Second Step® Tiered Interventions
Second Step® programs include tiered interventions ranging from universal, whole-group instruction to more individualized, in-depth learning experiences designed for small groups. Educators can use the included screening tool to identify students who would benefit from targeted instruction in the three available focus areas: Emotions, Thoughts & Feelings; Relationships & Prosocial Skills; and Executive Functioning. They can create small groups within three grade bands—K–2, 3–5, or 6–8—and choose from the six lesson options for each grade band in each focus area. They can track small group progress in SecondStep.org and use the downloadable progress tracker to monitor individual student growth. These lessons offer intensive learning, giving students the opportunity to see skills modeled, to practice skills, and to reflect and plan. Having these expanded options will help educators meet the specific and varied needs of their students.
Sample a Tiered Intervention Lesson
Grades K–2
Flip that Thought
In this lesson, students in kindergarten–grade 2 will learn how to recognize unhelpful thoughts and practice flipping them into more helpful ones. They’ll explore this idea through a short story, practice turning negative thoughts around as a group, and create a drawing that shows how changing their thinking can help them feel and act differently.
Focus Area: Emotions, Thoughts & Feelings
Grades 3–5
Problem–Solving Strategies
In this lesson, students in grades 3–5 will learn a simple three-step strategy to help them solve everyday social problems calmly and respectfully. They’ll practice the strategy with real-life scenarios and create a comic that shows a problem being solved with kind and thoughtful choices.
Focus Area: Relationships & Prosocial Skills
Grades 6–8
Two Ways to Manage Your Emotions
In this lesson, students grades 6–8 will learn and see two emotion-management strategies modeled. They’ll have opportunities to practice the strategies and plan how to use them when they need them.
Focus Area: Emotions, Thoughts & Feelings