PATHS Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies

PATHS PATHS is a comprehensive program for promoting emotional and social competencies and reducing aggression and behavior problems in elementary school- aged children It simultaneously enhances the educational process in the classroom. The curriculum is designed to be used by educators and counselors in a multi-year, universal prevention model. Although primarily focused on the school and classroom settings, information and activities are also included for use with parents.

PROGRAM TARGETS Developed for use in the classroom setting with all elementary school aged-children. PATHS has been researched with children in regular education classroom settings, as well as with a variety of special needs students (deaf, hearing-impaired, learning disabled, emotionally disturbed, mildly mentally delayed, and gifted).

In as little as Three times per week minutes per day Systematic, developmentally-based lessons Materials Instructions emotional literacy self-control social competence positive peer relations interpersonal problem-solving skills. What you get What does it help

Why do you need it To fill the need for a comprehensive, developmentally- based curriculum which Promotes social and emotional competence Reduces behavior and emotional problems Decreases risk factors Focusing on prevention Developing emotional literacy skills Building positive peer relations Building Problem-solving skills While

The Eco-Behavioral Systems Model Emphasizes Teaching of skills Creation of meaningful real-life opportunities to use skills Effective skill application. Before PATHS After PATHS

Neurobiology and Brain Structuralization/Organization Promotes vertical communication between the limbic system and the frontal lobes (Relationships) to develop verbally mediate strategies for self control improved impulse control. Horizontal communication between the left and the right hemispheres (CAR) assists in the management of emotions and behavior control. Before PATHSAfter PATHS

The ABCD Model The ABCD focuses on: Emotions Feelings Mood Behavior cognitive understanding to promote social and emotional competence. Before PATHSAfter PATHS

Psychodynamic Education Aims social growth cognitive growth Create a process of internalization. Before PATHS After PATHS

Psychological Issues and Emotional Awareness When children feel listened to, respected, and nurtured by the adults around them, they learn to respect others, as well as themselves. Before PATHS After PATHS

For the best results Utilize a program of longer duration Synthesize a number of successful approaches Incorporate a developmental model Provide greater focus on the role of emotions and emotional development Provide increased emphasis on generalization techniques Provide ongoing training and support for implementation

Summary The Curriculum has been shown to improve protective factors and reduce behavioral risk factors. Significant improvements in the following areas: Self-control Understanding and recognition of emotions Ability to tolerate frustration Conflict-resolution strategies Thinking and planning skills Decreased anxiety/depressive symptoms (teacher report of special needs students) Decreased symptoms of sadness and depression (child report – special needs) Decreased report of conduct problems, including aggression (child report)

When the road is broken, and you are broken, put them on the right path. -- Clap-- Clap- Use Paths When students can’t focus and you can’t teach--- Clap- Clap--Use paths For teaching emotional literacy and self control—Clap- Clap--- Use Paths For social competence and positive peer relations –Clap -Clap--- Use paths For interpersonal problems and problem solving skills--Clap- Clap-- Use paths For reducing anxiety, depression and sadness—Clap- Clap--Use Paths When the road is broken, and you are broken, put them on the right path. – Clap- Clap--- Use Paths

Disclaimer The program costs over a three-year period would range from $15/student/year to $45/student/year. Higher cost would include hiring an on-site coordinator. Lower cost would include redeploying current staff. Participants were not paid actors, the stories here are true. The views of this program are not in conjunction with miramar productions.