Social and Emotional Learning in Action

Social and Emotional Learning in Action (SELA)

By Tara Flippo

Overview
Social and Emotional Learning in Action (SELA) is a practical, easy-to-use sourcebook designed for educators and counseling practitioners working primarily in school settings. Grounded in the research and framework of the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), SELA provides a comprehensive approach to integrating social and emotional learning (SEL) into the classroom. The lessons are crafted to foster the five core SEL competencies identified by CASEL: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. SELA supports both year-long, developmentally sequenced programming and flexible, stand-alone lessons, making it adaptable to a variety of classroom and counseling needs.

Features

• Research-based foundation: Lessons are built on CASEL’s evidence-based framework, ensuring alignment with best practices in SEL and academic achievement

• Comprehensive SEL coverage: Addresses all five CASEL competencies—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making

• Flexible structure: Offers a year-long, modular sequence or stand-alone lessons to fit different schedules and program needs

• 36 detailed lessons: Each lesson includes step-by-step instructions and a clear materials list for easy facilitation

• Experiential approach: Integrates experiential learning strategies to make SEL concepts engaging and relevant for students

• User-friendly design: Designed for immediate use by teachers, counselors, and SEL facilitators in school environments

Why We Love It
Social and Emotional Learning in Action stands out for its blend of research-backed content and practical, ready-to-use lesson plans. The focus on CASEL’s five core competencies ensures comprehensive SEL development, while the experiential activities make learning meaningful and memorable. SELA’s flexible design allows educators to seamlessly incorporate SEL into their existing curriculum or use it as a stand-alone program, supporting both student well-being and academic success.