June 28, 2021

Webinar Recap: How to incorporate social media & CASEL competencies into the classroom

Social media is constantly growing, and after a long year of students navigating the role the pandemic played on their social lives, the ways students interact became more intersected online. On average, students spend 9 hours per day online. Socializing for students is no longer solely face-to-face; it includes all things messaging and social media. 

As schools prepare for Fall 2021, how can teachers, educators, and parents better prepare themselves to incorporate social media and CASEL competencies into the classroom? 

To answer this question, Dr. Jessica Anderson, Child Psychologist and incoming Dean of Students at Mason Preparatory School, recently hosted a 30-minute SEL webinar focused on exploring the connection between social media and CASEL competencies. Dr. Anderson provided practical ways for teachers to integrate CASEL competencies successfully in the classroom, drawing upon her own experiences in a variety of educational roles. 

Through this webinar, attendees learned: 

  • Where Social Media and SEL intersect
  • How CASEL Competencies can address students’ online experiences 
  • How to incorporate CASEL Competencies into the classroom 
  • Tips for a healthy “Restart” in Fall 2021

Watch the webinar >>

Evidence-based Research

According to The Missing Piece, 95% of teachers across all school types believe social and emotional skills are teachable. CASEL’s research shows that SEL programming has a long-term positive impact on academics, conduct concerns, emotional distress, and drug use. Lessons that The Social Institute provides through the #WinAtSocial Curriculum align directly with CASEL competencies. TSI works to empower students and educators through cultivating a growth mindset and intersecting social media with SEL.

The CASEL competencies in the classroom include: 

  • Self-Awareness
  • Self-Management
  • Social Awareness
  • Responsible Decision Making 

How to incorporate CASEL both online and in the classroom

As a classroom teacher, it can feel overwhelming to add another component to the educational programs that are already being implemented. With that being said, studies show that when SEL is integrated within a school, there is an 11% increase in academic performance (The Missing Piece). In the webinar, Dr. Anderson provides simple ways to teach CASEL competencies in schools, integrate them with online experiences, and meaningfully reach students from elementary to high school. Some of the activities that Dr. Anderson describes include role-playing, art activities for expression, breathing exercises, and personal writing prompts.

No matter a student’s age, CASEL competencies remain the same; the difference is how they’re approached. The key is to meet students where they are and empower them to grow. 

Students cannot be what they cannot see. Therefore, educators and parents are crucial to the embodiment of navigating social media in a positive way. It’s imperative to foster an understanding that everything someone posts can be perceived as a reflection of themselves and their values. What they see from their role models is an essential insight into how they act, and TSI is addressing this throughout their work.

As schools move forward into the new semester, leading with empathy and compassion is the first step to understanding students and kicking off a great start to the year. 

For a complete breakdown and specific steps for how schools can incorporate social media & CASEL Competencies in the classroom, watch the entire webinar on-demand. For other helpful tips, strategies, and ideas, follow us on social media @thesocialinst or contact us over email.

You can also check out our other past recorded webinars and keep an eye on our regularly updated webinar schedules for upcoming timely webinars, featuring guest thought leaders and updated research and insights.


About The Social Institute

The Social Institute partners with schools nationwide to empower students, families, and educators to positively navigate social-emotional health, social media, and technology. Schools access our student-respected, turnkey curriculum through WinAtSocial.com, an interactive, gamified learning platform. With solutions for students, parents, and educators, we offer a systemic and comprehensive SEL program through a unique and positive approach. We are proud to serve public and independent partners such as Ravenscroft School, Woodward Academy, Oldfields School, All Saints Episcopal School, Lake Forest School District, Boston Public Schools, and more. For more information on how to empower your students to make high-character decisions online and off, please contact us.