The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on students’ social-emotional health. As schools return to in-person learning, educators are facing the challenge of addressing the diverse emotional needs of students who have faced unprecedented disruptions. Research shows that the pandemic has increased feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty among young learners, making social-emotional learning (SEL) more important than ever.
A study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that mental health incidents are on the rise among children and teens post-COVID. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has seen a significant increase in mental health-related emergency department visits among children. As we navigate this new landscape, schools must adopt innovative and practical strategies to support students’ SEL needs, even with limited time and resources.
Image Courtesy: Khan Academy Kids
Unique strategies for implementing SEL with limited resources
Emotional Check-In Station
Create simple, designated spaces in classrooms where students can “check in” on their feelings at the beginning and end of the day. These stations can include mood meters, emoji charts, or even a “feeling box” where students can drop anonymous notes. This practice not only helps students identify and express their feelings but also provides teachers with insight into their emotional states.
Storytelling and role playing
Encourage students to share their stories and experiences from the pandemic or other challenging moments through creative storytelling or role-playing activities. This approach allows students to process their own feelings and develop empathy by understanding the experiences of their peers.
Mindful Moments
Incorporate small, mindful moments throughout the school day to help students cope with stress and stay focused. These can include breathing exercises, guided imagery, or simple stretches. Mindfulness exercises are quick to implement and can be done as a class or individually, creating a calm and focused start to the day.
Virtual Pen Pals and Buddy Systems
Foster relationships and reduce feelings of isolation by establishing a virtual pen pal or buddy system within the school or with other schools (feel free to use dictation or voice recording for students who are still gaining confidence to write!). This initiative allows students to share their thoughts and feelings with peers, providing a sense of community and support. It also enhances communication skills and empathy.
Creative expression through arts and sports
Provide opportunities for creative expression through art, music, and play. Allowing students to express themselves creatively can be a powerful means of processing complex emotions. Activities such as drawing, crafting, or playing a musical instrument can be integrated into the school day without requiring extensive resources.
Image courtesy: Alison Leedy/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 a lack of resources, edtech offers scalable and flexible solutions that can be easily integrated into daily routines. Here's how edtech can support SEL initiatives:
Scalable access to SEL resources
Edtech platforms like Khan Academy Kids offer a vast range of SEL content that students, teachers, and parents can access from anywhere. This accessibility ensures that SEL resources are available to all students, allowing them to use them when they need help the most.
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personal learning experience
One of the significant benefits of edtech is its ability to personalize learning experiences. Platforms can customize content to meet each student’s specific emotional and developmental needs. For example, interactive activities in Khan Academy Kids’ SEL curriculum can be tailored to help students explore their emotions at their own pace, making the learning experience more relevant and impactful.
Integration of interactive tools
Edtech enables interactive tools such as digital mood meters, emotion charts, and story-based scenarios, which may be more engaging for students than traditional methods. These tools can help students better understand and express their emotions. For example, Khan Academy Kids' use of expressive characters and voice recordings allows students to explore a range of emotions in a fun and engaging way.
Support for teachers and parents
Edtech platforms offer valuable support to teachers and parents by providing ready-to-use resources and activities. This support is crucial, especially in environments where teachers may lack specific training in SEL. Khan Academy Kids provides comprehensive guides and activities that can be used both in the classroom and at home, ensuring consistent SEL support across a variety of environments.
Data-Driven Insights
Many edtech platforms provide data analytics tools that help teachers track students’ progress and identify areas where additional support may be needed. This data-driven approach allows for more targeted interventions, ensuring students get the help they need when they need it.
Image courtesy: Dennis Chao/Khan Academy Kids
Building a resilient future together
While dealing with the complexities of the post-COVID educational landscape, prioritizing social-emotional learning is more important than ever. By leveraging sustainable practices and enhancing them using edtech, schools can provide scalable, personalized, and engaging SEL experiences that support students’ emotional and mental well-being.