TOP PICKS | 15 TOOLS

Great Social and Emotional Learning Curricula and Programs

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is key to great learning experiences and personal growth. Implementing SEL and character education in schools sets students up with skills they can use to navigate relationships, manage their emotions, explore different perspectives, and act with integrity. Pro-social students can better cope with stress, find and give support when needed, and recognize their emotions. All of these things make succeeding in school easier and have long-term benefits on students' lives and relationships. Teachers know this, and that's why we've created this list of SEL programs and curricula worth your time. Some are comprehensive -- both in content and grade level -- while others focus on particular skills or age ranges. Others embed SEL learning inside experiences that focus on particular content areas. All of them, however, offer high-quality experiences that help students grow and flourish as people.

For Common Sense's own SEL resources, make sure to visit our SEL in Digital Life Resource Center.

Top Picks

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Peekapak

Complete SEL units in a neat and tidy package

Bottom line: Detailed social and emotional learning lessons provide teachers with almost everything they'll need to spark positive character development and reflection in their students.

Grades: Pre-K–5 Price: Free, Paid

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QuaverSEL

Shake up SEL lessons with music and movement

Bottom line: Fun for students, easy for teachers, QuaverSEL uses the power of music to boost social and emotional learning.

Grades: Pre-K–5 Price: Free to try, Paid

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Move This World

Activity-oriented video lessons encourage emotional exploration

Bottom line: This detailed yet easy-to-implement curriculum can provide classrooms and schools with a common language for social skills.

Grades: Pre-K–12 Price: Free to try

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Second Step

Research-based SEL curriculum teaches life skills to kids and adults

Bottom line: Students and teachers develop proficiency in vital social and emotional learning skills through well-designed, interactive learning modules.

Grades: Pre-K–12 Price: Paid

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Zoo Academy

Uncage compassion and learn social-emotional awareness with a cast of cute zoo animals

Bottom line: Interactive program with practice activities teaches SEL to young students.

Grades: K–1 Price: Free

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Wisdom: The World of Emotions

Quirky game helps kids recognize and regulate anger in self and others

Bottom line: If they can get through the confusing bits, students will be able to identify, label, and perhaps manage strong feelings of anger or frustration.

Grades: K–3 Price: Free to try

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Emotional ABCs Classroom

Strong learning approach to mastering SEL competencies

Bottom line: Excellent program for teaching young kids emotion identification, regulation, and social relationships.

Grades: K–4 Price: Free, Paid

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Ringbeller

Short interviews teach kids about empathy, kindness, and imagination

Bottom line: Compact, flexible lessons can help teachers introduce students to valuable social and emotional strengths.

Grades: K–4 Price: Free to try, Paid

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AIM Buddy Project

Well-organized SEL program pairs older and younger students for discussion

Bottom line: The AIM Buddy Project is an enjoyable, effective program for teaching SEL concepts and making elementary students feel more connected with each other.

Grades: K–5 Price: Free

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Sanford Harmony Game Room

Low- to no-prep activities for community-building SEL

Bottom line: Simple SEL integration with conversation starters and team building.

Grades: K–8 Price: Free

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7 Mindsets

Thought-provoking structured program simplifies SEL skills

Bottom line: If teachers take advantage of the extension activities, students can get great in-depth instruction and practice in SEL skills needed for life.

Grades: K–12 Price: Paid

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