The Second Step program increases kids’ school success and decreases problem behaviors by teaching them skills for learning—such as paying attention, listening, and sitting still—as well as how to manage their emotions, solve problems, and make friends. All these skills help kids do better in school and in life. Watch the Overview Video below to learn more.
The program teaches essential skills for learning—listening, focusing attention, using self-talk, and being assertive—that help kids be better learners and do well in school. Kids who can pay attention and ask for help when they need it are more prepared to learn than those who can’t.
Research shows that students who learn these skills through a curriculum such as the Second Step program show an 11 percentile-point gain in overall academic achievement. It also indicates that the positive effects of learning these skills last over time.
The Second Step program teaches kids skills that help them control their own behavior, impulses, and emotions. And they are taught how to recognize when they are having a strong feeling and ways to calm it down, including belly breathing.
These skills makes it easier for kids to do things like sit still and listen, or pause and take a deep breath instead of reacting without thinking. Students who can manage their own behavior and emotions are better prepared to learn and get along well with others.
The Second Step program teaches kids skills that help them get along better with others. Students learn how to recognize others’ feelings, show kindness and compassion, play fairly, and invite others to join. These skills are essential for building strong friendships and help increase kids’ feelings of safety and belonging at school.
The friendship-building and assertiveness skills taught in the program may also help children handle bullying situations. The program presents scenarios—such as what to do when someone knocks you down or calls you names—that help kids apply the skills they’re learning to situations they might encounter in real life.
This school year all students in Kinder, 1st and 4th grade received weekly Second Step lessons. In an effort to encourage the continuity of skill development for our students, here are some helpful resources families can use at home.
Families can also go online to find more resources and activities to support Second Step.
Access resources by:
1. Go to www.secondstep.org
2. Under New Users, click “Create Account”
3. Complete the required fields
4. Add Program Activation Key:
Kinder: SSPK FAMI LY70
1st: SSP1 FAMI LY71
2nd: SSP2 FAMI LY72
3rd: SSP3 FAMI LY73
4th: SSP4 FAMI LY74
5th: SSP5 FAMI LY75