The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impact on students’ social and emotional well-being. As schools return to in-person instruction, educators are challenged to address the diverse emotional needs of students who have experienced unprecedented disruptions. Research shows that the pandemic has Rising feelings of anxiety, loneliness and uncertainty among young learnersSocial and emotional learning (SEL) is more important than ever.
According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, post-COVID-19 Mental health-related incidents among children and young people are on the riseAdditionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: A significant increase in mental health-related emergency department visits SEL is becoming increasingly popular among kids. To navigate this new landscape, schools must adopt innovative and practical strategies to support students’ SEL needs, even with limited time and resources.
Image courtesy of Khan Academy Kids
Unique strategies for implementing SEL with limited resources
Emotional Check-in Station
Create simple, dedicated spaces in your classroom where students can “check in” with their emotions at the beginning and end of the day. These stations can include mood meters, emoji charts, or “feelings boxes” where students can drop anonymous notes. This method not only helps students recognize and express their emotions, but it also helps teachers gauge students’ emotional state.
Storytelling and Role-Playing
Through creative storytelling and role-playing activities, we encourage students to share their stories and experiences during the pandemic and other challenging moments. This approach allows students to process emotions and develop empathy by understanding the experiences of their peers.
Mindful Moments
Incorporate short mindfulness moments throughout the school day to help students manage stress and focus. These can include breathing exercises, guided imagery, or simple stretches. Mindfulness practices are quick and can be done with the whole class or individually to provide a calmer, more relaxed start to the day.
Virtual Penpal and Buddy Systems
Foster connections and reduce feelings of isolation by setting up a virtual pen pal or buddy system within your school or with other schools (feel free to use dictation and audio recordings for students who are gaining confidence in writing). This initiative allows students to share their thoughts and feelings with their peers, giving them a sense of community and support. It also improves communication skills and empathy.
Creative Expression through Art and Play
Provide opportunities for creative expression through art, music and play. Allowing students to express themselves creatively can be a powerful outlet for processing complex emotions. Activities such as drawing, crafting and playing musical instruments can be integrated into the daily life of the school without requiring significant resources.
Image credit: Alison Reedy/Khan Academy Kids
How edtech can help
Educational technology has become an invaluable resource in addressing the diverse SEL needs of students, especially in the post-COVID era. With many schools facing resource constraints, Edtech offers scalable, flexible solutions that can be easily integrated into daily operations. Here are some ways Edtech can support SEL initiatives:
Scalable Access to SEL Resources
Edtech platforms like Khan Academy Kids We provide a wide range of SEL content that students, teachers, and parents can access from anywhere. This accessibility ensures that SEL resources are available to all students when they need support most.
Image courtesy of Khan Academy Kids
A personalized learning experience
One of the great benefits of EdTech is the ability to personalize learning experiences. Platforms can tailor content to each student’s specific emotional and developmental needs. For example, the interactive activities in Khan Academy Kids’ SEL curriculum can be customized to allow students to explore emotions at their own pace, making the learning experience more relevant and impactful.
Interactive Tools Integration
Edtech is enabling interactive tools such as digital mood meters, emotion charts, and story-based scenarios that can engage students more than traditional methods. These tools help students better understand and express their emotions. For example, Khan Academy Kids uses expressive characters and voice recordings to help students explore different emotions in a fun and engaging way.
Support for teachers and parents
Edtech Platform Providing valuable support for teachers and parents By providing ready-to-use resources and activities, this support is critical, especially in settings where educators have not received specific training in SEL. Khan Academy Kids provides comprehensive guides and activities that can be used in both classroom and home settings, ensuring consistent SEL support across settings.
Data-driven insights
Many EdTech platforms offer data analytics tools to help educators track student progress and identify areas where additional support is needed. This data-driven approach allows for more targeted interventions, ensuring students get the support they need, when they need it.
Image credit: Denisse Chao / Khan Academy Kids
Building a stronger future together
As we navigate the complexities of a post-COVID education environment, it is more important than ever to prioritize social-emotional learning. By leveraging sustainable practices and expanding with EdTech, schools can deliver SEL experiences that are scalable, personalized, and engaging to support students’ emotional and mental wellness.
