Top tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools: Essential Picks for Educators
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) has become an integral part of modern education, empowering students with the skills thay need too manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions.As educators increasingly recognize the value of SEL, demand for effective SEL tools and apps for schools is surging. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best SEL solutions for educators, explore their benefits, and offer practical tips for accomplished integration in every classroom.
The Importance of Social and Emotional Learning in Schools
SEL focuses on nurturing self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Research consistently shows that robust SEL programs can lead to:
- Greater academic achievement
- Improved student behaviour
- Enhanced emotional regulation
- Safer and more inclusive learning environments
With the right tools and apps, schools can efficiently integrate SEL into daily instruction, making learning more engaging and impactful.
Key Features to Look for in SEL Tools and Apps
When selecting SEL tools for educators, consider these essential features:
- Age-appropriate content and customizations
- User-friendly interfaces for teachers and students
- Assessment options to track progress
- Integration with existing digital learning platforms (like Google Classroom or Canvas)
- Data privacy and security compliance
Top SEL Tools and Apps for Educators in 2024
To make your search easier, hear are the top-rated SEL platforms and apps empowering teachers and transforming student well-being:
1.Second Step
Second Step is a complete, research-backed SEL curriculum used in thousands of schools. It provides:
- lesson plans for PreK to Grade 8
- Interactive digital resources and student activities
- Progress tracking for teachers
- Professional advancement modules for staff
why educators love it: Easily aligns with classroom instruction and national SEL standards.
2.ClassDojo
Widely used for classroom management, ClassDojo also offers a robust SEL curriculum. Key highlights include:
- Visual reward system for positive behaviors
- Student portfolios to reflect on SEL progress
- animated video lessons on mindfulness, empathy, and growth mindset
- Real-time parent-teacher messaging
Why educators love it: User-friendly, engaging, and bridges home-school communication for SEL growth.
3. Panorama Education
Panorama is a data-driven SEL platform that empowers educators with:
- Research-based SEL surveys for students and teachers
- Analytics dashboards to monitor trends and identify needs
- Actionable strategies and resources for advancement
- Integration with SIS and digital learning tools
Why educators love it: Provides real-time insights for tailored support and district-wide SEL measurement.
4. Pear Deck
Pear Deck is an interactive presentation tool with SEL templates for:
- Morning check-ins and emotional self-assessments
- Slide decks fostering discussion on empathy, respect, and cooperation
- Real-time student participation and feedback features
Why educators love it: Blends SEL discussion into academic lessons and creates a safe, supportive learning environment.
5. Mood Meter
Mood Meter is an app developed by the Yale Center for emotional Intelligence, designed for students and educators alike. features include:
- Daily mood check-in prompts
- Personalized strategies for emotional regulation
- Data tracking for emotional trends over time
Why educators love it: promotes emotional vocabulary development and supports individualized SEL strategies.
Honorable Mentions:
- Inner Explorer: guided mindfulness audio programs for K-12 students.
- Zearn’s Social-Emotional Activities: Blends SEL into core subject practice, especially math.
- Kindness.org’s Kindness Curriculum: Focuses on gratitude, empathy, and prosocial behavior.
Benefits of Integrating SEL Apps into the School Curriculum
The right SEL tools and apps bring both immediate and long-term benefits for students, teachers, and entire school communities. These include:
- Improved Academic performance: Students with strong SEL skills perform better academically, as they can manage stress and focus on learning.
- Reduced Behavioral Issues: SEL programs foster self-management and conflict resolution, reducing disruptive behavior in classrooms.
- Mental Health Support: Digital SEL tools allow students to check-in, find help, and develop coping skills proactively.
- Stronger Relationships: SEL emphasizes communication, teamwork, and empathy, leading to a more caring and inclusive school culture.
Practical Tips for Implementing SEL Tools in Schools
To ensure success when rolling out new social and emotional learning technologies, consider these actionable tips:
- Start Small: Pilot one SEL tool in a few classrooms before scaling up schoolwide.
- Build Staff Buy-In: offer professional development and highlight benefits for both students and teachers.
- Involve Students and Families: Communicate openly about SEL goals and encourage feedback from students and parents.
- Integrate with Academics: Use SEL apps alongside core subjects, not as stand-alone “extras.”
- Regularly Assess Impact: Collect data, monitor usage, and adjust strategies for continuous improvement.
Case Study: Success story from the Classroom
“after integrating ClassDojo and Panorama into our daily routines, I noticed our students were more comfortable sharing their feelings and supporting one another. Our classroom incidents dropped substantially, and kids started actively practicing empathy daily. These SEL tools gave us a framework and language that transformed our school climate.”
– Ms. Ramirez, Elementary Teacher, Texas
How WordPress and EdTech Enhance SEL in Schools
Many SEL apps offer seamless integration with learning management systems (LMS) and websites. For WordPress-powered schools, this means:
- Embedding SEL activity widgets and surveys right on the school website
- Aggregating SEL resources in
.sel-resources dedicated sections for easy access (use custom CSS for clear visuals!) - Displaying schoolwide SEL progress with interactive charts or leaderboards
- Securing data through SSL and GDPR-ready plugins
This synergy empowers schools to foster a digital SEL culture accessible to students, teachers, and families alike.
Conclusion: Empower Your Students with the Best SEL Tools and Apps
Social and emotional learning is no longer a “nice-to-have” — it’s an essential component of holistic education. By choosing the right SEL tools and apps for schools, you can equip your students with skills that last a lifetime, from self-awareness and empathy to responsible decision-making.
Whether you’re an administrator or classroom teacher, now is the perfect time to embrace these innovative SEL resources. Explore the solutions highlighted in this article, pilot them in your setting, and create a culture where every child feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.
Have first-hand experiences or stories about using SEL apps in your school? Share your journey and tips in the comments below to inspire other educators on their SEL mission!