Lower School Second Step Program

The Lower School Second Step program is a "universal, classroom-based prevention program designed to decrease aggression, bullying, substance abuse, and increase students' social skills and school success" secondstep.org Each week, 50 minute lessons are conducted with either Kindergarten or Grade 1-4 students Monday-Friday.

Lower School is a time when children begin to express how they feel and learn how to manage emotions and problem solve independently.  It is important students learn the necessary skills for success in school and out.  While learning math, English, or science skills are definitely important, so too are learning the social skills that are typically not taught during those classes.

During the Second Step program students will listen to presentations on many different topics, work with partners, work in groups, as well as practice using the skills they're learning.

Some topics which will be covered include:

• Skills for Learning

  • Learning to Listen​

  • Focusing Attention

  • Following Directions

  • Self-Talk for Staying on Task

  • Self-Talk for Learning

  • Being Assertive

  • Being Respectful

  • Planning to Learn

  • Conversation and Compiments

  • Joining In

  • Showing Compassion

• Empathy and Communication

  • Identifying Feelings

  • Identifying Anger

  • Accidents

  • Caring and Helping

  • Similarities and Differences

  • Feelings Change

  • Feeling Confident

  • Respecting Different Preferences

  • Identifying Others' Feelings

  • Understanding Perspectives

  • Showing Compassion

  • Predicting Feelings

  • Making Friends

  • Understanding Complex Feelings

  • Listening with Attention

• Emotion Management​

  • Managing Frustration

  • Calming Down Strong Feelings

  • Handling Waiting

  • Managing Anger

  • Managing Worry

  • Managing Disappointment

  • Managing Embarrassment

  • Handling Making Mistakes

  • Managing Anxious Feelings

  • Handling Being Knocked Down

  • Managing Test Anxiety

  • Handling Accusations

  • Managing Hurt Feelings

  • Avoiding Jumping to Conclusions

  • Handling Put-Downs

• Problem Solving​

  • Solving Classroom Problems

  • Inviting to Play

  • Fair Ways to Play

  • Having Fun with Friends

  • Handling Having Things Taken Away

  • Handling Name-Calling

  • Making a Plan

  • Inviting Others to Join In

  • Seeking Help

  • Taking Responsibility

  • Dealing with Gossip

  • Solving Peer Exclusion Problems

  • Taking Responsibility for Your Actions

  • Dealing with Negative Peer Pressur