Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps children manage emotions, make friends, and solve problems. SEL improves academic outcomes and reduces behavioral challenges for children with and without disabilities. In the classroom, strategies include morning check-ins, collaborative learning, and a calm-down corner, which can be adapted for all students by providing clear expectations, explicit instruction, and individualized accommodation. Evidence based strategies include cooperative learning, explicitly teaching social skills, and incorporating movement and mindfulness.

At Chrysalis, in our classrooms, we use evidence-based programs like The Pyramid Model for Supporting Social Emotional Competence and Second Step Early Learning. Teachers model skills such as sharing, taking turns, and using words to express feelings. For example- we use picture cards for children who need visual support to recognize emotions, or role-play games to help shy children practice joining group play. Calm spaces and sensory tools are available for children who need a break. By fostering empathy and cooperation, we help all students regardless of ability, build positive relationships and self-regulation skills.