Second Step

Second Step is Valentine’s Social Emotional Learning Program. This program teaches children the skills they need to succeed both in the classroom and in life. Second Step increases school-wide improvement with children making progress in emotional management, situational awareness, and student achievement.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula teach children techniques to:

• Gain confidence
• Set goals
• Make better decisions
• Collaborate with others in work and play
• Navigate the world more effectively

SEL concepts provide an extra dimension to education, focusing on improving cooperation, communication, and decision making. In a world where emotional intelligence is critical for lifelong happiness, successful careers, and healthier relationships, SEL gives students a framework for developing these skills.

Social-Emotional Skills Can Be Learned

Children learn social-emotional skills in a variety of ways, including the behavior they see modeled by the adults in their lives. But social-emotional skills and concepts can also be taught explicitly in the classroom, in much the same way math or reading is taught.

How SEL Is Taught in the Classroom

• The counselor explains a concept with words, pictures, video, and/or audio
• Students practice the concept through skill practice, group discussion, individual writing, or partner work
• The counselor sends information home for students to work on with parents

• The counselor checks for understanding
• The counselor re-teaches where necessary