Second Step® Programs

Information for Families

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Teacher working with students in class

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.

A collection of assets from the Early Learning program.

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 Early Learning sample.
Asking for What You Need or Want

Unit 1, Week 6

Weekly Theme 6 Card

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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.

grade k lesson screen
Apologizing Can Help

Grade K, Lesson 18
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Lesson Presentation

grade 1 lesson screen
Feeling Frustrated

Grade 1, Lesson 9
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Lesson Presentation

grade 2 lesson screen
The Way to Say a Problem

Grade 2, Lesson 16
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Lesson Presentation
Lesson Handout (PDF)

grade 3 lesson screen
Asking Questions

Grade 3, Lesson 14
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Lesson Presentation
Lesson Handout (PDF)

grade 4 lesson screen
Saying It Respectfully
grade 5 lesson screen
When? Where? Who?

Grade 5, Lesson 17
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Lesson Presentation

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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 Program

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.

Grade Six, Lesson 23 example
Respectful Communication

Grade 6, Lesson 23
Sample This Lesson
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Student Handout (PDF)

Grade 7, Lesson 19 example
Practicing Positive Self-Talk

Grade 7, Lesson 18
Sample This Lesson
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Student Handout (PDF)

Grade 8, Lesson 10 example
Environmental Factors that Contribute to Bullying

Grade 8, Lesson 10
Sample This Lesson
Lesson Plan (PDF)
Student Handout (PDF)

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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 24.4 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.