Second Step® Programs
Information for Families
Second Step® Programs Support Families
As parents and caregivers, you are your child’s first and most important teachers, and play a vital role in their social, emotional, and academic development. Your child’s classroom teachers are here to support you in this, and the Second Step family of programs is one of the tools they’re using.
Second Step programs combine discussions with fun activities and family resources. The programs help children learn social-emotional skills such as responsible decision-making, working together to solve problems, managing strong emotions, and getting along with others. These skills can help children succeed academically and socially.
The resources on this page provide information about social-emotional learning and the different Second Step programs. We’re proud to partner with your child’s school to offer our research-based, classroom-tested curricula that help make schools safe, supportive learning environments.
Social-Emotional Learning: What It Is and Why It Matters
Learn more about the positive benefits of social-emotional learning and why it matters for all students.
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Explore the Second Step® Family of Programs
This page has information on four Second Step social-emotional learning programs. If you’re unsure which curriculum your child’s teacher is using, please contact your school.
Second Step® Early Learning
Second Step® Elementary Digital Program
Second Step® Elementary Classroom Kits
Second Step® Middle School
Second Step® High School
Second Step® Early Learning
Discover how Second Step Early Learning helps your littlest learners (ages 4–5) harness their energy and potential by teaching them to listen, pay attention, manage their behavior, and get along with others.
View a complete list of the units and Weekly Themes.
Learn about the research behind Second Step Early Learning.
Explore a Weekly Theme. We’ve included sample materials below.
Second Step® Elementary Digital Program
Discover how the Second Step Elementary digital program helps children learn to persevere through challenges, manage emotions, build relationships, and solve conflicts.
View a complete list of the units and weekly lesson topics for Grades K–5.
Learn about the research behind the Second Step Elementary digital program.
Explore some of the Second Step Elementary digital program lessons. We’ve included a sample from each grade below.
The Way to Say a Problem
Grade 2, Lesson 16
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Lesson Presentation
Lesson Handout (PDF)
Saying It Respectfully
Grade 4, Lesson 17
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Lesson Presentation
Lesson Handout A (PDF)
Lesson Handout B (PDF)
Second Step® Elementary Classroom Kits
Discover how Second Step Elementary classroom kits help children learn to persevere through challenges, manage emotions, build relationships, and solve conflicts.
View a complete list of the units and weekly lesson topics for Grades K–5.
Learn about the research behind Second Step Elementary classroom kits.
Explore excerpts from Second Step Elementary classroom kit lesson videos. We’ve included a sample from Grades 1, 2, and 3 below.
This Grade 1 lesson sample is about exploring consequences.
This Grade 2 lesson sample teaches kids what to do when they face a problem.
This Grade 3 lesson sample focuses on problem-solving steps.
Second Step® Middle School
Discover how Second Step Middle School builds children’s social-emotional skills with videos, discussions, and activities.
View a complete list of the units and weekly lesson topics for Grades 6–8.
Learn about the research behind Second Step Middle School.
Explore some of the Second Step Middle School lessons. We’ve included a sample from each grade below.
Respectful Communication
Grade 6, Lesson 23
Sample This Lesson
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Student Handout (PDF)
Practicing Positive Self-Talk
Grade 7, Lesson 18
Sample This Lesson
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Student Handout (PDF)
Environmental Factors that Contribute to Bullying
Grade 8, Lesson 10
Sample This Lesson
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Student Handout (PDF)
Second Step® High School
Discover how Second Step® High School sets up schools for success with practices and activities that engage students, resources to support educators, and a flexible digital format to meet the diverse needs of any school community.
View the Scope and Sequence (PDF) for a full list of the collections and the practice and activity topics in each of the program’s four pathways, which span Grades 9–12.
In the Research Summary (PDF), you’ll learn about the program’s research foundation.
We’ve also included samples of a leader practice, educator practice, and student activity for you to explore.
Schoolwide Practice
Recognizing Contributions
In this practice, leaders publicly recognize students and staff for their remarkable contributions to the school community.
Pathway 3: Agency & Opportunity
Educator Practice
Choice Boards
In this practice, educators create materials to boost student engagement in an upcoming lesson by making choices in their approach to learning.
Pathway 3: Agency & Opportunity
Student Activity
Guess Who?
In this activity, students guess each other’s strengths then discuss and reflect on their own positive qualities.
Pathway 3: Agency & Opportunity
ParenTeen Connect
This free, public resource features videos, information, and useful advice to help teens and the adults in their lives address hot-button topics. The site complements Second Step Middle School classroom activities and serves as a stand-alone family resource.
About Us
The Second Step group of programs is brought to you by Committee for Children. Since 1979, we’ve worked to ensure that children everywhere can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. We reach more than 26.9 million children worldwide each year, empowering them with skills to help realize their goals in the classroom and throughout their lives. Learn more about our work and our history.