Second Step Program

Throughout the year, I present the Second Step Program to many groups and Kindergarten classrooms. Second Step is a classroom wide intervention designed to enhance empathy, problem solving/self-control and anger management. Teaching materials consist of step-by-step lessons, photos, puppets, CD's, and letters home.  By learning critical social skills at a young age, children become equipped to manage emotional conflict as they age.

Basic Curriculum Overview:

 

Empathy Training

Children learn about feelings and ways to show understanding and caring toward others.

	a. The ability to identify and understand your own feelings
	b. The ability to read others feelings
	c. The ability to take the perspective of another person

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.

	a. What is the problem?
	b. What are some solutions?
	c. For each solution, ask yourself:
		Is it safe? How might people feel about it? Is it fair? Will it work?
	d. Choose a solution and use it
	e. Is it working?
		If yes-great; if no, what can I do now?

Anger Management

Children learn to manage their anger in ways that do not hurt others.

	a. Ask yourself: How does my body feel?
	b. Try to calm down
		Taking 3 deep breaths, counting backward slowly, thinking calming thoughts, talking to yourself
	c. Think out loud to solve the problem
	d. Think about it later. Ask yourself:
		Why was I angry? What did I do? What worked? What didn’t work? What would I do differently? Did I do a good job?