Social/Emotional Learning
Children benefit from social-emotional learning (SEL) at any time, but today it is extremely important to help them develop the skills they need to connect and thrive. Studies show that social-emotional skills help improve academics, reduce negative social behaviors, and create positive classroom climates. These skills also help children successfully manage everyday life. Our school uses Second Step Elementary, a leading research-based SEL curriculum for our students in Kindergarten - Grade 5.
The Second Step Elementary Program teaches skills in the following four (4) areas:
Skills for Learning - Students gain skills to help themselves learn, including how to focus their attention, listen carefully, and being assertive when asking for help with school work.
Empathy - Students learn to identify and understand their own and others' feelings. They also learn how to take another student's perspective and how to show compassion.
Emotion Management - Students learn specific skills for calming down when experiencing strong feelings such as anxiety or anger.
Problem Solving - Students learn a process for solving problems with others in a positive way.
Social Emotional Learning Program Overview
Students in Kindergarten and Grade 1 have a 30 minute weekly lesson in SEL. Students in Grades 2, 3, 4, & 5 have a 30 minute bi-weekly lesson. The JFK adjustment counselors go into classrooms to teach these lessons. Classroom lessons and counseling can include the topics on the right.
- Making and Keeping Friends
- Setting Goals
- Teamwork
- Feeling Good About Yourself
- Making Good Choices
- Being Responsible
- Managing Strong Feelings
- Conflict Resolution