2nd Step

Second Step is a program we use at Milaca Elementary to help students identify their feelings, develop problem solving strategies, and teach about empathy. We have been using the program for five years in fourth grade. It is one of the many layers in our bully prevention plan.

In fourth grade, we meet each week, usually on Tuesday afternoons, to talk about the weekly skill. Skills include:
* Introduction to Empathy Training
  - Preferences and Conflicting Feelings
  - Identifying Others' Feelings
  - Similarities and Differences
  - Perceptions
  - Intentions
  - Expressing Concern
* Impulse Control and Problem Solving
  - Introduction to Impulse Control and Problem Solving
  - Giving and Receiving Compliments
  - Identifying a Problem and Choosing a Solution
  - Carrying Out and Evaluating a Solution
  - Making Conversation
  - Keeping a Promise
  - Dealing with Fear
* Anger Management
  - Introduction to Anger Management
  - Getting the Facts Straight
  - Reflection
  - Dealing with Put-Downs
  - Dealing with Criticism
  - Dealing with Being Left Out
  - Keeping Second Step Skills Going

Here are some pictures from our work this week. We put on skits to practice understanding people have different preferences and how we can manage our conflicting feelings.