By Tamara Fyke
Whether you realize it or not, you are teaching social-emotional learning (SEL) every day. Students watch and learn from everything you do and say: how you handle stress and conflict, how you relate to people who are similar or different from you, how you organize tasks and time, and much more. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) identifies five core SEL competencies: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness. As an educator, you can choose to teach those competencies intentionally, and the impact will be evident across your classroom.
Integrating SEL into the 21st-century classroom
Teaching SEL today means looking at both content and practice and finding natural ways to weave social-emotional skills into daily routines. Use relevant and engaging materials during Morning Meeting or Advisory Period. Highlight life lessons and emotional learning when students read texts in English language arts and social studies. Create cooperative learning opportunities—class discussions, project-based learning, and group work—that amplify student voice. Choose restorative approaches to discipline when possible rather than purely punitive measures. Above all, prioritize relationships and genuine connection with students.
Two common challenges and how to overcome them
In conversations with teachers over the years, two recurring challenges stand out: administrative support and time. Classroom-level SEL efforts can be undercut if the entire school community doesn’t buy in. SEL is most effective when it becomes the common language of the whole building: administrators, office staff, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodial staff, parents, and teachers. School leaders must articulate a clear mission and vision that includes SEL and ensure it is communicated to everyone.
Time is the second challenge. Teachers need to know they have time in their schedules for SEL. Experts recommend a minimum of about 75 minutes per week of direct SEL instruction—roughly 15 minutes a day. Many schools successfully set aside 15–20 minutes for Morning Meeting or Advisory Period. That time is an investment: when students receive consistent SEL instruction, teachers often spend less time addressing behavioral issues, and classroom time becomes more productive overall.
Why SEL is essential to a strong classroom culture
Students need to feel seen, known, and valued in order to grow academically and socially. Relationships are at the heart of SEL—relationships among staff, between teachers and students, and among students themselves. Teaching SEL means putting people first, even when pressures to focus on data and tasks are strong. Slowing down to check in with our own emotions and to connect sincerely with students creates a foundation for learning.
Think of culture as what we do and climate as how it feels. SEL can be intentionally embedded in school culture through direct lessons and by leveraging teachable moments throughout the day. When relationships are prioritized and consistent expectations are clear, the school environment feels safe and everyone knows they belong.
Talking with students about SEL and classroom culture
Children are perceptive; they can tell when adults are authentic. Before teaching SEL, educators must try to live it. Teaching is demanding, and it’s easy to become discouraged, but educators who tend to their own emotional well-being model the skills they want students to adopt. Practical ways to care for yourself include journaling, creative expression, counseling, joining supportive groups, scheduling regular check-ins with trusted friends, and taking mindful walks. These practices help you stay present so you can show up fully for students.
Being intentional about SEL does not require an announcement—“It’s SEL time!” Instead, use engaging texts, prompts, and activities that lead to meaningful conversations. Establish a common language across the school so definitions and expectations are consistent, and regularly communicate those norms to reduce misunderstandings and support a predictable, safe learning environment.
Five strategies to strengthen your classroom SEL culture
- Establish a common language. Define and regularly use clear SEL vocabulary. Instead of vague directives like “Be responsible,” explain what responsibility looks like in practice: owning actions and words, following through on commitments, and reflecting on mistakes.
- Institute classroom norms. Use positive, motivating statements that connect to SEL words. For example: “I can be respectful—I value myself and others. I will listen when someone is speaking because I may learn something.” Norms framed this way teach behavior and reinforce empathy.
- Schedule conversations. Build time into Morning Meeting, Advisory, or subject classes to hear student perspectives. Regularly asking students what they’re thinking and feeling communicates that their ideas and experiences matter.
- Incorporate interdisciplinary activities. Give students real, creative tasks that require collaboration—create a book, comic, website, game, poster, service project, or song. Clear, meaningful deliverables increase engagement and help students practice communication and problem-solving.
- Focus on relationships. Demonstrate that you care about students as whole people, not just as data points. Learn their interests, celebrate their strengths, and schedule informal times—monthly game sessions or weekly lunch with the teacher—to build trust and belonging.
SEL helps students understand what is happening in their minds and hearts so they can act in ways that build up others rather than tear them down. As Mister Rogers said, “Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people.”
About the author
Tamara Fyke is an educator and social entrepreneur committed to supporting children, families, and urban communities. She created and authored Love In A Big World, offering mental health, SEL, and wellness curriculum and resources. During quarantine she launched MusiCity Kids, an online educational program for children ages 6–12 that addresses health, movement, character development, STEAM, and more.
This article was originally published by The Learning Counsel, a research institute and news media hub focused on the transition to digital curriculum in education.