4 SEL Apps That Promote Kindness and Empathy

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, May/June 2018 Issue

Let’s go back to basics. In order to create a classroom environment where meaningful teaching and learning can take place, it must first be a safe space where students are comfortable being themselves. When students are disrespected or bullied at school, it will negatively affect their home life, impacting self-esteem and social skills.

To address this, and perhaps stop it before it starts, teachers can promote kindness and empathy. Here are some apps that can help positively influence the classroom environment and reinforce essential social-emotional skills. They serve as an extra reminder to students that a little kindness can go a long way.

Even Monsters Are Shy
(Paid – iOS)

Kindness reminder: A friend’s support can make all the difference

Even Monsters are Shy is an iPad app that engages kids ages 4 and over in solving everyday challenges with empathy. Through eight mini games and interactive storytelling, kids play and interact with Ben as he tries to help his monster friend Gurk overcome shyness. In a three-part plan, Ben helps his monster by teaching it how to smile, demonstrating how to be friendly, and reminding Gurk to be his “sweet and silly” monstrous self. Every screen has hidden activities and surprises.

One Globe Kids
(Free to try – Website)

Kindness reminder: Make connections and form understanding

One Globe Kids, aimed at students 4 to 10 years of age, puts the globe in children’s hands. This resource allows students to meet kids across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. Users can learn what other children like, what they eat, how they speak, and more. Students can engage in interactive stories, practice a new language, and find what they have in common with kids all over the world. One Globe Kids inspires students to see and accept everyone’s differences as natural.

ReThink
(Paid – iOS, Android, Website)

Kindness reminder: Words are powerful tools that affect those around us

ReThink is a free app designed to stop cyberbullying before it happens. Adolescents spend a lot of time online and have the opportunity to impulsively send messages that, upon second thought, may be offensive. ReThink detects hurtful content in real-time before it is posted and prompts the user to reconsider posting that message. The app encourages reconsideration of thought and action. As a result, adolescents have changed their minds over 93 percent of the time, deciding not to send those painful messages.

The Social Express
(Free – iOS, Website)

Kindness reminder: Be aware and responsive to your emotions and the emotions of others

This resource from Brighten Learning is designed for kids ages 6 and older. It focuses on identifying and coping with a variety of emotions through human facial expressions, body language, and written and spoken words. The app uses CGI-animated videos to show brief social encounters in settings that are relevant. It aims to help children learn problem-solving techniques and coping strategies such as positive self-talk, breathing exercises, and taking breaks.

Avatar photo

TEACH is the largest national education publication in Canada. We support good teachers and teaching and believe in innovation in education.

Education News

Ohio Teacher Wins Summer Getaway in “Sunshine for Teachers” Contest

The grand prize winner and 19 first prize winners celebrated with their schools during schoolwide smoothie parties hosted by Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

Helping Students Become Lifelong Readers

The best way to inspire today’s youth to read is by building a culture that celebrates their book choices and makes reading as fun and engaging as the media they already love.

How (and Why) to Make Classrooms More Musical

Music is a language that reaches across age, culture, and ability. And when we learn to use it with care and creativity, it becomes one of the most accessible and powerful tools we have in education.

Reading in America: Five Years Since COVID

While we continue to understand and measure the pandemic's impact on education, more and more evidence is confirming that, even five years later, students are still a long way off from rebounding academically.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

TEACH Magazine
TEACH Magazine
TEACH is the largest national education publication in Canada. We support good teachers and teaching and believe in innovation in education.

Advertisement

Read More

Ohio Teacher Wins Summer Getaway in “Sunshine for Teachers” Contest

The grand prize winner and 19 first prize winners celebrated with their schools during schoolwide smoothie parties hosted by Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

Paths to Success: Practicing Hope Theory in the Classroom

Throughout the decade I have spent working in education, I’ve seen the most positive impact when I’ve incorporated hope-based strategies into my teaching.

Helping Students Become Lifelong Readers

The best way to inspire today’s youth to read is by building a culture that celebrates their book choices and makes reading as fun and engaging as the media they already love.

How (and Why) to Make Classrooms More Musical

Music is a language that reaches across age, culture, and ability. And when we learn to use it with care and creativity, it becomes one of the most accessible and powerful tools we have in education.

Whose Face Belongs Here? Navigating Race in the World of AI

Teachers need support not only in understanding the tools, but also in managing the ethical, cultural, and emotional complexities that AI brings to the classroom.

Reading in America: Five Years Since COVID

While we continue to understand and measure the pandemic's impact on education, more and more evidence is confirming that, even five years later, students are still a long way off from rebounding academically.