Merrell's Strong Kids—Grades 3–5

A Social & Emotional Learning Curriculum

Second Edition

Excerpted from Merrell's Strong Start—Grades 3–5: A Social & Emotional Learning Curriculum, Second Edition by Dianna Carrizales-Engelmann, Ph.D., Laura L. Feuerborn, Ph.D., Barbara A. Gueldner, Ph.D., & Oanh K. Tran, Ph.D.

About the Authors

Dianna Carrizales-Engelmann, Ph.D.

Dianna Carrizales-Engelmann is currently an instructor at the University of Oregon in Eugene specializing in performance assessment for teacher preparation.

Laura L. Feuerborn, Ph.D.

Dr. Feuerborn is Associate Professor at the University of Washington, Tacoma, and is a nationally certified school psychologist.

Barbara A. Gueldner, Ph.D.

Dr. Gueldner is a licensed psychologist and nationally certified school psychologist who works with children and families in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Oanh K. Tran, Ph.D.

Dr. Tran teaches in the Child Clinical/School Psychology Program at California State University, East Bay.

About Strong Kids

Strong Kids™: A Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum

Strong Kids is designed to teach social and emotional skills that promote resilience and mitigate risk in children and adolescents. It is designed for children in Grades 3–5 or those approximately ages 8–12 years.

Importance of Promoting Children’s Mental Health

Changes in society have resulted in an increasing percentage of children and families at risk for developing various behavioral, social, and mental health problems. Estimates suggest a substantial number of children require mental health services.

Social and Emotional Learning

A framework for teaching social and emotional health has evolved, highlighting the importance of specific skill development throughout students’ academic tenures.

Model for Preventing Behavioral and Emotional Problems

The Strong Kids program follows a public health prevention model aiming to support all students within a school setting, addressing needs at primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention levels.

Design of the Strong Kids Curriculum

The curriculum targets pathways to wellness, promotes practical application in classroom settings, and emphasizes prevention. It includes structured lessons designed to improve resilience and emotional well-being among students.

Implementation Guidelines and Lesson Structure

Lessons are designed for feasibility, requiring minimal professional training and resources. Potential for integration within instructional programs is central to the curriculum's design.

Evidence

The Strong Kids curriculum has been evaluated across age levels and various settings, demonstrating increased knowledge and decreased internalizing symptoms among participants.

Summary

The Strong Kids curriculum represents a significant resource in fostering social and emotional resilience among youth, derived from extensive research and practical application in educational settings.