about strong start k 2.pdf
Merrell’s Strong Start—Grades K–2
A Social & Emotional Learning Curriculum
by
Sara A. Whitcomb, Ph.D.
University of Massachusetts
and
Danielle M. Parisi Damico, Ph.D.
Amplify Education, Inc.
Contents
- About the Downloadable Material
- About the Authors
- Foreword by Hill M. Walker
- Acknowledgments
Section I Introduction and Overview
Chapter 1 About Strong Start
Chapter 2 Implementation Guidelines and Lesson Structure
Chapter 3 Overview of the Lessons
Chapter 4 What's New: Updates to Strong Start—Grades K-2 and Strong Start
Section II The Strong Start—Grades K-2 Curriculum
Lesson 1 The Feelings Exercise Group
Lesson 2 Understanding Your Feelings 1
Lesson 3 Understanding Your Feelings 2
Lesson 4 Understanding Other People’s Feelings
Lesson 5 When You’re Angry
Lesson 6 When You’re Happy
Lesson 7 When You’re Worried
Lesson 8 Being a Good Friend
Lesson 9 Solving People Problems
Lesson 10 Finishing UP!
Section III Appendices
Appendix A Strong Start Booster Lesson 1
Appendix B Strong Start Booster Lesson 2
Appendix C Recommended Strong Start—Grades K-2 Literature List
About the Authors
Sara A. Whitcomb, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, School Psychology, Department of Student Development, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Dr. Whitcomb teaches courses on developmental psychopathology and school-based consultation. Her current research focuses on the implementation of schoolwide positive behavior interventions and support.
Danielle M. Parisi Damico, Ph.D.
Research Scientist, Amplify Education, Inc. Her work emphasizes prevention and early intervention to improve academic and social outcomes for students.
About Strong Start
Strong Kids™ is a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum designed to promote the mental health of children from prekindergarten to 12th grade. Strong Start—Grades K–2 targets children in kindergarten through second grade, focusing on both prevention and early intervention.
Key Information:
- Importance of promoting children’s mental health
- Evidence of effectiveness of the Strong Kids series
- Design of Strong Start—Grades K–2
The curriculum aims to prevent mental health problems and promote wellness by helping students build emotional awareness and develop strategies for healthy emotional management.
Promoting Children’s Mental Health
High-quality education should teach children to practice positive and healthy behaviors, contributing responsibly to their communities. Continuous focus on prevention through SEL programming is essential in helping children develop the necessary skills to cope with mental health problems.
Social and Emotional Learning
SEL programs aim to foster internal developmental assets such as self-awareness, relationship management, and responsible decision-making. Evidence supports that systematic SEL programming can improve social-emotional skills and overall school performance.
Model for Preventing Behavioral and Emotional Problems
Educational researchers have adapted a public health prevention model for schools, which includes three levels of prevention: primary (students without difficulties), secondary (at-risk students), and tertiary (students facing significant challenges). This model promotes effective SEL interventions at all levels.
An Evidence-Based Program
Research has consistently shown that students participating in Strong Kids programs report significant gains in their social-emotional knowledge and reductions in behavioral symptoms.
Research References:
- Barker, E.S., Marcotte, A.M., & Whitcomb, S.A. (2015).
- Caldarella, P., et al. (2009).
- Gervey, M., et al. (2011).
- Kramer, T.J., et al. (2010).
References
- Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. (2012).
- Durlak, J.A., et al. (2011).
- Greenberg, M.T., et al. (2003).
Excerpted from Merrells Strong Start—Grades K–2: A Social & Emotional Learning Curriculum, Second Edition