Key points:
- Classroom SEL helps students improve emotional intelligence
- Effective SEL instruction isn’t possible without this key element
- Why SEL must be part of the chronic absenteeism solution
- For more news on SEL, visit eSN’s SEL & Well-Being hub
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a crucial component of education, helping students develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills. SEL is essential for students of all ages, improving academic performance, enhancing emotional well-being, and fostering better relationships with peers and teachers.
SEL is more accessible and engaging than ever, thanks to digital tools and online resources intended to reach all students.
Here are seven websites that support SEL, offering interactive resources, lessons, and tools to promote emotional intelligence and well-being.
1. CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning)
CASEL is one of the leading organizations promoting SEL in education. Their website provides research-backed frameworks, tools, and strategies to help educators implement SEL in the classroom. The site includes guides for integrating SEL into curricula, policy recommendations, and real-world case studies showcasing the benefits of SEL in schools.
Created by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, this platform offers evidence-based practices to enhance SEL in students and educators. The website includes free resources, such as lesson plans, mindfulness exercises, and strategies for fostering kindness and empathy in schools. Teachers can use these materials to create a supportive learning environment that nurtures emotional intelligence.
3. Smiling Mind
Smiling Mind is a free mindfulness program designed for students, teachers, and parents. It offers guided meditation sessions, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to help students manage stress, improve focus, and develop emotional resilience. The app and website provide tailored mindfulness programs for different age groups, making SEL accessible to all students.
Founded by psychologist Angela Duckworth, Character Lab provides research-based resources to foster social-emotional skills such as grit, curiosity, and self-control. The platform offers Playbooks—practical guides with step-by-step instructions for teaching students about perseverance, gratitude, and other essential character strengths.
Centervention offers interactive SEL games and assessments for elementary and middle school students. These digital activities help students practice skills such as empathy, emotional regulation, and problem-solving in engaging, gamified scenarios. Teachers can track student progress and tailor interventions based on individual needs, making it an excellent tool for SEL development.
6. Emotionally Intelligent Schools via RULER
RULER is an evidence-based approach to SEL developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. RULER supports entire school communities in:
- Creating and maintaining positive school climates
- Understanding the value of emotions
- Building the skills of emotional intelligence
RULER begins with staff personal and professional learning and continues with classroom instruction for students and family engagement and education. A strong SEL foundation helps schools create a culture of emotional awareness and support, fostering better communication and mental health for students and staff alike.
7. MindUP
MindUP is a research-based SEL program developed by The Goldie Hawn Foundation. The site offers a range of mindfulness-based practices, neuroscience-backed SEL lessons, and training programs designed to improve students’ emotional resilience, focus, and overall well-being. MindUP provides tools for educators, parents, and students to build emotional intelligence in everyday life.
SEL is essential for fostering well-rounded, emotionally intelligent students who can navigate challenges with confidence and empathy. Integrating SEL resources into education can help educators create a healthier, more supportive learning atmosphere that benefits students academically and personally.
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