Incorporating social emotional learning (SEL) into the school day doesn’t have to be overwhelming; it can become a natural and seamless part of classroom learning. By intentionally integrating it throughout the day, teachers can help students develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and a sense of belonging, all while enhancing classroom engagement and academic success.

As an SEL expert and former educator, Dr. Laura Rizo knows firsthand how small, consistent practices can make a big impact. In this blog, Dr. Rizo guides you through a typical school day, highlighting five key moments when teachers can incorporate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) to create a more supportive and effective learning environment.

1. Before School: Self-Awareness with Cafeteria Check Ins

This is a short, easy strategy that one wouldn’t think incorporates SEL, but you are doing self-awareness while simply greeting students to check in on how they feel and know that their teacher is genuinely interested in their emotions. Students who can accurately recognize their emotions show greater academic achievement and fewer behavioral problems (Durlak et al., 2011).

SEL Incorporation: “Hi Joaquin, I noticed you look a little tired today, do you want to chat quickly about how you feel this morning?”

2. In the morning: Responsible Decision Making with Action Steps vs. Goals Journals

Instead of asking your students to write about content learned, ask them to write one action step they can take toward their weekly goal. Students who engage in structured reflection and decision-making show improved problem-solving skills and reduced risky behavior (CASEL, 2020).

SEL Incorporation: “What’s one way you can accomplish this action today?”

3. During Breaks: Relationship Skills with Break and Hallway Interactions

Relationships are often built naturally, and sometimes they develop during unstructured time. If students know we care, they will work harder for us. Positive peer relationships are associated with higher engagement and lower dropout rates, particularly in middle and high school (Wentzel, 2005).

SEL Incorporation: Greet students by name and give them high-fives during transition time.

4. Afternoon: Self-Management with Today I learned, Tomorrow I Will… Prompt

Self-management is not just about behavior, it’s about regulation and perseverance. Integrating small daily goals helps students stay focused and builds grit. Goal setting and self-regulation practices increase students’ motivation and significantly improve academic outcomes (Zimmerman & Schunk, 2011).

SEL Incorporation: A whiteboard where they place their sticky notes when they leave class that reads: “Tomorrow I will”

5. After School: Social Awareness with Reflection

Modeling and recognizing social awareness positive behavior increases students’ empathy for each other (Schonert-Reichl et al., 2015).

SEL Incorporation: Each teacher writes one word on a sticky note that reflects how their students showed empathy, respect, or inclusion that day and sticks it on their classroom door or window for others to see.

SEL isn’t just an add-on

When SEL is explained in a way that shows how easy it is to do one short action throughout the school day, SEL becomes routine, and it becomes second nature for both students and teachers. To create a culture of LOVE, we don’t need an extra hour or special toolkit. We just need intentional, consistent actions of social-emotional love.

SEL isn’t just an add-on; it’s an essential part of fostering a positive classroom culture where students feel safe, understood, and motivated to learn. By embedding Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) throughout the school day, teachers can help students develop emotional awareness, strengthen their relationships, and improve their focus.

Bring Dr. Laura Rizo to your school for engaging keynotes and workshops on SEL strategies that work in real classrooms. Contact CoolSpeak today to book a session and give your school the tools to create meaningful SEL experiences every day!