At Evergreen Forest Elementary, we are implementing Second Step Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum in all grades. Each classroom has 20 minutes of designated SEL Time every day. This time will be spent on Second Step lessons as well as Group Activities that allow students opportunities to practice their new skills. 

Sometimes, it is hard to understand exactly what SEL is and what it looks like in the classroom.

SEL is:

• Controlling impulses
• Communicating clearly and assertively
• Maintaining cooperative relationships
• Making responsible decisions
• Solving problems effectively
• Recognizing emotions in oneself and others
• Managing strong emotions
• Having empathy for others

Children can learn SEL in a variety of ways, including the behavior they see modeled after the adults in their lives. But SEL can also be taught explicitly in the classroom, in much the same way math or reading is taught.

Our district's SEL Curriculum Committee chose Second Step as our core Elementary SEL curriculum. Second Step's age-appropriate educational games, activities, and media engage students and set children on a path to lifelong success.

Second Step is an evidence-based curriculum that has been successfully implemented by over 26,000 schools worldwide. The curriculum is designed to align with WA state SEL competencies as well as our district initiatives. 

Second Step has been endorsed by numerous organizations, including the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) and the Department of Education, for the quality of their research, training, and teacher and family support.

For more information on SEL at Evergreen Forest Elementary, you may contact the NTPS Student Support Team at 360-412-4484 or email selsupport@nthurston.k12.wa.us.

Read a Thurston Talk article about SEL >>