SECOND STEP

The Second Step Curriculum is taught in every classroom and integrates academics with social and emotional learning. Students learn and practice important skills, such as anger managment, cooperation and problem-solving. These skills help increase student success beyond the classroom. The curriculum is divided into four components:

Empathy

Impulse Control

Anger Control

Problem-solving

How You Can Help at Home

Students need to learn to resolve conlficts and deal with anger on their own. The first step is for students to recognize their own distinctive "early warning signs." Ask about physical changes they feel when they get mad. Do they feel flushed or red in the face? Do they clench their fists or teeth? Do they feel pain in their stomach? Once your child has identified these signs, encourage him or her to try various stratigies learned in Second Step: deep breathing, counting to 10 slowly, talking to an adult, removing themselves from the situation or positive self-talk. Here are the stratigies your child learns in Second Step.

What to Do When I am Angry

1. How does my body feel?

2. Calm Down:

• Take deep breath
• Count slowly
• Think calming thoughts
• Tell yourself to Calm Down

3. Think out loud to solve the problem

4. Think about it later.

How to Solve Problems

1. What is the problem?

2. What are some solutions?

3. For each solution ask:

• Is it Safe?
• How might people feel?
• Is it fair?
• Will it work?

4. Choose a solution and use it.

5. Is it working? If not, what can I do now?