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One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is helping students develop social and emotional skills alongside academic knowledge. These skills are essential for building positive relationships, fostering self-confidence, and creating a supportive classroom environment. Just as we teach students how to solve math problems or analyze texts, we must also guide them in developing emotional awareness, empathy, and resilience.
With packed academic schedules, finding time for social-emotional learning (SEL) can be challenging. However, by embedding it into daily lessons and classroom routines, teachers can seamlessly integrate SEL without sacrificing academic instruction. Here are some practical strategies to make SEL a natural part of your teaching:
Work with your grade-level or subject-area team to identify opportunities for integrating SEL into academic content. Planning together allows you to create cohesive strategies that help students practice these skills across different subjects and settings.
Morning Meetings, Responsive Advisory Meetings, and Interactive Modeling are great opportunities to reinforce social-emotional skills. Use these moments to set a positive tone for the day, practice key SEL competencies, and connect them to academic learning.
When designing lessons, consider where SEL naturally fits. Label opportunities for Interactive Modeling or cooperative learning activities that promote communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Students can develop these skills in meaningful, real-world contexts by embedding SEL into instructional time.
Regularly assess how SEL is being integrated into your classroom. Are students engaging in meaningful social interactions? Are they demonstrating growth in self-regulation, empathy, and collaboration? Use these reflections to fine-tune your approach and make adjustments as needed.
Teachers already model social-emotional skills daily through conflict resolution, active listening, or encouraging perseverance. The key is to be intentional—recognizing that SEL is not an extra task but an essential part of helping students succeed academically and socially. SEL becomes a powerful tool for fostering a positive, inclusive, and productive classroom environment when woven into everyday learning.
by Amber Searles and Kristen Vincent