Second Step

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Second Step

• Parent Coffee
• May 27, 2009

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What is Second Step?

• Second Step is a universal prevention program for
  preschool through eighth grade that is designed
  to reduce aggression and promote prosocial
  behavior.

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Second Step Background

• The Second Step program is grounded in the
  integration of social learning theory
  (Bandura,1986), social information-processing
  theory (Dodge, Pettit, McClaskey, Brown, 1986),
  and cognitive-behavioral theory (Kendall
  Braswell, 1985).

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Components of Second Step

• There are three core components of the Second
  Step program.
• 1.Empathy
• 2.Impulse Control and Problem Solving
• 3.Emotion Management

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Empathy

• Second Step starts with a focus on empathy.
• According to research young children who are
  better at labeling and describing emotions are
  better accepted by their peers.
• Children are more likely to offer help and
  support if they can take anothers perspective.
• Empathy skills provide the foundation on which
  problem-solving and emotion-management skills are
  built.

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Impulse Control and Problem Solving

• Second Step focuses on six steps to aide in
  impulse control and problem solving.
• 1. Identifying ones feelings
• 2. Identifying the problem
• 3. Brainstorming the solution
• 4. Selecting a solution
• 5. Evaluating the outcome of the decision

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Emotion Management

• This unit introduces children to calming-down
  strategies such as counting, taking deep
  breaths, and making helpful self statements (I
  can calm down).
• The unit also helps children recognize when they
  may need to use these strategies.
• In the elementary programs students are taught to
  apply the problem-solving steps.

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Why Use Second Step?

• A safe and healthy learning environment is part
  of the school improvement plan.
• Second Step provides a consistent and common
  language for our students from grade level to
  grade level.
• Second Step is naturally tied into many areas of
  the curriculum.
• Improves overall school climate.

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Second Step In The Classroom

• What goes into a lesson?
• Picture card with lesson focus
• Discussion about the picture card
• Role play
• Lesson summary
• How long is a typical lesson?
• Lessons can be 30-45 minutes
• There are 22 lessons in the 4th grade program.
• Educational gains as a result of Second Step.
• Students are better at taking others
  perspectives, students are better at solving
  problems without teacher intervention.

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Second Step Resources

• Committee for Children Website
• www.cfchildren.org
• Second Step Overview
• www.cfchildren.org/programs/ssp/overview/
• Recommended Books for Parents and Children
• www.cfchildren.org/support/recommended-books/