Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)
Find resources to help students manage their emotions, resolve conflicts, and make responsible decisions—creating the healthiest school culture possible.
Classroom Management Built on Boundaries
Guiding upper elementary students with boundaries rather than rules can make for a more harmonious classroom.989Creating Opportunities for Unstructured Play
When schools make space for free play in a natural environment, students are left to their own devices to build, create, and problem-solve—and the benefits continue once they are back in the classroom.1.8kHow Puppets Can Help Kids Express Emotions
Using simple strategies acted out by puppets, students learn social and emotional skills that help them calm themselves, identify their feelings, and connect with others.2.3k
Why Ages 2-7 Matter So Much for Brain Development
Rich experiences—from play to the arts and relationships—fundamentally shape a young child’s development.120.7kUsing Explicit Instruction to Foster SEL
Many students struggle to master crucial skills like resiliency and problem-solving. Here’s a four-step plan for teaching these skills.487Making Students Feel Safe
A trauma-informed approach ensures that students feel safe, supported, and nurtured—to improve their chances of academic success.129.4k
When Students Are Traumatized, Teachers Are Too
Trauma in students’ lives takes an emotional and physical toll on teachers as well. Experts weigh in on the best ways to cope.112.6k4 Ways Classroom Design Impacts Executive Functioning
Effective classroom design can help elementary students develop skills like organization and task initiation.9.6k
8 Proactive Classroom Management Tips
New teachers—and experienced ones too—can find ideas here on how to stop disruptive behavior before it begins.68.3kA Daily Support System for Students
Students who need extra social and emotional support have a quick check-in with an adult at the start and end of each day.89.8kThe Power of Administrator-Led Morning Meetings
Middle school leaders who hold morning meetings with students before the first bell give teachers a break and build relationships.1kThe Power of a Compliment
A project that invites students to anonymously compliment their classmates and teachers has improved the culture at one high school.1k
Bringing a Dog to School
A veteran teacher and administrator makes the case for having a therapy dog in elementary school.62.5kThe Art (and Science) of Using Praise for Improvement
In addition to improving relationships, praise from teachers can boost students’ confidence and self-esteem.1.3kMaking Sure Each Child Is Known
A middle school in Nevada uses a simple strategy to build deeper connections between teachers and students.63.1k
