How the Importance of SEL in Elementary Schools Impacts Academic Success

If you’ve ever watched a child freeze during a test, cry after being left out at recess, or lash out because they didn’t know how else to say “I’m overwhelmed,” then you’ve witnessed the silent struggle that lives beneath academics.

And if you’ve ever wondered what schools can do to help kids handle those moments, how to build not just better students but healthier, more resilient little humans, then let’s talk about the importance of SEL in elementary schools.

Because this is not a soft skill, it’s a core skill. And I’ve seen what happens in classrooms where it’s missing… and the kind of transformation that’s possible when it’s done right.

What is SEL, and Why Start in Elementary School?

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children learn to manage and understand their emotions, set positive goals, show empathy, maintain relationships, and make responsible decisions.

In elementary school, where emotional regulation is still developing, and social identities are just beginning to form, SEL lays the groundwork for every kind of success, academic, behavioral, and personal.

The importance of SEL in elementary schools isn’t about replacing math and reading. It’s about unlocking them. When a child feels emotionally safe, connected, and understood, they can actually focus and thrive.

The Link Between SEL and Academic Success

Studies show that students with strong SEL skills perform better in school. They:

• Attend more days
• Engage more actively
• Score higher on standardized tests
• Have better classroom behavior

Why? Because when kids learn how to identify their feelings, calm themselves when upset, and ask for help when needed, they become available for learning.

I’ve seen it time and again. A student who couldn’t sit still long enough to read a paragraph becomes a focused learner once they’ve been taught simple grounding skills. A child who used to act out in frustration starts raising their hand to speak after being given tools for communication.

SEL doesn’t take time away from academics. It gives that time back.

SEL in Action: What It Actually Looks Like

One of the biggest misconceptions is that SEL is a single curriculum or a “lesson” that teachers squeeze in once a week.

But real SEL is lived, not laminated.

It’s the teacher who checks in with students at the door. The counselor who helps a child name their sadness after a pet dies. The classroom where empathy is modeled every day, especially when things go wrong.

In my work as a school counselor, we practiced SEL through morning circles, storytelling, peer mentorship, and even hallway chats. We taught kids to breathe, to pause, to reframe. And the results weren’t just visible in behavior reports; they showed up in math scores, reading fluency, and classroom participation.

That’s the importance of SEL in elementary schools: it bridges the emotional and cognitive so that learning can actually stick.

How Parents Can Support SEL

SEL doesn’t stop at the school gates. Families are the first SEL teachers. And the partnership between home and school is key.

Here’s how parents can reinforce what’s being taught:

• Talk about feelings at home. Use real language: “I felt frustrated today when…”
• Encourage problem-solving rather than fixing everything.
• Read books that explore emotions and relationships.
• Stay in touch with your school counselor or teacher for guidance.

The more consistent the language and values between home and school, the stronger the SEL foundation becomes.

Ending Thoughts

In a world that’s changing faster than ever, the importance of SEL in elementary schools has become more important than ever. What our children need most isn’t just more content; it’s more connection. They need to know how to handle stress, solve conflict, and believe they matter, even when things feel hard.

That’s why I’ve spent decades advocating for and implementing SEL programs in schools. When kids learn how to manage their inner world, their outer performance follows.

If you’re a parent, a teacher, or someone who cares about kids, know this: SEL isn’t a bonus. It’s a necessity. And the earlier we start, the better.