Just like learning long division or how to read, young students are able to develop important social-emotional skills through engaging, age-appropriate classroom lessons – while having a little fun.
In Niskayuna, teachers have embraced and practiced social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies with their students for several years. This year the district has added Second Step, a comprehensive, curriculum-based learning program that helps students build a strong foundation for essential life skills. Many of our Niskayuna elementary teachers are serving as “early adopters” of the new curriculum. Second Step will be taught in all elementary classrooms beginning in fall 2025.
Problem-solving, emotional regulation, listening, mindfulness and attentiveness are essential for academic success, healthy relationships and career readiness. The addition of Second Step’s formal curriculum will give students and educators similar experiences and common language across the district’s five schools, while engaging students with student-led, interactive activities where they are encouraged to move their bodies, calm their minds and connect with their peers.
“These are skills that can be taught in a progression and practiced,” said the district’s SEL Coach and Professional Learning Coordinator Amy Isenhart, who says the goal of Second Step is to equip students with human skills they need to be successful in both school and life.
Recently, students in first grade classrooms at Hillside Elementary School practiced following directions and waiting patiently as they took part in a lesson that included a fun clapping exercise. Students learned the pattern to clap, waited for their group’s turn and then followed directions to participate.
The students also used role-playing to practice addressing a problem with a peer and then asking for help from an adult when the problem wasn’t solved. This opportunity for instruction, modeling and feedback helps students practice skills they’re learning, the same way they may practice spelling a new word or writing topic sentences.
The Second Step curriculum focuses on student growth and empowerment, and includes topics such as, “Apologizing Can Help,” “Saying It Respectfully,” and “Feeling Frustrated.” Each lesson can be as short as 15 minutes and teachers hold a lesson every one to two weeks. Small, incremental lessons help students strengthen their skills, feel successful when they complete the activity, and recognize that their effort directly impacts their own success.
Our Strategic Plan in Action
Niskayuna’s 2024-27 Strategic Plan outlines three overarching priorities that are reflected in the district’s work:
- Curriculum & Programs
- Environment & Culture
- Partnerships
An increased focus on social-emotional learning, and more specifically the Second Step program, is part of our plan to continue to design and implement quality education programs that foster a culture that ensures respectful treatment and success for all.
“When we envision Niskayuna graduates, we want our children to be able to engage, communicate and work effectively in their communities and the paths they pursue in life. Explicitly teaching and practicing these lifelong skills is a very important part of helping us realize that vision,” said Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Timothy Fowler. “Providing a foundation with these critical skills will not only make their school experience more positive, it will better prepare them for their future.”