Social Emotional Learning and English Language Learners: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Social emotional learning (SEL) is a process of obtaining and effectually applying the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions in life for both children and adults. Early studies examining the impact of teaching SEL in the elementary classroom suggest that integrating SEL into the classroom curriculum and culture can support elementary students to better manage personal and collective behavior, to improve attendance rates, and to raise student achievement rates. This review of literature includes a focus on the existing literature and on the promising implications of incorporating SEL in mainstream classrooms which include English language learners (ELLs).