Social Emotional Curriculum

The best part of my job is having the opportunity to deliver core curriculum to all students in grades K-5.

Going into classrooms allows me to meet and make connections with students. I enjoy hearing students' success stories about improved behavior or academics because of the skills they have learned and applied.

Second Steps classroom lessons focus on skills for learning, empathy, emotion management, and problem-solving skills. Classroom lessons include books, music, video clips, and role playing. Students in grades K-2 really enjoy meeting Be-Calm Bunny, Puppy, and Snail!

Skills for Learning - Everyone wins when we are focused and ready to learn! Students learn how to be respectful learners by using self-talk, listening, focusing attention, and being assertive.

Empathy - We have empathy for others when we put ourselves in someone else's shoes and try to understand how they are feeling. (We don't really switch shoes!) We can look for clues to try and understand how someone might be feeling. We show compassion when we think of what we can say or do to help. Compassion is empathy in action!

Emotion Management- Managing strong emotions is really important and can be difficult at times. Second Step's Calm Down strategies help students find success when they have difficulty self-regulating.

Step 1: Use your signal

Step 2. Name Your Feeling

Step 3. Calm Down (counting, belly breathing, using positive self-talk)

Problem-Solving Steps- Students learn effective strategies to help them solve problems.

S: Say the Problem (without blame)

T: Think of Solutions (safe and respectful)

E: Explore Consequences (What might happen?)

P: Pick the Best Solution (make your plan)