Merrell’s Strong Start—Pre-K

A Social & Emotional Learning Curriculum

Authors

Sara A. Whitcomb, Ph.D.
University of Massachusetts

Danielle M. Parisi Damico, Ph.D.
Amplify Education, Inc.

Contents

• About Strong Start
• About the Authors
• Acknowledgments
• Section I
  • Chapter 1 About Strong Start
  • Chapter 2 Implementation Guidelines and Lesson Structure
  • Chapter 3 Overview of the Lessons
  • Chapter 4 What’s New
• Section II
  • The Strong Start—Pre-K 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—Pre-K Literature List

About the Authors

Sara A. Whitcomb, Ph.D.
Associate Professor School Psychology, Department of Student Development, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Dr. Whitcomb specializes in developmental psychopathology, psychology in the classroom, behavioral assessment, and school-based consultation.

Danielle M. Parisi Damico, Ph.D.
Research Scientist, Amplify Education, Inc.

Dr. Parisi Damico focuses on prevention and early intervention for improving academic and social outcomes for students.

About Strong Start

Strong Kids™ is designed to promote social and emotional learning (SEL) of children, especially for preschoolers aged 3-5. It serves as both a prevention and early intervention program facilitating social-emotional wellness. Strong Start is user-friendly and suitable for various educational settings, focusing on building emotional awareness and management skills.

PROMOTING CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH

The mission of schools entails not only academic achievement but also the enhancement of children’s emotional and social skills. High-quality education fosters development in safe, respectful interactions and healthy behaviors.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING

SEL programming is systematic, designed to equip children with social-emotional skills, and is crucial for preventing mental health issues. Programs like Strong Start aim to enhance emotional resilience and provide extensive benefits in academic settings.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Curriculums must be developmentally appropriate, engaging concrete thinkers and addressing emotional vocabulary limitations in preschoolers. Key tasks in this age range include developing self-control and emotional literacy.

MODEL FOR PREVENTING BEHAVIORAL AND EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS

The public health prevention model provides a visual representation of prevention levels, aiming to serve all students, not just those in distress. Emphasis is placed on universal interventions that foster healthy educational environments.

AN EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAM

Research indicates that students participating in Strong Kids programs experience significant gains in SEL knowledge and reductions in emotional-behavioral issues. These programs are highly regarded by educators and students alike.

REFERENCES

• Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. (2012). 2013 CASEL guide: Effective social and emotional learning programs—Preschool and elementary school edition. Chicago, IL.
• Cowen, E.L. (1994). The enhancement of psychological wellness: Challenges and opportunities.
• Durlak, J.A., et al. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions. Child Development, 82, 405–432.