Merrell’s Strong Kids—Grades 6–8

Kids—Grades 6–8 A Social & Emotional Learning Curriculum

by Dianna Carrizales-Engelmann, Ph.D.
University of Oregon, Eugene
Laura L. Feuerborn, Ph.D.
University of Washington, Tacoma
Barbara A. Gueldner, Ph.D.
Successful Kids Today
Oanh K. Tran, Ph.D.
California State University

Contents

• About the Authors
• About Strong Kids
• Promoting Children’s Mental Health
• Social and Emotional Learning
• Model for Preventing Behavioral and Emotional Problems
• Design of the Strong Kids Curriculum: Background
• Implementation Guidelines and Lesson Structure
• Evidence
• Summary
• References

About the Authors

Dianna Carrizales-Engelmann, Ph.D.

Currently an instructor at the University of Oregon specializing in performance assessment for teacher preparation. She has maintained a focus on the development, research, and troubleshooting of educational assessments.

Laura L. Feuerborn, Ph.D.

Associate Professor at the University of Washington, Tacoma, specializing in emotional and behavioral supports in education.

Barbara A. Gueldner, Ph.D.

Licensed psychologist working with children and families, focusing on promoting wellness and resilience through social and emotional learning (SEL).

Oanh K. Tran, Ph.D.

Professor in Child Clinical/School Psychology at California State University, East Bay, with interests in psychoeducational assessments and social and emotional learning.

About Strong Kids

Strong Kids™: A Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum consists of five brief and practical SEL programs aimed at teaching social and emotional skills to promote resilience and mitigate risk in children and adolescents. Topics include:

• The importance of promoting mental health in children
• The design of the Strong Kids program
• Evidence of the program’s effectiveness
• Implementation tips

Designed for children in Grades 6–8 (ages 11–14), the program serves as both a prevention and early intervention tool.

Promoting Children’s Mental Health

Researchers cite an increasing percentage of children and families at risk of developing behavioral, social, and mental health issues. Studies show a significant portion of children and adolescents experience mental health problems, necessitating early interventions to support mental health and prevent deterioration.

Key Statistics:

• 12% to 22% of children require mental health services.
• 8% of adolescents attempt suicide annually.

Social and Emotional Learning

Social and emotional learning initiatives aim to equip children with skills to cope with challenges. A multi-tiered prevention model enhances resilience across various academic settings by fostering supportive environments.

Model for Preventing Behavioral and Emotional Problems

This model categorizes interventions into three levels:

1. Primary prevention: For students not experiencing difficulties.
2. Secondary prevention: For at-risk students.
3. Tertiary prevention: For students facing significant challenges.

Design of the Strong Kids Curriculum: Background

The curriculum was developed to promote wellness through:

• Wholesome attachments
• Age-appropriate competencies
• Effective coping strategies

Strong Kids is targeted at internalizing behavioral and emotional problems with a cognitive-behavioral orientation.

Implementation Guidelines and Lesson Structure

Lessons are structured for ease of implementation and are designed to be taught once a week for 12 weeks. Each lesson includes:

• Social and Emotional Competency Areas
• Purpose and Objectives
• Materials Needed
• Instructor Reflection
• Review of previous topics
• Key Terms and Definitions
• Instructional Content and Practice Activities
• Closure activities

Evidence

The effectiveness of the Strong Kids curriculum has been evaluated showing increases in social and emotional competency among students. Additionally, decreases in internalizing problem symptoms have been reported.

Summary

The Strong Kids curriculum is an evidence-based framework designed to enhance the social and emotional resilience of students, preparing them for the complex challenges faced in the 21st century.

References

A comprehensive list of research studies and resources supporting the development and implementation of the Strong Kids curriculum.