Dear Family:
This is a busy time for children who are learning many new skills in school. They may be reading chapter books, writing stories, using graphs, or starting to play a musical instrument. These are all important skills for children to learn.
Another area of learning that requires specific skills is social-emotional learning. These important skills are often overlooked. This is the realm where children learn how to understand and manage their feelings, how to make friends and be a friend, and how to solve social problems. Learning takes place throughout the day—in the classroom, on the playground, and at home. Children learn by watching and listening to how teachers, family members, and friends interact with one another.
We will be using a curriculum called the Second Step program to help us think about, develop, and practice positive social skills. Research tells us that children who learn and use these skills are more likely to get along with others and do better in school.
The Second Step program is divided into three units:
• Unit I: Empathy Training. Children learn about feelings and ways to show understanding and caring toward others.
• Unit II: Impulse Control and Problem Solving. Children learn new ways to solve problems and practice skills such as calming down, apologizing, interrupting politely, and making new friends.
• Unit III: Anger Management. Children learn to manage their anger in ways that do not hurt others.
Incorporating photographs and videos of children in everyday situations, Second Step lessons introduce and teach all the above skills. All students are given the chance to practice the skills they’re learning through role-playing, an important part of Second Step lessons.
Families play a crucial role in the success of the Second Step program. You will be receiving letters about what your child is learning at school and what you can do at home to help him or her understand and practice the new skills. Please feel free to come and observe one of our Second Step lessons, and if you have any questions, be sure to ask. I would be delighted to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Loraine James
Professional School Counselor
ASCA Academic Standards A: Students will acquire the attitudes, knowledge and skills that contribute to effective learning in school and across the life span.
Introduction to Second Step: A Violence Prevention Curriculum
