Top Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools: Essential Resources for Social emotional Learning
In today’s dynamic educational environment, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has become an essential component of holistic student advancement. As schools seek effective ways to nurture emotional intelligence and positive behaviors, leveraging powerful SEL tools and apps is more important than ever. This guide explores the top resources supporting SEL, their key features, benefits, and practical insights for successful implementation in schools.
what Is Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Why Dose It Matter?
Social Emotional Learning refers to the process through which youth acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to understand and manage emotions, set goals, show empathy, establish relationships, and make responsible decisions. Emphasizing SEL in schools leads to:
- Improved academic performance
- Enhanced emotional regulation
- Stronger interpersonal relationships
- Safe and positive school climates
- Reduced behavioral issues
With the growing recognition of SEL’s benefits, educators increasingly turn to digital SEL apps and tools to streamline instruction, monitor progress, and reach every student.
Benefits of Using SEL Tools and Apps in Schools
Integrating SEL resources into the curriculum offers schools multiple advantages:
- Engagement: Interactive apps capture students’ attention and motivate them to participate in SEL activities.
- Personalization: Tailored experiences allow educators to address individual student needs,backgrounds,and learning styles.
- Data Tracking: Many tools provide robust dashboards to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
- Accessibility: Online SEL platforms allow for learning anytime,anywhere—ideal for hybrid and remote learning scenarios.
- Consistency: Pre-built lessons and tracking support consistent and quality SEL delivery across classrooms and grade levels.
Top SEL Tools and Apps for Schools
Here’s a curated list of the most effective SEL tools and apps transforming classrooms today. Each offers unique features for elementary, middle, and high school environments and caters to teachers, counselors, and administrators alike.
1. Second Step
- overview: Widely adopted for its evidence-based curriculum, Second step integrates digital lessons,teacher resources,and real-world activities that build core SEL competencies.
- Key Features: Grade-specific modules, engaging videos, progress tracking, and family engagement resources.
- Best for: Preschool to middle school.
2. ClassDojo
- Overview: ClassDojo connects teachers, students, and families in a collaborative digital space that supports positive classroom culture and SEL messaging.
- Key Features: Free platform, digital portfolios, instant feedback, SEL stories, mindfulness tools, and interaction features.
- Best for: K-8 classrooms.
3. Peekapak
- Overview: Peekapak combines interactive stories, in-class activities, and gamified experiences to teach SEL skills aligned with CASEL’s core competencies.
- Key Features: Online/offline lessons, reading and writing prompts, family engagement kits, and real-time assessment.
- Best for: PreK to Grade 5.
4. RULER (Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence)
- Overview: The RULER approach provides a comprehensive framework, resources, and tools promoting emotional literacy and school-wide culture shift.
- Key features: Professional development, digital tools for tracking and reflection, customizable resources for all grade levels.
- Best for: Whole-school adoption (PreK–12).
5. EVERFI
- Overview: EVERFI offers a suite of free, digital, standards-aligned SEL courses focusing on resilience, bullying prevention, growth mindset, and empathy.
- Key Features: Interactive e-learning modules, real-world scenarios, assessment tools, online implementation support.
- Best for: Elementary through high school.
6. Harmony SEL
- Overview: Harmony SEL delivers research-based digital curriculum, immersive games, and collaborative activities aimed at fostering inclusive classrooms.
- Key Features: Digital storybooks, speedy connection cards, family tools, easy-to-implement units for teachers.
- Best for: PreK–6 classrooms.
7. Headspace for Educators
- Overview: Focusing on mindfulness and mental wellness, Headspace provides access to guided meditations and breathing exercises suitable for classroom calm and focus.
- Key Features: App-based meditations, mindfulness exercises, free resources for teachers.
- Best for: All grade levels and staff well-being.
8. Zones of Regulation
- Overview: Zones of Regulation equips students with a common language and practical strategies to manage emotions and behaviors, delivered through digital and print materials.
- Key features: Visual tools, self-assessment check-ins, online lessons, parent resources.
- Best for: PreK–8 and special education settings.
Other Notable SEL Apps and Resources
- mind Yeti: Mindfulness exercises for young learners
- Mood Meter: Emotional check-in tool developed by Yale researchers
- Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame: Interactive games for PreK emotional management
- Inner Explorer: Audio mindfulness sessions for classrooms
practical Tips for Implementing SEL tools in Schools
Maximize your SEL initiative’s success by following these key strategies:
- Start Small: Pilot a few select tools before scaling across the school or district.
- Professional Development: Invest in ongoing training for educators to confidently use SEL apps and integrate lessons with existing curricula.
- Involve Families: Use platforms with built-in family engagement components to ensure SEL skills are reinforced at home.
- Monitor and Adjust: Use data tracking features for feedback and adapt programming based on student and teacher input.
- Promote Inclusivity: Ensure resources represent diverse backgrounds and needs, including students with disabilities or English Language Learners.
Case Study: SEL Tools Transforming a Middle School Environment
When Jefferson Middle School integrated Peekapak and ClassDojo into its curriculum, teachers noted a significant drop in behavioral incidents and a 30% increase in student self-reported sense of belonging. By assigning digital SEL lessons and using ClassDojo’s parental engagement features, the school succeeded in:
- Establishing consistent SEL routines during homeroom
- Involving families through regular updates and home activities
- Tracking student progress in real-time and giving instant feedback
- Fostering open conversations around empathy, goal-setting, and resilience
This example illustrates the transformative power of well-chosen SEL resources when implemented with strategic intent.
First-Hand Experience: A Teacher’s Outlook on Using SEL Apps
“Using ClassDojo has changed the culture in my classroom. Students are more supportive, respectful, and in tune with their emotions. The digital activities make SEL feel less like another lesson and more like a part of our everyday routine.” – Ms. Anderson, 5th grade Teacher
FAQs: Common Questions About SEL Tools
- Are SEL tools effective in remote learning? Yes, most tools listed provide robust online platforms, ideal for both hybrid and distance education.
- Can SEL apps support students with special needs? Many solutions (like Zones of Regulation) are designed with worldwide accessibility and inclusivity in mind.
- Do these resources align with CASEL competencies? Most top apps base their programs on the widely recognized CASEL framework.
Conclusion: enhancing SEL with the Right Digital Tools
Social Emotional Learning is not just another educational trend—it’s a foundational strategy for building caring,resilient,and successful students. Leveraging the right SEL apps and tools not only supports student well-being and achievement but also empowers educators to foster positive, inclusive learning environments. From full curricula to mindfulness boosters, the resources detailed above offer schools the opportunity to make SEL an everyday reality—one that transforms classrooms and impacts lives far beyond the school walls.
Ready to implement SEL in your school? Begin with a free trial or demo of any of the highlighted tools,engage your staff,and witness the difference in student growth and school climate!