Human Skills: The Building Blocks of Well-Being
Human skills are building blocks students need to achieve goals, overcome obstacles, and form meaningful relationships. Designed by research and backed by evidence, Second Step® programs are the unparalleled leader in equipping students with human skills that support both academic success and well-being.
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Free Resources for Families and Educators
When children practice human skills throughout the day, they learn to understand emotions and cope with everyday challenges. Use and share these research-based resources to empower children to thrive at school, at home, and everywhere in between.
September 24, 2026
Family & community supports
Family/Caregiver
Family & community supports
Early learning
Elementary school
Middle school
Human skills
Child protection
How Human Skills™ Instruction Supports Character Education in Texas
Learn how Second Step® programs support Texas character education requirements, align with state standards, and help schools put character development into practice.
September 23, 2026
Blog
District Leader
Blog
Human skills
5 Signs Students Need More Human Connection
To help students overcome feelings of isolation and disconnection, educators can address the root problems by fostering a welcoming environment, community, and belonging.
September 9, 2026
Blog
Educator
Blog
Human skills
How Second Step® Programs Align to Character Education
See how Second Step programs help schools make character development part of everyday learning by developing the human skills students need to put strong values into practice.
September 2, 2026
Blog
District Leader
Blog
Human skills
Character Values Are Important. Human Skills™ Instruction Helps Them Stick.
Character education gives students values to live by. Human skills are the tools that turn those values into everyday actions, relationships, and lasting behaviors.
August 26, 2026
Blog
Educator
Blog
Human skills
Theater and Human Skills: How the Arts Help Students Practice Skills for Life
Theater is more than a performance. It’s where students practice communication, empathy, and emotion regulation through real-world experiences that stick.
August 12, 2026
Blog
Educator
Blog
Human skills
How Human Skills™ Instruction Helps New Teachers Thrive
Teaching human skills can help new teachers manage many challenges they face in their role, such as classroom management, academic instruction, and relationship-building.
August 5, 2026
Blog
Educator
Blog
Human skills
How Human Skills Help Kids Navigate Big Academic Transitions
Human skills help students adapt to transitions, connect with their peers and teachers, and find their footing when everything around them is changing.
July 29, 2026
Blog
Family/Caregiver
Blog
Human skills
