• What is Social Emotional Learning?

    Check out this video to find out!

     

    Second Step Program

    In support of the Social Emotional Learning core instruction included in the five (5) indicators of school improvement and in alignment with the WCPSS Strategic Plan Core Beliefs, as well as,  the NC School Counseling Standards, the Lufkin Road Middle School staff are utilizing the Second Step Program to support students in their Social Emotional Learning.  The Second Step® program is a research-based, universal social-emotional learning (SEL) program designed to strengthen students’ social-emotional skills, such as emotion management, impulse control, problem-solving, and empathy. Studies show these skills can help improve academic performance, reduce negative social behaviors, such as bullying, and create more positive classroom and school climates. A comprehensive, schoolwide approach to SEL can increase the likelihood of positive outcomes for our students and school. Once a week teachers will teach about and lead students through lessons regarding various social emotional learning topics.  These lessons are taught during Lightning Time on Wednesdays.  There are 4 units that staff will move through throughout the year. Below is the content within each unit. 

    Unit 1: Mindsets and Goals

    Students learn how to develop a growth mindset and apply research-based goal-setting strategies to their social and academic lives. This unit’s content helps create classrooms that are connected and encouraging by helping students set and achieve collective and personal goals, learn from challenges, recognize their personal strengths, and explore the unique aspects of their identities.

    Unit 2: Recognizing Bullying & Harassment

    Students learn how to recognize bullying and harassment, stand up safely to bullying, and respond appropriately to harassment. This unit’s content helps students develop empathy, understand the impact of bullying and harassment on individuals and their communities, and examine social and environmental factors that contribute to negative behaviors as well as identify solutions for preventing those behaviors.

    Unit 3: Thoughts, Emotions & Decisions

    Students learn how to recognize strong emotions and unhelpful thoughts, and they learn to apply strategies for managing their emotions and reducing stress. This unit’s content helps students understand that all emotions are valuable because they provide us with information about our environment. Students learn to respond to their emotions in ways that help meet their wants and needs.
     

    Unit 4: Managing Relationships & Social Conflict

    Students learn strategies for developing and maintaining healthy relationships, perspective-taking, and dealing with conflict. This unit’s content helps students learn to honor and understand differences based on varied personal, familial, and cultural backgrounds.
     
    The full listing of lessons being covered can be found here.