Adults at home play an important role in shaping the emotional life of our students. Think of yourself as “emotion coaches" for the children in your home. You can utlize these resources to increase your knowledge about the benefits of SEL and to bring the teaching that is going on in the schools to your home.

If you know of a resource that could be listed on this page, please Email Sarah Warrington.

Second Step is a commonly used tool, designed to help support social-emotional development. The Essex Westford School District is using Second Step in our K-5 schools in the 2021-2022 school year.

The links below provide more information about Second Step's approach to SEL (What It is & Why it Matters) as well as an in-depth look at the Elementary Digital Program that is being utilized in the EWSD, including a complete list of the units and weekly lesson topics.

Social-Emotional Learning: What It Is and Why It Matters:This short video, created by Second Step, highlights the positive benefits of social-emotional learning and why it matters for all students.

Second Step Elementary Digital Program: Explore some of the Second Step Elementary digital program lessons by viewing samples from each grade.
The Second Step Elementary digital program helps children learn to persevere through challenges, manage emotions, build relationships, and solve conflicts.
View the lesson presentations to see how the program is utilized in EWSD classrooms.

The Research Behind the Second Step Elementary Digital Program:Second Step provides a breakdown of the Brain Builders and Units covered in the Elementary Digital Program and connects them to the research that supports the curriculum.
Learn about the research behind the Second Step Elementary digital program.

This Virtual Calming Room is a place for students and families to find tools and strategies for managing emotions and feelings.

The Calming Room contains offerings that focus on guided meditation, coloring and creativity, sounds and music and much more!