1. Second Step Second Step is a popular SEL program for elementary school populations Second Step focuses on three skill areas: Empathy training Impulse control Anger management Teachers use card stimulus materials to demonstrate ideas and engage children in discussion and skill development

2. Unit I – Empathy Training Empathy is the ability to: Determine the emotional state of the other Assume the perspective and role of the other Respond emotionally to another Empathy is the key ingredient in developing prosocial behaviors Empathy is developed in a series of progressive steps

3. Unit I – Empathy Training Teaching Strategies Identify feelings from a variety of physical and situational cues Recognize that people have difference feelings about the same things Recognize that feelings change and why this is so Differentiate intentional from unintentional acts Communicate feelings using I messages Express care and concern for others

4. Unit 2 – Impulse Control Impulse control means to stop and think through a problem rather than doing the first thing that comes to mind. This unit focuses on problem-solving and behavioral skills training There is a strong emphasis on modeling, role playing, performance feedback, reinforcement, and transfer of training

5. Unit 2 – Impulse Control The Problem-Solving approach has five steps: What is the problem? What are some solutions? For each solution ask Is it safe? Is it fair? How might people feel? Will it work? Choose a solution and use it Is it working? If not, what can I do now?

6. Unit 2 – Impulse Control Behavioral Skills training helps students develop behavioral repertoires for problematic situations Joining in Ignoring distractions Interrupting politely Dealing with wanting something that isnt yours Asking for help in a positive way Playing a game Asking permission

7. Unit 3 – Anger Management Anger management is a compilation of stress reduction techniques for channeling ones anger into socially acceptable directions Uses self-talk or thinking out loud to guide ones behavior – seeking to reverse escalation by substituting positive coping statements

8. Unit 3 – Anger Management What to Do When You Are Angry 1. How does my body feel? Students recognize sensations that tell them they are angry 2. Calm down Students apply anger reduction techniques 3. Think out loud to solve the problem 4. Think about it later Students reflect on the incident and evaluate their performance