Social and Emotional Learning
For all students
Designed to be delivered in the classroom, TRAILS Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) strengthens academic learning while fostering qualities such as empathy, self-awareness, and respect. By teaching 25 brief lessons over the course of the school year, educators can empower their students to build healthy relationships, manage strong emotions, and make caring, responsible decisions.
TRAILS SEL lessons:
- Require minimal prep from teachers
- Include options for flexible delivery
- Are easy to integrate into an ordinary school day
Why SEL?
The benefits of SEL are broad and long-lasting.
SEL has been shown to increase academic engagement, test scores, self-regulation skills, and overall wellness, while decreasing disruptive classroom behaviors.
For many students, SEL can prevent the need for more intensive mental health support.
Meanwhile, it helps teachers more easily identify and refer those who do need additional care.
SEL is schoolwide.
By implementing TRAILS SEL, school leaders can foster a positive learning environment while building a shared language around mental health for all students and staff.
Program Close-Up
5 units
25 lessons
4 developmentally appropriate grade bands: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12
The TRAILS Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum is divided into 5 units, in alignment with the 5 SEL competencies identified by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning.
Unit 1: Self-Awareness
Noticing our thoughts, feelings, and urges to act
Unit 2: Self-Management
Using skills to manage our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in ways that are helpful in both the short- and long-term
Unit 3: Social Awareness
Understanding the thoughts and feelings of others, and responding to them with empathy and respect
Unit 4: Relationship Skills
Initiating, defining, and maintaining healthy relationships with others
Unit 5: Responsible Decision-Making
Approaching problems and decisions systematically, using our values and goals as a guide
How to get started
TRAILS SEL materials are:
- Designed to be used by classroom teachers
- Available only to staff at our Tier 1 partner schools
Staff at our partner schools receive:
- Comprehensive training in the curriculum
- Access to best practice workshops, informative newsletters, and a growing selection of implementation tools
“The SEL curriculum has been a great resource for my students. We are currently utilizing skills taught throughout the day. And what's really cool, students will ask for mindfulness check-ins and activities on their own.”
Interested in partnering with us?
We currently work with schools in Michigan, Colorado, and Massachusetts, and welcome the opportunity to explore additional partnerships in these states. While our capacity for other partnerships is limited at this time, we welcome potential partners who are located elsewhere to reach out to us so that we can reconnect when TRAILS expansions occur. Send us a message.
Regardless of partnership status, we are proud to offer open access to numerous materials free of charge, including select SEL resources. To access free TRAILS materials, create an account, or explore the sample lessons below.