Social-emotional learning (SEL) has become an important tool for helping students with the so-called “soft skills” of life -- emotional regulation, social interactions, empathy, and decision-making.
We may use the term “soft,” but these skills are in fact essential for every child to master as part of maturing into a mentally healthy adult who can successfully navigate the world beyond the schoolyard.
The following free SEL resources will provide a solid foundation for educators to understand and implement SEL in their classrooms and schools.
Best Free Social-Emotional Learning Sites and Apps
Smiling Mind iOS Android
Smiling Mind is an Australian-based company that aims to create a positive transformation in users’ mental health and whose bold mission is lifelong mental fitness. The free Smiling Mind app is designed to guide children through simple steps to develop a healthful meditation routine, starting with an easy two-minute session. Featuring a useful offline option, the app is ad-free and can be used within the classroom or at home.
Mood Classroom
Aimed at students in grades 5-9, Mood Classroom offers nine free Google Slides lessons that demonstrate proven methods for managing disruptive emotions. Each brief lesson includes a musical video and discussion question. Although targeting grades 5-9, these lessons would be easily understood by kids in third and fourth grades as well. Bonus: No need to sign up; just start exploring the resources.
Mood Tools: Coping Skills
Dozens of coping skills explained in simple step-by-step colorful animated guides that speak to kids in their own language. While mindfulness is the basis of many of these tools, it’s not directly mentioned, nor are other terms that have entered the common parlance of adults. Instead, short musical animations illustrate difficult emotional states and how kids can easily manage them before they get out of control. No account required.
More Self-Regulation Games and Activities | Social Emotional Learning
Is self-regulation the same as self-control? Not quite, although these are closely tied. This engaging and informative video briefly discusses self-regulation, then explores self-regulation games and group activities that teachers can employ in the classroom setting. The video is well organized, offering easy navigation via divisions on the progress bar, a transcript, and links to free printables and research.
Harmony Academy
From National University, Harmony Academy is a complete, free social-emotional learning curriculum. Take a few minutes to sign up and answer some basic questions about your teaching activities. Then access and explore this comprehensive set of resources. Much is available here to investigate, from planning guides to printable resources to live Zoom demonstrations for teachers to learn how to implement the curriculum.
CloseGap
CloseGap is a flexible check-in tool designed for schools that asks kids developmentally appropriate questions to determine whether they’re quietly struggling to maintain good mental health. Students have the option to complete quick, self-guided SEL activities, such as Box Breathing, Gratitude List, and Power Pose. Hmm, maybe not just for kids! The free basic level provides generous features, including unlimited school and student accounts, check ins, daily summaries, analytics, and 24/7 support.
SEL in Digital Life Resource Center
From Common Sense Education, this excellent selection of lessons and activities is a guide for putting SEL into action in your classroom. Lessons and activities incorporate self-awareness, social awareness, decision-making, and other key SEL principles. Create a free account to access lessons.
What is SEL?
Still not sure what SEL is all about? Long-time educator Erik Ofgang goes beyond the acronym, exploring the concepts, history, research, and resources for understanding and effecting social-emotional learning.
Explaining SEL to Parents
This Tech & Learning article tackles the social media controversy of social-emotional learning, and explains how to talk with parents so they understand the benefits for their kids.
What Is the CASEL Framework?
The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) is a pioneering nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting SEL research and implementation. The CASEL Framework is designed to help educators use evidence-based SEL strategies according to their unique needs and priorities.
Social-Emotional Learning: The Magic of Circle Talk
How do talk circles help kids relax and open up to their peers and teachers? “The Magic of Circle Talk” answers this question and describes three types of circles to implement in your classroom.
Quandary
How would you handle the marauding Yashors on Braxos? A challenging fantasy game designed to build a student's ethical and critical thinking skills, Quandary includes a robust guide for educators. Teachers can track and monitor student progress and decide which ethical challenge to present.
myPeekaville
Enter the magical world of Peekaville and interact with its residents, animals and problems through a series of quests and activities. The research-based app contains a daily emotions check-in tool, and is CASEL-aligned and COPPA compliant.
