Step back and reflect on what the main area of need is in SEL for our students.
Figure 1: CASEL'S Framework defines 5 areas of competence - with these competencies everyone grows on the basis of social, emotional learning. (CASEL, 2021)
The soul of the class is one that is safe and positive. However, how is a safe and positive classroom created? You can consider the following suggestions:
  1. One approach is to integrate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into your day to support aspects of the CASEL Framework, which are defined on five areas of competencies - as shown in Figure 1. There are many programs, which you will find further information on as you scroll further down.
  2. You can also consider aspects of Dr. Ross Greene's CPS Model - Collaborative & Proactive Solutions​, which is an evidence based of care that helps caregivers focus on identifying the problems that are causing concerning behaviours in kids and solving those problems collaboratively and proactively. (Greene, 2021) Similarly Stuart Shanker discusses the 5 Steps to Self-Regulation. 
  3. ​You can also address negative self-thought, and help students work out of the 'learning pit' as discussed by Zaretta Hammond through her Culturally Responsive Teaching. (San  Francisco Public Library, 2018)

Whichever approach you choose to implement within your classroom, I feel there is an aspect which should be considered. Just as we have multiple intelligences that are demonstrated through out students, we differentiate instruction and our assessments - similarly SEL should also be variable and presented in a differentiated approach. One size never fits all, and as educators we should try to try different strategies which would connect best for our students. In addition to this, as educators we need to step back and reflect on the main area of need in SEL for our student.
Below you will find  strategies you can use to help with creating an environment which is positive for all students:
Figure 2: Zaretta Hammond's approach to addressing the 'negative self-talk' and 'The Learning Pit'. (San  Francisco Public Library, 2018)
Figure 3: Whether you apply Dr. Greene's CPS approach or Stuart Shanker's 5 Steps of Self-Regulation, it is important to reflect on what is the root need. (Greene, 2021) (Durham & Durham, 2019)
The CASEL Guide (click to see more), is a great resource to explore and even compare different well-being evidence based programs/approaches which could be filtered to suit the appropriate age group which best suit your classroom needs.

The Mindfulness in Schools Project - Dot B program is a lesson based approach to SEL. There are two levels for certification - Paws B for primary and Dot B for middle to upper secondary school. SEL is approached through a mindfulness lens working on being present and exploring different feelings, focus, and focusing on being present in the here and now. Activities range from simply going through a mindfulness practice to learning to walk and even eat mindfully raising awareness of what we go through everyday.

The program is:
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  • Lesson based and can be done in a short period of time.
  • There are also age appropriate animations and materials that are accessible to trained teachers online. 
  • The program organisers are against running the program as just a program you read out of a book. Instead they encourage program implementers to have a daily practice themselves so they can speak to the topic, rather than reading from a script.
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You can have look at a sample of their lessons and have access to some free samples.
Click on the image and it will redirect you to the 'Free Resources' page. Below is an example practice to check out as well.