6th Grade Social Groups Curriculum

5 groups run Monday–Friday each Trimester for 8 weeks during lunch.

Groups meet once a week. 4-6 students per group.

Week 1: Introduction to Group – Two Truths & a Stretch goal

Students get to know one another, build comfort in the group, and practice setting a personal “stretch goal” (a long-term, difficult but do-able goal) they would like to work toward during the group.

CASEL Alignment: Self-Awareness, Relationship Skills

Week 2: Circles of Control – Stress Management
Students learn to identify stressors that are within their control versus outside of their control. The activity focuses on problem-solving for controllable stressors and practicing acceptance and letting go of things they cannot control.

CASEL Alignment: Self-Awareness, Self-Management

Week 3: What Fills Your Cup? (Art-Based Reflection)
Students explore what brings them joy, energy, and balance by reflecting on how they spend their time and identifying activities that help meet their emotional needs.

CASEL Alignment: Self-Awareness, Self-Management

Week 5: Irreversible Impact – Words Matter Activity
Through a hands-on demonstration (paper ripping), students learn how words and actions can impact relationships and self-esteem. The lesson emphasizes empathy, accountability, and the lasting effects of hurtful language.

CASEL Alignment: Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision-Making

Week 5: Outside Self vs. Inside Self
Students build self-awareness by exploring how they may appear to others on the outside versus how they feel on the inside, supporting emotional expression and understanding.

CASEL Alignment: Self-Awareness, Social Awareness

Week 6: Two-Way Communication
Students participate in a brief activity that highlights the importance of clear communication, listening, and asking questions. The lesson reinforces that effective communication works best when it goes both ways.

CASEL Alignment: Relationship Skills, Social Awareness

Week 7: Circles of Connection
Students reflect on their personal experiences, strengths, challenges, and supports, then share in a structured way to build empathy and connection. The activity reinforces that students are not alone and often share common experiences.

CASEL Alignment: Social Awareness, Relationship Skills

Week 8: “Pick Me Up” Team-Building Activity
Students practice empathy and positive peer support by turning fears into encouraging statements. The lesson focuses on building confidence, connection, and kindness within the group.

CASEL Alignment: Social Awareness, Relationship Skills

7th Grade Mindfulness Groups Curriculum

Groups run Monday–Friday each Trimester for 8 weeks during WIN/Advisory.
Groups meet once a week. 8-12 students per group.

Week 1: Introduction to Dialectical Thinking

Students are introduced to dialectical thinking, the idea that two seemingly opposite things can both be true at the same time. Through discussion and real-life examples, students practice moving away from all-or-nothing thinking and toward more flexible, balanced perspectives. This skill supports emotional regulation, problem-solving, and resilience.

CASEL Alignment: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Relationship Skills

Week 2: Introduction to Mindfulness

Students learn the foundational concept of mindfulness as paying attention to the present moment on purpose and without judgment. Activities focus on increasing awareness of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, and understanding how mindfulness supports pausing, reduced reactivity, and intentional decision-making.

CASEL Alignment: Self-Awareness, Self-Management

Week 3: Wise Mind & Core Mindfulness Skills

Students are introduced to the DBT concept of Wise Mind, which integrates Emotional Mind and Rational Mind to support balanced decision-making. Through discussion and brief activities, students practice recognizing when emotions or logic are taking over and how accessing Wise Mind can support more effective choices.

CASEL Alignment: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making, Relationship Skills

Week 4: Observe & Describe Skills

Students practice noticing thoughts, emotions, and body sensations without trying to change them (Observe). They also learn to label and describe these internal experiences using clear, specific, and non-judgmental language (Describe). The focus is on building awareness and emotional clarity.

CASEL Alignment: Self-Awareness

Week 5: Participate Skill

Students practice fully engaging in an activity without distraction. The session emphasizes increasing focus, presence, and active involvement in the moment.

CASEL Alignment: Self-Management

Week 6: Non-Judgmental Skill

Students learn to reduce judgment of themselves and others by focusing on facts and outcomes rather than labels or assumptions. The lesson highlights how judgments can intensify emotional reactions and impact interactions.

CASEL Alignment: Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills

Week 7: One-Mindfully Skill

Students practice focusing on one task at a time to increase concentration and reduce overwhelm. The lesson reinforces sustained attention and intentional engagement.

CASEL Alignment: Self-Management

Week 8: Effectively Skill

Students learn to make choices that support goals, even when emotions are strong. The focus is on acting in ways that are effective rather than impulsive, reinforcing thoughtful decision-making.

CASEL Alignment: Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making, Relationship Skills

7th & 8th Emotion Regulation Groups Curriculum

Groups run Monday–Friday during Third Trimester for 8 weeks during WIN/Advisory.
Groups meet once a week. 8–12 students per group.

Possible 3rd Trimester option

Prerequisite: Completion of the 7th Grade Mindfulness Group

Students learn to better understand and manage their emotions by identifying emotional patterns and responding more effectively to emotional experiences. The group focuses on reducing emotional vulnerability, managing emotional intensity, and increasing positive emotional experiences. Skills learned support resilience, self-control, and readiness for increasing academic and social demands.

CASEL Alignment: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making

8th Grade Mindfulness Extension Groups Curriculum

Groups run Monday–Friday each Trimester during WIN/Advisory.
Groups meet once a week. 8–12 students per group.

Mindfulness [Duration: 8 Weeks]

For students who did not participate in Mindfulness during 7th grade.

Students are introduced to core mindfulness concepts and practices focused on increasing awareness of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. The group emphasizes attention, present-moment focus, and pausing before reacting. Mindfulness serves as a foundation for emotional regulation, stress management, and effective decision-making.

CASEL Alignment: Self-Awareness, Self-Management

Distress Tolerance [Duration: 8 Weeks]

Prerequisite: Completion of the 8-week Mindfulness Group

Students learn skills to manage intense emotions and stressful situations without making the situation worse. The group focuses on recognizing emotional escalation, tolerating discomfort, and using healthy coping strategies during moments of distress. Students practice applying skills to real-life challenges.

CASEL Alignment: Self Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making

Interpersonal Effectiveness [Duration: 6 Weeks]

Prerequisite: Completion of the 8-week Mindfulness Group

Students build skills to communicate needs clearly, set boundaries, and maintain healthy relationships. The group focuses on assertive communication, perspective-taking, and balancing self-respect with relationship goals. Students practice strategies for navigating peer conflict and strengthening social connections.

CASEL Alignment: Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision-Making

BRIDGES Mindfulness Group Curriculum

Group meets on Mondays in the BRIDGES room.

Students in our BRIDGES program have the opportunity to engage with a tailored version of our Mindfulness Curriculum. This adapted approach is designed to meet their unique needs, helping them build self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience in a supportive and accessible way.