Second Step Lesson Descriptions
Unit I- Understanding the Problem
Unit I provides information on interpersonal conflict and violence.
Lesson 1: Interpersonal Conflict
This lesson presents the theme of the curriculum: interpersonal conflicts with
friends or peers, and factors that lead to effective or non-violent, and ineffective
or violent outcomes. Students explore the problem through statistics and media.
Unit II- Training for Empathy
Unit II focuses on the components of empathy. Students practice
perspective-taking through role-plays.
Lesson 2: Identifying Feelings
This lesson defines empathy and its importance to violence prevention. Identifying
others’ feelings through physical, verbal, and situational clues is introduced
as the first of three components of empathy. Students practice identifying
feelings through role-plays.
Lesson 3: Taking Perspective
This lesson identifies understanding another person’s point of view as
the second component of empathy. Students explore how experiences, feelings,
needs, and beliefs help determine a person’s point of view. The importance
of understanding others’ points of view when solving interpersonal problems
is emphasized. Practice in taking the perspective of others is provided through
role-plays.
Lesson 4: Reducing Labeling and Stereotyping
This lesson identifies responding emotionally to another person as the third
component of empathy. Students suggest ways to enhance empathy and explore
behaviors that diminish our ability to empathize, such as labeling and stereotyping.
The need to treat others as individuals is stressed.
Lesson 5: Communicating and Listening
Skill training is provided in two communication skills that help encourage
emotional responsiveness and build empathy: (1) stating one’s point of
view and feelings using “I-messages,” and (2) active listening,
which includes attention to body language, eye contact, verbal tone, and feedback.
Unit III- Anger Management
Unit III introduces anger-management techniques.
Lesson 6: Anatomy of Anger
Students explore the effects of anger on the body and learn to
identify anger
signs. Skill training is provided in recognizing “igniting events.”
Lesson 7: Managing Anger
"Fight or flight” are identified as common impulsive reactions to
anger. An alternative, four-point plan for dealing with strong emotions, such
as anger,
is introduced: (1) recognizing emotional signals; (2) using deep breathing, counting
backward, and positive self-talk; (3) solving the problem; and (4) reflecting
on the anger-provoking incident at a later time. Students receive practice in
applying the techniques.
Unit IV- Problem Solving
Lesson 8: Identifying a Problem
This lesson trains students in how to identify a problem by stating
what happened and identifying the feelings and needs of those involved.
Students practice taking personal responsibility for their perceptions
and feelings and then formulating productive problem statements
using “I-messages.”
Lesson 9: Choosing a Solution
Students receive skill training in brainstorming solutions, evaluating
alternative solutions, and choosing a solution.
Lesson 10: Applying a Solution
This lesson provides guidance in applying a solution and generating skill steps
for carrying it out. Students discuss what to do if a chosen solution is not
working.
Unit V- Applying Skills
Unit V applies the skills presented in Units III and IV to specific
problem situations that put students at risk. A video, “Check
it Out,” models the skills. Afterward, students practice
role-plays and receive performance feedback.
Lesson 11: Making a Complaint
This lesson trains students in making a complaint in an assertive,
non-aggressive manner. This method is contrasted with less effective
ways of dealing with
dissatisfactions, such as put-downs, gossiping and fighting.
Lesson 12: Dealing with Peer Pressure
This lesson explores the difficulty of dealing with peer pressure as it relates
to safety. Students create and practice steps to effectively resist peer pressure.
Lesson 13; Dealing with Bullying
Students learn about the effects of bullying on the person who is bullying,
as well as the targets of the bullying. They also practice alternative ways
of dealing with problems.
Lesson 14: Diffusing an Argument or Fight
This lesson explores creative ways to avoid fighting and to “save face.” Students
practice these alternatives through role-plays.
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