12 Top-Tier SEL Lesson Plans for K-12 Classrooms in 2025

Finding high-quality, actionable Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lesson plans is crucial for building a supportive and effective classroom environment. But with countless options, from comprehensive curricula to quick, teacher-created activities, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This guide cuts through the noise and gets straight to the point. We've curated 12 of the best sources for sel lesson plans, analyzing each for its specific use case, grade-level focus, and practical limitations.

This resource is designed to save you time. Instead of generic descriptions, you'll find an honest assessment of what each platform truly offers, who it’s best for, and the real-world considerations for implementation. Whether you need a no-cost, ready-to-use activity for tomorrow or a research-backed curriculum for long-term district planning, this list will help you find the perfect fit.

We detail everything you need to make an informed choice, including screenshots and direct links to each resource. You’ll learn how platforms like Second Step, Harmony SEL, and Everyday Speech differ and discover hidden gems from sources like Greater Good in Education. Our goal is to help you select the right tools to foster self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making in your students.

1. Teachers Pay Teachers

Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) is the largest online marketplace for educator-created resources, making it a go-to source for immediately accessible SEL lesson plans. Its primary strength lies in the sheer volume and variety of materials, from single-page printables to comprehensive, year-long curriculum bundles. Educators can find classroom-tested activities designed by peers who understand real-world classroom challenges.

The platform’s granular filtering system allows you to search for SEL content by grade level, subject, resource type (like Google Slides or worksheets), and even specific learning standards. Since quality can vary significantly between sellers, it's crucial to vet materials by reading user reviews and checking seller ratings before purchasing.

Key Features & Implementation Tips

• Cost: Varies from free to over $100 for large bundles. Many sellers offer free samples.
• Best For: Finding quick, specific activities or supplementing an existing SEL curriculum.
• Pro Tip: Look for "top sellers" or sellers with thousands of positive reviews to find high-quality, reliable resources. Bundles often provide the best value if you need a cohesive unit.

Website: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com

2. Second Step (Committee for Children)

Second Step is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum from the Committee for Children, providing structured SEL lesson plans for students from Early Learning through High School. Its main advantage is its holistic, schoolwide approach, offering scripted lessons, multimedia resources, and robust support materials designed for consistent, high-fidelity implementation across entire grade levels. The program is built on decades of research and is a trusted choice for districts seeking a vertically-aligned SEL framework.

Unlike marketplace sites, Second Step provides a complete, sequential program available via digital access or physical classroom kits. Implementation is often a school or district-level decision due to its licensing model, a key factor for purchase decision-makers to consider. The platform includes powerful tools for administrators, like a Leader Dashboard, to monitor usage and support teachers, ensuring the curriculum is taught as intended.

Key Features & Implementation Tips

• Cost: School- or district-wide licensing model; pricing is typically provided via a custom quote.
• Best For: Schools and districts seeking a comprehensive, evidence-based, and pre-packaged SEL curriculum with strong implementation support.
• Pro Tip: Explore the free lesson samples and program overviews available on their site to evaluate if the teaching style and content align with your school's specific needs before committing to a schoolwide license.

Website: https://www.secondstep.org

3. Harmony SEL (Harmony Academy)

Harmony SEL is a research-based social-emotional learning program that provides a comprehensive suite of SEL lesson plans and activities for PreK-6 students at no cost. Its unique strength is its focus on building strong peer relationships and an inclusive classroom community through structured routines and lessons. By simply registering for a free account, educators gain full access to a robust online portal with digital units, storybooks, games, and implementation guides.

The program is organized into clear, grade-specific units that align with CASEL’s core competencies. Harmony's "everyday practices," like its signature Meet Up and Buddy Up routines, are designed to be easily integrated into the daily school schedule, reinforcing SEL skills consistently. While its primary focus is on elementary grades, the quality and accessibility of its materials make it an invaluable resource for schools seeking a foundational, cost-effective SEL curriculum.

Key Features & Implementation Tips

• Cost: Completely free with online registration.
• Best For: PreK-6 educators and schools looking for a complete, no-cost curriculum to foster classroom community.
• Pro Tip: Start by integrating the "Meet Up" and "Buddy Up" everyday practices into your morning routine. These quick activities build a strong foundation of trust and empathy before you dive into the full lesson units.

Website: https://www.harmonysel.org

4. CharacterStrong

CharacterStrong provides a comprehensive, PreK-12 curriculum designed for school-wide or district-wide implementation of SEL lesson plans and character education. It moves beyond individual classroom activities, focusing on systemic change through vertically aligned curricula, multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and extensive professional development. This platform is built for administrators seeking a cohesive, building-wide approach to social-emotional learning.

The curriculum is structured with grade-leveled lessons and advisory content, ensuring that skills build logically from one year to the next. CharacterStrong stands out by offering robust implementation tools and optional coaching for leadership teams, helping to embed SEL practices into the school's culture. This makes it an excellent choice for leaders committed to a deep, sustainable SEL initiative rather than just sourcing supplemental activities.

Key Features & Implementation Tips

• Cost: Pricing is provided by quote and based on a building-level license. Professional development is an additional cost.
• Best For: Schools and districts seeking a structured, comprehensive Tier 1–3 SEL curriculum with implementation support.
• Pro Tip: Fully utilize the administrative dashboards and implementation roadmaps provided. These tools are key to tracking progress and ensuring consistent delivery of the curriculum across all classrooms.

Website: https://www.characterstrong.com

5. Fly Five (Center for Responsive Schools)

Developed by the Center for Responsive Schools, Fly Five offers a comprehensive K-8 curriculum designed to integrate SEL lesson plans directly into the fabric of daily classroom life. Its approach is rooted in the belief that social-emotional learning thrives when embedded within a positive and predictable classroom environment. The program provides structured, grade-banded lessons that connect SEL competencies to practical routines and community-building activities.

Fly Five stands out by focusing on implementation fidelity through its connection to the well-established Responsive Classroom approach. This makes it a strong choice for schools already using or looking to adopt a more holistic, climate-focused SEL model. The curriculum includes both print and digital components, ensuring flexibility for different teaching styles.

Key Features & Implementation Tips

• Cost: Requires a one-time teacher license purchase per five-year cycle, plus an annual renewal for student journals. Full pricing is available upon request from their sales team.
• Best For: Schools and districts seeking a structured, curriculum-wide SEL implementation that emphasizes classroom climate.
• Pro Tip: Request a demo to see how the lessons align with the Responsive Classroom approach. This will help determine if its structured, routine-based system is the right fit for your school’s culture.

Website: https://www.flyfivesel.org

6. Everyday Speech

Everyday Speech provides a vast digital library of video-based SEL lesson plans and activities designed for PK-12 students. Its strength is its no-prep, ready-to-teach format, making it an excellent resource for teachers, counselors, and speech-language pathologists who need to implement lessons quickly. The platform focuses heavily on social communication, behavior, and core SEL skills through engaging, real-world video scenarios.

Unlike static worksheets, the platform uses video modeling to demonstrate social nuances, making abstract concepts more concrete for learners. The built-in progress monitoring tools and assessments allow educators to track student growth systematically. While individual pricing is available, its most powerful analytics and collaboration features are unlocked with team or school-wide plans.

Key Features & Implementation Tips

• Cost: Subscription-based, with pricing per educator or school/district-wide licenses. A free 30-day trial is available.
• Best For: Small group instruction, whole-class lessons, and targeted intervention for social communication skills.
• Pro Tip: Use the pre- and post-assessments to identify specific skill gaps before starting a unit. The homework-sharing feature is a great way to reinforce learning by involving families.

Website: https://everydayspeech.com

7. Nearpod (SEL & Wellness Library)

Nearpod transforms traditional instruction into an interactive experience, making it an excellent platform for delivering engaging SEL lesson plans. Instead of static worksheets, Nearpod offers a vast library of pre-made SEL and wellness lessons filled with videos, polls, quizzes, and collaborative boards. Its strength is seamlessly integrating SEL concepts into any subject area, making social-emotional learning a natural part of the daily classroom routine.

The platform allows teachers to deliver lessons live or let students complete them at their own pace, all while gathering real-time formative data. This immediate feedback helps educators understand student comprehension and emotional states. While the free version is robust, accessing the full SEL library and advanced features often requires a paid school or district plan. Administrators looking to implement this at a larger scale can find more information on connecting with school districts and their leaders.

Key Features & Implementation Tips

• Cost: Free Silver plan with limited storage and student join limits. Paid Gold, Platinum, and School/District plans unlock the full content library and features.
• Best For: Integrating interactive SEL activities into existing lessons and gathering real-time formative assessment data.
• Pro Tip: Use the "student-paced" mode to create SEL learning stations or assign lessons as homework, allowing students to reflect on topics privately and at their own speed.

Website: https://nearpod.com

8. Share My Lesson (AFT)

Share My Lesson is a free, educator-curated platform from the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), offering a massive repository of educational resources. It stands out for its robust and completely free collection of SEL lesson plans, which are often organized into topical collections that address timely issues like bullying prevention, mental health awareness, and digital citizenship. The platform emphasizes community and professional development, providing not just lessons but also webinars and support materials for teachers.

Since resources are contributed by a wide network of educators and partner organizations, the format and depth can vary. However, the site’s search filters make it easy to narrow down options by grade level, subject, and resource type. This makes it an excellent source for educators looking for cost-free, high-quality content backed by a trusted professional organization.

Key Features & Implementation Tips

• Cost: Completely free with an account.
• Best For: Educators seeking free, high-quality SEL resources and integrated professional development opportunities.
• Pro Tip: Explore the dedicated "Social Emotional Learning" collection pages. They often bundle lesson plans, articles, and webinars around a central theme, providing a more comprehensive teaching unit.

Website: https://sharemylesson.com

9. Scholastic Teachables

Scholastic Teachables offers a massive, subscription-based library of over 30,000 printable resources, including a reliable collection of SEL lesson plans for PreK through 6th grade. Its main advantage is providing vetted, high-quality materials with a consistent, kid-friendly design. Unlike marketplaces, every resource is created or approved by Scholastic, ensuring a standard of quality and educational alignment you can trust.

The platform is ideal for educators who prefer print-first resources or need ready-to-go activities like mini-books, worksheets, and skill sheets without extensive prep. The interface makes it easy to search by grade, skill, or theme, and every resource is available for immediate download and printing. It also includes family-connection resources to extend learning at home.

Key Features & Implementation Tips

• Cost: Low-cost annual subscription for individual teachers (around $30-$60/year).
• Best For: Elementary teachers looking for a large, affordable library of vetted printables.
• Pro Tip: Use the "Leveled Book" search filter to find mini-books that integrate SEL themes directly into reading practice, a great way to combine ELA and SEL instruction.

Website: https://teachables.scholastic.com

10. Newsela (SEL Collection)

Newsela is an instructional content platform that excels at integrating SEL lesson plans directly into core academic subjects like ELA, science, and social studies. Its unique strength is embedding SEL themes into high-interest, real-world news articles and historical texts. This approach makes social-emotional learning a relevant and continuous part of the curriculum rather than a standalone subject.

The platform is renowned for its differentiation capabilities, as every article is available at multiple reading levels, allowing students of varying abilities to access the same content. Each article in the SEL Collection comes with built-in activities, writing prompts, and quizzes that align with the five core SEL competencies, making it easy for educators to weave these concepts into their existing lesson plans seamlessly.

Key Features & Implementation Tips

• Cost: The SEL Collection is a premium add-on that requires a subscription to a core Newsela product. Pricing is quote-based and typically requires a school or district-level purchase.
• Best For: K-12 educators looking to embed SEL into their core curriculum and support differentiated instruction.
• Pro Tip: Use the platform's pre-made text sets to explore an SEL theme, like "Building Relationships," across different subjects to provide students with a multifaceted understanding of the concept.

Website: https://newsela.com

11. QuaverReady (QuaverEd)

QuaverReady offers a comprehensive, PreK–8 digital curriculum designed to make SEL lesson plans fun and memorable. Its standout feature is the use of original music, animated episodes, and interactive activities to teach CASEL-aligned competencies. This multimedia-rich approach is designed to capture student attention and reinforce complex social-emotional concepts in an accessible way.

The platform provides a fully sequenced curriculum that includes resources for whole-class instruction, small-group interventions, and individual practice. With robust support for tiered instruction and a full suite of Spanish-language resources, QuaverReady is well-suited for diverse school environments. The focus on music and movement makes it particularly effective for kinesthetic and auditory learners.

Key Features & Implementation Tips

• Cost: Quote-based; sold via annual school or district licenses.
• Best For: Elementary and middle schools seeking a complete, engaging, and music-infused SEL curriculum with digital and interactive components.
• Pro Tip: Leverage the family connection activities to reinforce learning at home. Explore their professional learning community to connect with other educators using the curriculum and share implementation strategies.

Website: https://www.quavered.com/quaver-sel-elementary-curriculum/

12. Greater Good in Education (UC Berkeley)

Greater Good in Education, a project of UC Berkeley, offers a free, research-backed library of SEL lesson plans and practices for educators, students, and school leaders. Its unique strength is its foundation in the science of social-emotional well-being, translating complex research into practical, easy-to-implement classroom strategies. Educators can find everything from quick "SEL Kernels" to more in-depth lessons.

The platform is exceptionally well-organized, allowing users to filter resources by SEL competency, grade level, or even specific topics like "Building Community" or "Mindfulness." While it doesn't provide a single, packaged curriculum, its high-quality, evidence-based content is perfect for supplementing existing programs or for educators who want to build a customized scope and sequence based on scientific principles.

Key Features & Implementation Tips

• Cost: Completely free. Optional paid mini-courses and professional development bundles are available.
• Best For: Educators seeking credible, research-informed activities to integrate into their daily instruction.
• Pro Tip: Use the "Collections" feature to find curated sets of practices tailored to specific needs, such as "SEL for Online Learning" or "Practices for a More Equitable Classroom."

Website: https://ggie.berkeley.edu

12 SEL Lesson Plan Providers Compared

Product	Core features	User experience & quality	Value proposition / USP	Target audience	Price model
Teachers Pay Teachers	Massive SEL marketplace; granular filters; instant downloads	Fast access; quality varies; ratings & previews aid vetting	Quick, affordable classroom-tested resources; many freebies	Individual teachers, small teams	Per-resource pricing; many free items
Second Step (Committee for Children)	Evidence-based, grade-banded curriculum; admin tools & multimedia	High fidelity; strong implementation supports and dashboards	Comprehensive K–12 scope with implementation/training	Schools & districts; administrators	School/site licenses; quote-based (can be costly)
Harmony SEL (Harmony Academy)	Free online units, planning guides, routines for PreK–6	Accessible and easy to use; portal evolving	No-cost, classroom-ready routines and family resources	PreK–6 teachers and schools on limited budgets	Free with account
CharacterStrong	Tier 1–3 curriculum, PD, coaching, MTSS alignment	Strong leadership PD and coaching; focused on fidelity	Emphasis on schoolwide alignment and multi-tier supports	Building leaders, districts, MTSS teams	Building licenses; quote-based; coaching extra
Fly Five (Center for Responsive Schools)	K–8 lessons; teacher license model; student journals	Practical routines; classroom climate focus	Cost model to reduce long-term teacher license costs	K–8 teachers and schools	One-time teacher license + annual student journal costs (sales-quoted)
Everyday Speech	Large no‑prep library, videos, assessments, progress tools	Very fast to implement; strong social/pragmatic coverage	Ready-to-use materials for SLPs, counselors, small groups	Teachers, SLPs, counselors; small-group instruction	Per-educator subscription; team/school plans available
Nearpod (SEL & Wellness Library)	Interactive SEL lessons, formative tools, real-time reporting	Engaging interactive delivery; real-time data for teachers	Integrates SEL into core subjects with flexible delivery	Classroom teachers; districts needing interactivity	Freemium; paid tiers or district licenses for full features
Share My Lesson (AFT)	Free repository of educator-contributed SEL lessons & webinars	Widely accessible; quality varies by contributor	Completely free SEL collections plus PD/webinars	Teachers, PD coordinators, nonprofit partners	Free account
Scholastic Teachables	30k+ vetted printables and lesson plans for PreK–6	Consistent, kid-friendly formatting; print-first	Low-cost access to reliable, printable classroom resources	Elementary teachers and print-focused classrooms	Low-cost individual subscription
Newsela (SEL Collection)	SEL integrated into leveled articles with quizzes & analytics	High-quality content; strong differentiation features	Weaves SEL into core content via leveled texts	ELA/social studies teachers; districts	Add-on to Newsela; district pricing (quote-based)
QuaverReady (QuaverEd)	Interactive PreK–8 lessons, songs, Spanish resources	Highly engaging multimedia; adaptable for groups	Multimedia engagement + Spanish accessibility	Elementary & middle teachers, counselors	License-based; quote pricing; physical supplements extra
Greater Good in Education (UC Berkeley)	Research-informed SEL lessons, practices, SEL kernels	Evidence-based and high-quality; not a packaged curriculum	Free, research-backed resources to build teacher capacity	Teachers, curriculum developers, PD leads	Free resources; optional paid mini-courses

Integrating SEL Lessons for Lasting Impact

Navigating the landscape of social-emotional learning resources can feel overwhelming, but finding the right tools is a critical first step toward building a more supportive and effective learning environment. This guide has showcased twelve distinct platforms, from comprehensive, structured curricula like Second Step and CharacterStrong to flexible, supplemental libraries such as Greater Good in Education and Share My Lesson. The sheer variety demonstrates that there is no single "best" source for SEL lesson plans; the ideal solution depends entirely on your specific context.

Your journey begins with a clear assessment of your needs. Are you a district leader seeking a standardized, research-backed curriculum to implement school-wide? Or are you a classroom teacher looking for targeted activities to address an immediate need, like conflict resolution or stress management? Answering these questions will help you narrow your focus and evaluate the options presented.

Key Takeaways for Selecting Your Resources

Choosing the right SEL lesson plans involves more than just content. As you reflect on the tools we've explored, keep these practical considerations at the forefront of your decision-making process:

• Implementation Fidelity vs. Adaptability: Determine if your school culture thrives on a structured, step-by-step program or requires the flexibility to adapt lessons. A platform like Harmony SEL offers a highly structured approach, while resources from Teachers Pay Teachers provide maximum adaptability for individual classroom needs.
• Budget and Scope: Your budget is a primary filter. Free resources like Share My Lesson and Greater Good in Education are invaluable for supplementing instruction, while premium, all-in-one platforms like Everyday Speech or QuaverReady represent a more significant, long-term investment in a cohesive SEL framework.
• Teacher Training and Support: Consider the level of professional development required. Comprehensive programs often include robust training and ongoing support, which is crucial for achieving school-wide buy-in and consistent implementation. Platforms like Fly Five, built on the Responsive Classroom model, emphasize this integrated professional learning.

Your Actionable Next Steps

The ultimate goal is to move from selection to successful implementation. To make these SEL lesson plans a lasting part of your school culture, start by piloting a few resources with a small group of educators. Gather feedback on what resonates with students and what feels practical for teachers to deliver. This iterative process ensures the tools you adopt will truly meet the needs of your community.

Remember, the most effective SEL initiatives are not isolated lessons but are woven into the fabric of daily school life. The resources listed here provide the foundation, but their true power is unlocked when the principles of self-awareness, social awareness, and responsible decision-making are reinforced in hallways, on the playground, and in every academic subject. By thoughtfully selecting and integrating these tools, you are investing in a generation of more resilient, empathetic, and capable individuals.

---

For EdTech companies and curriculum providers aiming to get their powerful SEL solutions into the hands of educators, connecting with the right district leaders is the biggest hurdle. Schooleads provides a meticulously updated K-12 contact database, helping you bypass gatekeepers and present your SEL lesson plans directly to the principals, curriculum directors, and superintendents who make these critical purchasing decisions. Find your ideal school partners and expand your impact by visiting Schooleads.