SECOND STEP Pre-K – 8th Grade Second Step provides instruction in social and emotional learning with units on skills for learning, Empathy, Emotion management, Friendship skills, and Problem solving.   Second Step uses four key strategies to reinforce skill development: Brain builder games (to build executive function), Weekly theme activities, Reinforcing activities, and Home links

OVERVIEW http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWavPce616Q&list=PLNJiZRTK9Gf86Pai2AiqLEl7TDGWtX6mz&index=1 Middle School http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6GHp8NjoV4&list=PLNJiZRTK9Gf86Pai2AiqLEl7TDGWtX6mz&index=2

Brain Builder Games http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_RQgiri2Ws

Weekly Themes Teachers give 30-50 minutes daily to Second Step Weekly Themes = 5 Weeks of One Unit Example- Unit 1- Skills For Learning (Kindergarten) Week 1- Listening Week 2-Focusing Week 3- Following Directions Week 4-Self Talk/Staying On Task Week 5-Be Assertive

Reinforcing Activities Using Skills Every Day Suggests ways to reinforce skills during daily activities Anticipate Before starting a lesson, anticipate what skill will be practiced Example in Classroom “We will be lining up for Gym now. I need you to walk slowly towards the door with our voices on zero. (off) What skill will we practice while walking to the door?” Student answer – “Following Directions”- Walking slowly to the door without talking Example at Home- “Johny, we are going to the store so I need you to put your snacks away in the kitchen quickly so we have room for our groceries when we return.” “Can you tell me what skill we need to help us with this task?” Child- “Following Directions” Reinforce “Johny, I see that you are focusing on your work and making great progress. You must be using your “Attent-O-Scopes” to focus. Example at Home- “Johny, I like how you are focusing on your homework. Your grades are improving a great deal and I’m so proud of you. You must be practicing your listening skills at school.” Reflect End of the Day “Class, what skills did we use for Gym, Lunch, In Classroom, etc.” Example at Home Parent will read or talk with his/her child about the day and talk about what skills the child used to successfully have a great day.- What skills does the child need to work on. MOST IMPORTANTLY- How can YOU as the parent help??

Home Links Home Links lets parents know what is being taught in the classroom and how they can reinforce it at home. Parents and Students sign off on it after they have practiced the skills at home

Contact Information Ms. Melissa Mallars memallars@cps.edu