Social Emotional Learning
Our social-emotional learning (SEL) framework provides students with the "human skills" necessary for kindergarten readiness and lifelong success.
Through evidence-based instruction, we help children navigate their emotions, build meaningful friendships, and develop the resilience needed to solve complex social problems.
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The Second Step® Curriculum
We utilize the Second Step Early Learning curriculum, a research-validated program specifically designed to keep young learners engaged while building critical life skills. This evidence-based approach is proven to improve student behavior and academic readiness by focusing on the core pillars of emotional intelligence.
During our daily Social-Emotional Block (11:15 – 11:30 AM), teachers bring SEL to life through interactive multimedia resources and puppet characters. These "social stories" allow children to practice empathy and problem-solving in a safe, play-based environment. -Empathy & Respect: Learning to identify physical cues and "read" how others are feeling. -Emotion Management: Using songs and movement to practice "calm-down" strategies. -Problem-Solving: Developing the cognitive flexibility to find multiple solutions to a conflict.
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Nurturing Social-Emotional Development
Our curriculum is structured around three vital developmental goals that help children transition from home to a classroom community:
-Self-Awareness: Children learn to name their feelings and understand the connection between their emotions and their actions. -Social Skills: Through guided practice, students learn to interact positively with peers, practice turn-taking, and build healthy, lasting relationships. -Emotional Regulation: We provide students with a "toolkit" of coping mechanisms to manage challenging situations and stay focused on learning.
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Community Circle: The Heart of Our Morning
Every day begins with our Community Circle (8:55 – 9:05 AM). This structured group activity sets a positive tone for the day and serves as a laboratory for social-emotional growth.
In the Community Circle, every child is seen and heard. Through collaborative greetings and sharing personal experiences, students develop the communication skills and "active listening" habits that define a supportive classroom culture. These morning rituals are essential for building a sense of community, ensuring that every student feels safe to take risks in their academic learning.
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Teacher and Parent Support
Social-emotional growth doesn't stop at the classroom door. Our program includes comprehensive resources to help families reinforce these lessons at home. By using the same language and strategies as our educators, parents can help solidify their child's understanding of empathy, self-regulation, and problem-solving.​
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When students enter kindergarten with the self-regulation skills taught at The Bridge School, they are not just ready to learn—they are ready to lead.