Skip To Main Content

Header Holder

District Canvas Container

Close District Canvas

District Navs Tabs - Desktop

District Navs Accordions - Mobile

Canvas Icons Nav

Breadcrumb

Social Emotional Learning

Second Step Curriculum

Success in school is not just about reading and math. It is also about knowing how to learn and how to get along with others. In support of Mitchell Elementary’s PBIS framework and Mitchell ROCKS, we use the Second Step program in all of our classrooms to teach these critical skills.

The Second Step program teaches skills in the following four areas:

  1. Skills for learning: Students gain skills to help themselves learn, including how to focus their attention, listen carefully, and be assertive when asking for help with schoolwork.
  2. Empathy: Students learn to identify and understand their own and others’ feelings. Students also learn how to take another’s perspective and how to show compassion.
  3. Emotion management: Students learn specific skills for calming down when experiencing strong feelings, such as anxiety or anger. 
  4. Problem-solving: Students learn a process for solving problems with others in a positive way.

In addition, we teach lessons from two supplemental units: 

  1. Bullying prevention unit
  2. Child protection unit

Your children will be learning a lot this year, and they will need your help! You can access Home Links that go with several of the Second Step lessons that are being taught in your children’s classrooms. Home Links are simple, fun activities for you and your children to complete together. They are a great way for you to understand what your children are learning and for them to show you what they know.

Parents can register online at Second Step to watch videos about the Second Step program and get information about what their students are learning by using the following activation keys for each corresponding grade level.

  • Kindergarten: SSPK FAMI LY70  and BPUK FAMI LY00
  • First grade: SSP1 FAMI LY71 and BPU1 FAMI LY01
  • Second grade: SSP2 FAMI LY72 and BPU2 FAMI LY02
  • Third grade: SSP3 FAMI LY73 and BPU3 FAMI LY03
  • Fourth grade: SSP4 FAMI LY74 and BPU4 FAMI LY04
  • Fifth grade: SSP5 FAMI LY75 and BPU5 FAMI LY05

Brain Break Games

Play these games with your children to help them strengthen their ability to:

  • Pay attention to the game leader, the rules, and how they’re doing in the game.
  • Remember and apply game rules that change or get harder.
  • Control their behavior, for example, by starting or stopping an action in order to follow game rules.

Social Emotional Learning in Jeffco

Jeffco Public Schools creates and maintains a positive climate and culture in schools that is inclusive and safe for students, families and staff. With a commitment to empowering successful and productive citizens,  the district supports the growth of students through leveled, evidence-based implementation of social emotional learning programming.

What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which students and adults gain and apply the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to deal effectively with daily tasks and challenges.

Jeffco has adopted the five core competencies of SEL outlined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL). 

  • Self-Awareness
  • Self-Management
  • Social Awareness
  • Relationship Skills
  • Responsible Decision-Making (CASEL, 2020)

SEL happens in safe and supportive school, family and community environments that support development and provide opportunities and recognition for successfully applying skills.