Top Tools & Apps Supporting SEL in Schools: Essential Resources for Educators
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has become a cornerstone in modern education, helping students achieve academic success while building crucial life skills. With the increasing integration of technology in schools, educators now have access to a wide range of tools and apps that make teaching SEL more effective and engaging. In this thorough guide, we’ll explore the top SEL tools and apps, their benefits, and practical tips for implementation. Whether you’re an experienced educator or new to SEL, this article will empower you with essential resources to support social-emotional learning in your classroom.
What Is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process of developing students’ abilities to understand and manage emotions, set goals, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL is crucial for fostering a supportive school surroundings, enhancing student well-being, and improving academic outcomes.
Why Are SEL tools & Apps Meaningful in Schools?
SEL tools and apps provide educators with structured,evidence-based resources to deliver effective lessons,monitor progress,and engage students in learning. by leveraging technology, teachers can personalize SEL experiences, gather valuable data, and reach all learners—including those who may need extra support. With many schools adopting hybrid and remote learning models, these digital resources are more valuable than ever.
Benefits of integrating SEL Tools & Apps into the Classroom
- Personalized Learning: Digital SEL platforms adapt to individual student needs and learning paces.
- Increased Student Engagement: Interactive content, games, and real-life scenarios foster deeper understanding and participation.
- Comprehensive Progress Tracking: Technology allows regular monitoring and reporting on students’ SEL growth.
- Accessibility: Many tools offer multilingual support and resources for diverse learners.
- Easy Integration: Most SEL apps seamlessly integrate with existing classroom systems like Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams.
top SEL Tools & Apps for Schools in 2024
Choosing the right SEL tools can make all the difference.Here are some of the best-reviewed and most effective SEL apps and platforms for educators:
1.Second Step
- Overview: Second Step offers a full suite of SEL curricula for Pre-K–8, including digital programs and teacher resources.
- Features: Interactive lessons, video modeling, and assessment tools.
- Best For: Structured, schoolwide SEL initiatives.
2. ClassDojo
- Overview: While known for classroom management, ClassDojo also empowers SEL through digital portfolios and dialog tools.
- Features: Student avatars, “Big Ideas” video series, parent-teacher messaging.
- Best For: Engaging younger students and connecting families with SEL efforts.
3.Panorama for Social-Emotional Learning
- Overview: Panorama provides assessments and analytics to measure and support students’ SEL competencies.
- Features: Surveys, actionable data dashboards, intervention tracking.
- Best For: Data-driven SEL programs and whole-school monitoring.
4. Mood Meter
- Overview: Developed by Yale’s center for Emotional Intelligence, Mood Meter helps students identify and regulate their emotions.
- Features: Check-ins, emotion tracking, self-regulation strategies.
- Best For: Daily emotion tracking and building emotional literacy.
5. Move This World
- Overview: Offers multimedia SEL programs including short videos, reflection prompts, and activity guides.
- Features: Video content, teacher training modules, family resources.
- Best For: Schools seeking multimedia, daily SEL routines.
6. Peardeck SEL Templates
- Overview: Interactive SEL slide decks that integrate directly with Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint.
- Features: Warm-ups, reflections, check-ins, exit tickets.
- Best For: Teachers who want to infuse SEL into any subject lesson seamlessly.
7. Sanford Harmony
- Overview: Free, evidence-based SEL curriculum with activities, lessons, and digital resources.
- Features: Storybooks, games, “Meet Up” and “Buddy Up” activities.
- Best For: Elementary classrooms looking for ready-to-implement SEL resources.
8. Smiling mind
- Overview: A mindfulness app designed for students and teachers,with age-appropriate programs to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Features: Guided meditations, mindfulness activities, educator training.
- Best For: Schools seeking to incorporate mindfulness and wellbeing into daily routines.
9. Quirk: CBT Thought Diary
- Overview: Provides mental health journaling and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises for older students.
- Features: Thought tracking, mood logging, evidence-based exercises.
- Best For: Middle and high school students exploring self-awareness and coping strategies.
10. Edutopia SEL Tool Roundups
- Overview: Not a single app but comprehensive lists and reviews of the most current SEL tools, curated by education experts.
- Features: reviews, case studies, implementation guides for various SEL tools.
- Best For: Educators seeking updated recommendations and peer feedback on SEL technology.
Best Practices for Implementing SEL Tools in the Classroom
- Start Small: Choose one or two tools that align with your goals and test them in a pilot group before schoolwide rollout.
- Integrate Consistently: Embed SEL activities within daily routines rather than as add-ons.
- Engage Families: Use tools with parent portals to extend SEL beyond the classroom.
- Monitor Progress: Utilize built-in analytics to assess student growth and adjust strategies as needed.
- Provide Training: Host professional growth sessions so staff can confidently use new technologies.
Case Study: Real-World Impact of SEL Tech Integration
Case: Willowbrook Middle School implemented Second Step and Panorama, combining engaging lessons with robust data analytics.Teachers delivered brief daily SEL check-ins using Mood Meter, identifying students needing additional support. Over the academic year, office referrals dropped by 30%, and student survey scores indicated rising emotional awareness and resilience.Teachers praised the user-pleasant interfaces and actionable reports, while families appreciated ongoing communication via ClassDojo.
First-Hand Experience: Teacher Perspectives on SEL Apps
- Mrs. Garcia,5th Grade Teacher: “Using Peardeck’s SEL slides takes just five minutes each morning,but I’ve noticed my students check in with their feelings and are more respectful with their peers.”
- Mr. Evans,School Counselor: “With Panorama,I can quickly see which students might be struggling and prioritize check-ins. The response from parents has been fantastic.”
Practical Tips for Maximizing SEL App Effectiveness
- Set clear SEL goals and outcomes before selecting tools.
- Encourage student voice and choice in SEL activities—let them suggest or reflect on which digital resources help them most.
- Combine digital and offline strategies for a balanced approach to social-emotional learning.
- Regularly collect and share feedback from students,teachers,and families to refine SEL practices.
Conclusion: Empower Social-Emotional Growth with the Right Tools
Integrating the right SEL tools and apps into your school can transform both student well-being and educational outcomes. From established curricula like Second Step, flexible platforms like ClassDojo, to mindfulness apps like Smiling Mind, today’s educators have more options than ever. By combining evidence-based programs with thoughtful implementation strategies, schools can foster a culture of emotional intelligence, resilience, and success for every learner.
Explore these top SEL tools and apps, share your experiences, and build a supportive environment where every student thrives—emotionally, socially, and academically.