# 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 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, 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: - The importance of promoting children’s mental health - Evidence of effectiveness of the Strong Kids series - The design of Strong Start—Grades K–2 - Updates included in the second edition 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 - Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. (2012). - Durlak, J.A. et al. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning. - Greenberg, M.T., et al. (2001). The prevention of mental health disorders in school-age children. - Zins, J.E., et al. (2004). The scientific base linking social and emotional learning to school success.