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What is social-emotional learning (SEL) and why does it matter?
What is social-emotional learning (SEL) and why does it matter?
- Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps students develop the skills they need to thrive in school and in life.
- Through SEL, your students can build their competence and confidence to take on learning challenges, make good decisions, manage strong emotions, and get along with others.
- Studies show social-emotional skills can help improve academic performance, reduce negative social behaviors, such as bullying, and create more positive classroom and school climates.
- A comprehensive, schoolwide approach to SEL can increase the likelihood of positive outcomes for your students and school.
How can I incorporate SEL into my classroom?
How can I incorporate SEL into my classroom?
Step 1 – Acknowledge without spotlighting
Quietly approach (kneeling or at eye level if possible):
"I can see you’re feeling upset right now. It’s okay to have big feelings."
Step 2 – Offer a low-pressure choice for regulation
"You can take a few minutes at your desk, or use the calm corner. I’ll keep teaching, and you can rejoin when you’re ready."
Step 3 – Normalize staying in the environment
"You’re still part of our class, even when you’re feeling this way. I’m here if you need me."
Step 4 – Give a quiet follow-up later
When emotions are settling:
"Thanks for staying in the room and working through that. That takes a lot of courage."
Second Step
Second Step
The Second Step Elementary digital program is a research-based, Tier 1 SEL program for Kindergarten through Grade 5.
The classroom-based lessons and activities are designed to strengthen students’ social-emotional skills, such as emotion management, impulse control, problem-solving, and empathy.
Grounded in research, this program is designed to meet students where they are, supporting them to build skills in developmentally appropriate ways.
Second Step® Elementary includes four units with five lessons per unit, for a total of 20 lessons per grade. The unit themes are consistent across all grades and the content evolves to align with students’ developmental stages.
Unit 1: Growth Mindset & Goal-Setting
Unit 2: Emotion Management
Unit 3: Empathy & Kindness
Unit 4: Problem-Solving
A variety of resources are available to support effective preparation for and delivery of each lesson, as well as guidance on how to extend learning beyond the lesson. Resources include unit plans, lesson preparation and extension materials, lesson plans, lesson presentations, student handouts (if applicable), and performance task rubrics.
To request a specific lesson to address with your class or PAA, please use the following Google form.
To request a specific lesson to address with your class or PAA, please use the following Google form.
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