10 Best Social Emotional Learning Tools

The rise of social-emotional learning (SEL) in education has become a significant part of educational institutes. SEL is not just about teaching academic skills but also about helping students develop emotional intelligence, empathy, and better relationships. 

Schools, teachers, and even workplaces are now looking for tools to facilitate this crucial learning in structured and interactive ways.

But where do you start? Thankfully, there are numerous tools out there specifically designed to enhance social and emotional learning. 

In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best social emotional learning tools that can transform your learning environment. With these tools, you can give students the emotional skills they need for lifelong success.

What Are Social Emotional Learning Tools?

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) refers to how individuals, both children and adults, develop essential skills to manage emotions. It helps them set and achieve positive goals while feeling and showing empathy for others. 

The SEL approach also fosters an individual's holistic development by focusing on cognitive learning and emotional and social growth. It can improve classroom behavior and academic performance and reduce issues like bullying. SEL also extends beyond the classroom, helping people build stronger relationships in personal and professional settings.

The best social emotional learning tools help make this approach an integral part of your educational and business setup.

10 Best Social Emotional Learning Tools

To help you integrate SEL into your program, we’ve rounded up the 10 best social emotional learning tools available online. From comprehensive platforms to specialized tools, these resources are designed to support emotional growth and interpersonal skills. 

The top SEL tools are: 

1. Coursebox

Coursebox takes the lead in our list of 10 best social emotional learning tools because of its adaptable features. It is the #1 AI-powered eLearning platform. It stands out not only for its comprehensive course management features but also for its personalized approach to social emotional learning.

With Coursebox, you can easily turn any type of content, whether it’s a video, document, or even an image, into interactive courses. 

These courses are designed to promote emotional intelligence and empathy in students. Its AI-driven platform also enables the quick creation of quizzes and assessments to ensure that learners are fully engaged.

Features

• AI-powered quiz and assignment generation
• White-labeling options to customize the platform’s appearance
• Comprehensive reporting and analytics to track emotional growth
• Personalized learning paths allow students to grow at their own pace
• Available in 180+ countries, supporting more than 60 languages

Pricing 

Freemium model available, with advanced plans starting at $84 per month.

2. Emotional ABCs

Emotional ABCs is an award-winning tool designed for kids aged 4 to 11, providing a structured approach to emotional learning. Through interactive lessons, games, and activities, it teaches kids how to recognize, understand, and manage their emotions. It is popular among parents, teachers, and therapists due to its advanced features. 

One of the key features of Emotional ABCs is its step-by-step method, which breaks down complex emotional concepts into easy-to-understand lessons. Each module builds on the last, ensuring kids not only recognize their emotions but also develop strategies to cope with challenging feelings. 

Features

• Kid-friendly, interactive lessons
• Focus on emotional vocabulary
• Progress tracking for teachers and parents
• Easily available in 120 countries

Pricing

• Free for teachers
• Premium plans are available for schools, parents, and therapists, starting from $17. 

3. Classcraft

Classcraft gamifies the SEL experience, making emotional learning engaging and fun. Its immersive platform allows students to build emotional and social skills through team-based adventures and quests. 

Through quests, challenges, and collaborative activities, students learn how to navigate real-world emotions, build empathy, and improve their relationships. The platform encourages teamwork, where each student plays a role in the success of their group. It promotes collaboration, communication, and mutual support.

Features

• Gamified SEL lessons
• Collaborative learning for teamwork and social skills
• Customizable characters and progress badges

Pricing

• Free version available
• Premium options for expanded features

4. Peekapak

Peekapak is a storytelling-based SEL tool that encourages empathy, kindness, and emotional understanding. Designed for Pre-K to Grade 12, it features engaging stories and activities that align with CASEL’s SEL framework.

Teachers and educators can use Peekapak’s interactive content to create a more inclusive and supportive classroom environment, helping students apply SEL principles in real-world situations.

Features

• Story-driven SEL curriculum
• Classroom and remote learning modules
• Parental engagement resources
• Print books for more engaged learning 

Pricing

Freemium model is available in Peekapak PRO ad Schools & Boards. 

5. Second Step

Second Step offers a research-based SEL program designed for various grade levels, from kindergarten through high school. The curriculum includes lessons on self-regulation, relationship building, and emotional management.

By incorporating these lessons into the daily school routine, Second Step aims to foster a well-rounded, emotionally intelligent student body equipped with the tools to succeed both in and outside the classroom.

Features

• Tiered curriculum for different age groups
• Focus on bullying prevention and emotional regulation
• Classroom kits and digital content
• Available in all 50 states

Pricing

Quote available upon request.

6. Empatico

Empatico is a free online platform that connects classrooms around the world to promote cross-cultural understanding. Through real-time video exchanges, students learn about empathy and emotional intelligence by interacting with peers in different countries.

The platform goes beyond just academic learning; it focuses on emotional growth, helping students build key social skills such as active listening, compassion, and understanding of others’ viewpoints.

Features

• Real-time virtual exchanges
• Cross-cultural SEL learning
• Free resources and lesson plans
• Ever-growing activity library 

Pricing

• Free for all users

7. Rethink Ed

Rethink Ed offers an SEL curriculum integrated with mental health support and behavioral analysis tools. It focuses on creating a well-rounded program that benefits both students and educators, promoting emotional well-being.

The platform goes beyond just academic learning; it focuses on emotional growth, helping students build key social skills such as active listening, compassion, and understanding of others’ viewpoints.

Features

• Curriculum aligned with SEL competencies
• Mental health and behavioral support tools
• Tools for progress tracking and teacher support

Pricing

Fill out the Rethink Ed contact form for pricing.

8. Sanford Harmony

Sanford Harmony is a relationship-building program aimed at Pre-K through Grade 6 students. Its main focus is to foster positive peer interactions and reduce relational conflicts through structured SEL lessons.

Their approach to relationship-building and SEL is essential for helping young students grow into socially competent individuals who can navigate relationships, work effectively in teams, and handle challenges with empathy and understanding.

Features

• Age-specific SEL lessons
• Peer-focused relationship-building activities
• Lesson kits and digital resources
• Harmony kits for parents and teachers

Pricing

Free for teachers and schools

9. The Zones of Regulation

The Zones of Regulation framework helps students understand and manage their emotions. This self-regulation system uses four color-coded zones to simplify emotional states. It makes identifying feelings and choosing appropriate responses easier for students. This not only supports emotional growth but also fosters a more productive learning environment. 

Features

• Visual, color-coded system for emotional states
• Tools for emotional self-regulation
• Digital and physical resources for schools
• Inclusion of cognitive-behavioral strategies

Pricing

• Digital resources available for $120 per user
• Groups of 10 or more may qualify for group discounts

10. Smiling Mind

Smiling Mind is a mindfulness-based SEL tool designed for students of all ages. This non-profit app offers guided meditation and mindfulness practices that can help improve emotional regulation and self-awareness in students.

This tool is widely used by educators and parents alike to help students develop essential life skills that improve both their emotional and academic performance.

Features

• Mindfulness exercises and lessons
• Digital platform for teachers and students
• Well-being tracking for schools
• Freedom to build and mental your own wellness routine

Pricing

Free access for individuals, families, and schools for over 12 years.

How to Choose the Best SEL Tool for Your Needs

When selecting from the 10 best social emotional learning tools, you need to consider a few factors, such as:

• Age Appropriateness: Ensure the tool aligns with the developmental stages of your learners. Some tools are better suited for younger children, while others work for high school or even workplace settings.
• Ease of Integration: Choose a tool that fits smoothly with your institute's existing curriculum or learning management system.
• Interactive Elements: Engaging, interactive features like gamification or real-time feedback can keep students interested in SEL activities.
• Progress Tracking: Tools with built-in tracking and analytics can help you measure emotional growth over time.

Coursebox offers a complete AI-powered solution that can be adapted to any learning environment. However, tools like Classcraft and Peekapak are excellent for specific needs, such as gamified learning or storytelling approaches.

Conclusion

The demand for SEL in both schools and workplaces is growing, and for good reason. These tools are designed to build emotional intelligence, strengthen interpersonal relationships, and create a more empathetic, understanding society. 

Whether you're a teacher looking to build emotional awareness in your students or an organization wanting to improve teamwork and empathy, these 10 best social emotional learning tools are sure to make a difference.

By choosing the right tool and integrating it with your curriculum, you’re setting up learners for success, emotionally and academically. Start with Coursebox or explore one of the other amazing options on our list.