# How Social-Emotional Learning Improves Kids’ Academic Success > Kindergarten teachers, you have a lot on your plate. Between teaching letter sounds and counting to 100, it’s easy to think academic learning and emotional development belong in separate boxes. They don’t. Source: https://holidayeducationist.com/en/blogs/how-social-emotional-learning-improves-kids-academic-success --- Kindergarten teachers, you have a lot on your plate. Between teaching letter sounds and counting to 100, it’s easy to think academic learning and emotional development belong in separate boxes. They don’t. Research continues to show that children who learn to recognize their emotions are better equipped to succeed academically. Social-emotional learning (SEL) isn’t a distraction from literacy and maths. It’s one of the foundations that helps both flourish. ## SEL is Research-Backed Social-emotional learning helps children develop five essential skills:  - Self-awareness - Self-management - Social awareness - Relationship skills - Responsible decision-making These abilities influence everything from paying attention during story time to working with a partner on a classroom activity. According to a literature review published on ResearchGate, students who participate in effective SEL programs demonstrate stronger academic performance alongside improved emotional well-being and classroom behavior. The study authors wrote: “Challenges including resource constraints, cultural responsiveness, and teacher training underscore the potential for further innovation and research.  “Addressing these barriers and advancing intervention strategies can enable SEL to bridge educational equity gaps, foster emotional resilience, and prepare young individuals for lifelong success.” Their findings are particularly important in kindergarten, where children are learning how to identify feelings, manage frustration, and navigate friendships. ## Better Emotions Lead to Better Learning  Think about the child who’s overwhelmed because they can’t zip up their jacket. Or the learner who’s upset after a disagreement during center time. Those emotions don’t suddenly vanish when it’s time for phonics. They follow children into every lesson. Children who feel emotionally safe are more likely to participate.  Ask questions. Persevere through challenges and remain engaged with learning. Simply put, calm brains learn better than stressed ones. ### SEL Builds the Skills Children Need to Learn  Academic success isn’t only about intelligence. It incorporates the ability to: - Listen carefully - Follow instructions - Stay focused - Work with classmates - Bounce back after mistakes. - Keep trying when tasks become difficult. These are all social-emotional skills that kindergarten teachers nurture every day, sometimes without realizing it. ## Teachers Don’t Have to Do It Alone  While classroom teachers play a huge role in children’s emotional development, school counselors provide extra support. Professionals who complete their Master’s in School Counseling often choose the practical and convenient option when all the coursework is done online. An [MS in school counseling online](https://online.walsh.edu/programs/counseling/school-counseling) degree teaches future school counselors how to address students’ behavioral challenges and academic development.  They work alongside teachers and families to create learning environments where children feel safe, connected, and ready to succeed. When teachers and school counselors collaborate, children benefit from consistent support inside and outside the classroom. A bonus? Walsh University says that online master’s in school counseling graduates are knowledgeable in lifespan development, addictions counseling, and culturally responsive practice. ## What SEL Looks Like in a Kindergarten Classroom  SEL doesn’t require expensive programs or hours of additional planning. It can be woven naturally into everyday teaching. ### Name Emotions Help children identify feelings using picture cards, [storybooks](https://www.purewow.com/books/kindergarten-books), or morning check-ins. When they have language for their emotions, they’re more likely to regulate them. ### Celebrate Mistakes Treat mistakes as opportunities rather than failures. When kids see that getting something wrong is part of learning, they’re willing to take academic risks. ### Encourage Teamwork Simple partner activities teach communication, patience, and cooperation alongside academic content. Whether they’re building with blocks or sounding out words together, they’re learning more than the lesson objective. ### Model Emotional Regulation Young children are always watching. When teachers calmly solve problems, apologize when needed, and verbalize healthy coping strategies, students learn by example. ## The Evidence Keeps Growing A 2025 NPR article highlights research showing that strong SEL programs can improve grades and standardized test scores while supporting children’s overall well-being. Education Week also [reported on research](https://journals.sagepub.com/stoken/default+domain/SMFJQV6HAQDDMGZCHAWZ/full) linking social-emotional learning to higher maths and reading achievements. "The purpose of education is not just to impart knowledge but to nurture empathy, resilience, and emotional well-being." - internationally acclaimed education expert Linda Lantieri. For kindergarten teachers, the news is encouraging. Those daily conversations about kindness, empathy, and problem-solving aren’t taking time away from learning. They’re strengthening it. ## FAQs ### What is social-emotional learning (SEL)? SEL is the process of helping children develop skills such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, relationship building and responsible decision-making. ### How does SEL improve academic performance? When children can manage their emotions, stay focused and work well with others, they’re better prepared to engage with classroom learning.  ### How can kindergarten teachers incorporate SEL into daily lessons? SEL can be embedded throughout the school day through role-playing, cooperative learning activities, emotion vocabulary exercises, conflict-resolution discussions, and modeling positive behavior.  ### When should a teacher involve a school counselor? Teachers should consider involving a school counselor when a child experiences ongoing emotional, behavioral, or social challenges that interfere with learning.  ## Social-Emotional Learning by the Numbers | Finding | Source | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------- | | Students in SEL programs show an average academic performance gain of 11 percentile points. | Research Gate | | SEL has been linked to higher reading and mathematics test scores. | Sage Journals | | Research continues to show that SEL can improve grades, test scores, and classroom behavior. | NPR | | Students with strong social-emotional skills are more likely to stay engaged. | Think for the Future | ## Small Moments Create Big Results Some of the most powerful SEL moments don’t happen during dedicated lessons. They happen when a teacher helps two children resolve a disagreement. When a nervous learner is encouraged to try again. When a class celebrates effort instead of perfection. Kindergarten is a child’s first experience of structured learning. It’s where they discover that classrooms are places for asking questions. Making friends. Solving problems and growing through challenges. And that’s a lesson that lasts long after kindergarten ends.