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

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, 111 Thatcher Way, Hills House South, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
Dr. Whitcomb teaches courses on developmental psychopathology, behavioral assessment, and school-based consultation. Her work focuses on positive behavior interventions and support.

Danielle M. Parisi Damico, Ph.D.
Research Scientist, Amplify Education, Inc., 55 Washington Street, Suite 900, Brooklyn, New York 11201
Dr. Parisi Damico emphasizes prevention and early intervention for improving academic and social outcomes for students.

About Strong Start

Strong Kids™: A Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum consists of five brief and practical SEL programs designed to promote the SEL of children in prekindergarten through 12th grade. Strong Start—Grades K–2 is for children in kindergarten through second grade, designed for both prevention and early intervention for high-functioning and typically developing children or those who face challenges.

Key Information:

Strong Start—Grades K–2 aims to prevent mental health problems and promote wellness. The curriculum serves various settings and is appropriate for general and special education teachers, counselors, and psychologists.

Promoting Children’s Mental Health

The mission of schools is broader than just academics; it includes teaching social, emotional, and behavioral skills. Teaching these skills addresses the increasing number of children and families at risk for behavioral and mental health issues.

Social and Emotional Learning

SEL is a systematic approach to teaching social and emotional skills to prevent mental health issues. Evidence-based SEL programs effectively improve various outcomes for students, helping them learn resilience and coping strategies.

Model for Preventing Behavioral and Emotional Problems

Adaptations of public health prevention models are crucial for promoting SEL and mental health in schools. This model outlines three prevention levels, focusing on students who are not experiencing difficulties (primary), those at risk (secondary), and those who currently face significant struggles (tertiary).

An Evidence-Based Program

The Strong Kids curriculum has demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing SEL skills and decreasing emotional-behavioral problems in students. Various studies show high satisfaction rates from teachers and students regarding the program's impact and implementation.

Research on the Strong Kids Curriculum

Numerous studies have evaluated the Strong Kids programs, demonstrating improvements in SEL knowledge and symptom reduction in participants.

References