• What We Teach

  • Second Step

    Second Step is a research based, Social-Emotional Curriculum that is used in over 70 countries all over the world. Second Step is embraced by teachers, engaging for students, and implemented in the classroom each cycle. 

    More information can be found at: Second Step Website

    What Does Second Step Teach? Social-emotional learning · Bullying prevention · Being respectful learners · Using self-talk · Being assertive · Planning to learn · Identifying others’ feelings · Understanding perspectives · Conflicting feelings · Accepting differences · Showing compassion · Making Friends · Emotion management · Managing test anxiety · Handling accusations · Managing disappointment · Managing anger · Managing hurt feelings · Solving problems · Solving classroom problems · Solving peer-exclusion problems · Dealing with negative peer pressure · Reviewing Second Step skills

  • Community Building Circles

    What are Community Building Circles?

    • Part of a growing movement called restorative practices, which studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections with communities
    • Proactively build relationships and a sense of community, utilizes affective statements that communicate people’s feelings and affective questions that cause people to reflect on their own thoughts and behaviors
    • The circle process allows people to tell their stories and offer their own perspectives.

    How does the circle format work?

    • The circle leader may choose to use a talking piece.
    • Whoever holds the talking piece has a turn to speak.
    • The circle facilitator usually has a topic of interest prepared, with relevant questions and activities.
    • Multiple rounds take place, where each member of the circle is given an opportunity to speak.
    • Members have the choice to pass without sharing.
    • Connection rounds give members a chance to make a connection with what a previous member has shared.
    • Each circle starts with an opening activity and ends with an ending activity

     

    More information about Community Building Circles can be found here

  • Learning for Justice

    Learning for Justice provides resources for children from kindergarten through high school. Materials are used to supplement the curriculum, to inform practice, and to create civil and inclusive school communities where children are respected, valued and welcome participants.

    Learning for Justice emphasizes social justice and anti-bias. The anti-bias approach encourages children and young people to challenge prejudice and learn how to be agents of change in their own lives.The Social Justice Standards show how anti-bias education works through the four domains of identity, diversity, justice and action.

    To learn more about Learning for Justice visit their website, here.