ready-to-use digital lessons saved us hours of planning.”
– Sarah J., Middle School Counselor
“Our ClassDojo journey started for behavior tracking but quickly grew into an SEL tool. Now, families are more involved, and my classroom has a respectful, collaborative vibe.”
– Mike L., 5th Grade Teacher
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h1, h2, h3 {
colour: #228be6;
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ul, li {
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blockquote {
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Conclusion: Choosing the Right SEL Tools for Your School in 2024
Integrating effective social-emotional learning tools and apps in schools is not just a trend—it’s a necessity for nurturing well-rounded,emotionally clever students who thrive academically and socially. From comprehensive curriculum platforms like second Step to accessible, engaging tools such as ClassDojo and GoNoodle, the 2024 landscape offers an array of technologies supporting SEL at every stage.
When selecting SEL tools for your school, prioritize alignment with your students’ unique needs, ensure robust privacy standards, and encourage collaborative, inclusive usage across classrooms and homes. by investing in the right digital solutions and app partnerships, you’ll build a strong foundation for student success, resilience, and well-being.
Ready to enhance your school’s SEL journey? Explore these essential picks for 2024 and empower your students to grow, connect, and succeed!