Top Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in schools: Essential resources for Student Emotional Learning
In today’s fast-paced educational landscape, supporting social-emotional learning (SEL) has become more crucial than ever. Schools are increasingly adopting SEL programs to address students’ emotional wellbeing, resilience, and interpersonal skills. Thankfully, a plethora of innovative SEL tools and apps empower educators and students to foster emotional intelligence and manage day-to-day challenges. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unveil the top SEL resources, their key benefits, practical submission tips, and success stories to help your school thrive.
Why SEL Matters in Schools
Social-emotional learning directly influences students’ academic performance, relationships, and long-term success. According to research, well-implemented SEL programs can boost student achievement by up to 11 percentile points and improve classroom climate. SEL frameworks help students:
- Recognize and manage emotions
- Build empathy and compassion
- Develop responsible decision-making skills
- Establish positive relationships
- Handle conflicts constructively
With technology’s growing role in education, leveraging SEL apps and tools is a powerful way to make emotional learning engaging and accessible for all students.
Top SEL Tools and Apps for Schools
Explore our meticulously curated list of top SEL apps and platforms transforming classrooms into emotionally supportive environments. These resources are widely used, research-backed, and offer robust solutions for K-12 educators.
1. Second Step
- Overview: Second Step is a leading SEL curriculum integrating digital and classroom activities. It addresses emotion regulation,empathy,and anti-bullying for grades PreK-8.
- Features: Interactive lessons, teacher guides, family portals, and online professional development tools.
- Best For: Whole-school SEL adoption with proven outcomes.
2. ClassDojo
- Overview: ClassDojo fosters positive classroom culture, interaction, and behavior management through engaging avatars and real-time feedback.
- Features: Emotional check-ins, messaging, student portfolios, and parent-teacher collaboration tools.
- Best For: Connecting school and home to reinforce SEL skills consistently.
3. Emotionary
- Overview: This app helps students articulate and understand a wide range of feelings using a visual dictionary of emotions.
- Features: Illustrated emotion definitions, journaling, mood tracking, and interactive quizzes.
- Best For: Elementary students and those struggling with emotional vocabulary.
4. Zones of Regulation App
- Overview: Based on the popular curriculum, this app teaches self-regulation through color-coded “zones” representing feelings and states of alertness.
- Features: Personalized strategies, goal setting, and animated scenarios for practise.
- Best For: Students with attention or mood challenges; classroom integration.
5. MoodMeter
- Overview: Developed by Yale’s Center for Emotional Intelligence, MoodMeter empowers students to recognize and regulate their emotions using a scientifically-backed framework.
- Features: Simple color-coded interface, mood journaling, insights, and trends on emotional states.
- Best For: Middle and high school students; SEL assessment and reflection.
6. MarcoPolo World School
- overview: Blending academic learning with SEL concepts, MarcoPolo offers hundreds of short videos and interactive activities for younger learners.
- Features: SEL-themed topics, empathy-building stories, and collaborative projects.
- Best For: Early childhood and primary educators seeking holistic development tools.
Other Notable SEL Tools
- Peekapak: SEL stories and lessons for K-5, with digital and printable resources.
- GoNoodle: Video-based mindfulness, movement, and social skills lessons for all ages.
- Everyday Speech: Social skills videos, games, and activities for students with diverse learning needs.
- Stop, Breathe & think: Guided mindfulness and meditation for managing stress and emotions.
Key benefits of Integrating SEL Tools in the Classroom
Choosing the right SEL resources brings measurable gains to both students and educators. Here are the top benefits:
- Improved Academic Performance: SEL apps cultivate focus, motivation, and resilience, directly impacting student retention and achievement.
- Reduction in Behavioral Issues: Tools provide students strategies to self-manage, reducing classroom disruptions and referrals.
- Enhanced Emotional Vocabulary: Resources like Emotionary make it easier for children to name and process their feelings.
- Increased Empathy and social Skills: Interactive SEL content strengthens peer connections and conflict resolution abilities.
- Positive School Climate: Systematic SEL adoption fosters inclusivity, safety, and well-being at every level.
Practical Tips for Implementing SEL Apps and Tools
Maximize the impact of your chosen SEL technology tools with these actionable tips:
- Start with Staff Training: Ensure educators are familiar with SEL principles and digital platforms.Many offer free webinars and tutorials.
- Align with Curriculum: Integrate SEL activities into core subjects and daily routines for seamless learning.
- Use Data and Feedback: Leverage built-in analytics to tailor interventions and celebrate progress.
- Involve Families: Choose tools like ClassDojo or Peekapak that connect parents and caregivers at home.
- Monitor and Adjust: Regularly assess engagement and adapt tool usage based on student needs and outcomes.
Case Studies: SEL Tools in Action
Urban Elementary School Success with Second Step
A Chicago elementary school integrated Second Step across all grades. Within one academic year, staff reported a 30% drop in disciplinary incidents and a notable boost in attendance and teacher satisfaction.Students showed advanced empathy, improved relationships, and stronger classroom engagement.
Rural Middle School Adoption of MoodMeter
After introducing MoodMeter to weekly advisory sessions, students in a rural Minnesota school demonstrated a 25% increase in self-reported emotional awareness and a decrease in anxiety-related absences. Teachers cited richer classroom discussions and greater student resilience.
first Hand Experience: Teachers and Students Speak
Ms. Ramirez, Grade 5 Teacher: “Using ClassDojo’s emotional check-ins transformed my classroom. Students became proactive in expressing their feelings, and I could address concerns before they escalated.”
Aiden, 7th Grade Student: “MoodMeter helped me realize how frequently enough my mood affects my work. Now, I have strategies to change it when I need to.”
Choosing the Right SEL App or Tool: What to Consider
It’s notable to select SEL resources based on your unique school setting, age group, and implementation goals. Here are key factors to keep in mind:
- Age Appropriateness: Ensure content aligns with developmental levels.
- Ease of Use: Opt for intuitive, device-compatible platforms.
- Cultural Sensitivity: check for inclusivity in examples and activities.
- Privacy & Security: Review data handling policies to protect student information.
- Integration Capabilities: Seek tools that connect with existing learning management systems.
- Evidence-Based Practices: Choose tools with proven results and positive educational research.
Conclusion: Empowering Student Emotional learning with Technology
Today’s educators understand SEL is foundational for lifelong success. By thoughtfully integrating SEL tools and apps, schools can create environments where students not onyl excel academically but also develop resilience, empathy, and self-mastery. From interactive platforms like ClassDojo and MoodMeter to comprehensive curricula such as Second Step, there’s a solution suited to every classroom’s needs.
Explore these essential resources, tailor them to your school culture, and watch your students blossom—emotionally, socially, and academically. The journey to robust social-emotional learning is ongoing, but with innovation, dedication, and the right SEL technology, the transformative impact is undeniable.
Ready to enhance your SEL program? Start exploring and implementing these top tools and apps to support student emotional learning in your school today!