In Focus: Improving Social and Emotional Intelligence, One Day at a Time

In Focus is a teaching resource that provides activities for improving students' social and emotional intelligence. Studies show that students learn best when they feel safe, motivated, engaged, and focused—ready to learn.

How does In Focus help my students?

In Focus includes activities that target the needs of the three main areas of the brain—the brain stem, the limbic system, and the cortex. In just minutes a day, you can teach students strategies for calming themselves and reducing stress. Students also discover ways to recognize, manage, and positively express their emotions. In addition, students reach outward, connecting to those around them and developing their capacity for empathy. All of this social and emotional learning helps students engage and succeed in the classroom, making them better students, classmates, and community members.

How is In Focus organized?

In Focus contains three parts, each of which addresses the needs of a different area of students' brains:

Part 1: Social and Emotional Learning Lessons to Meet the Needs of the Brain Stem

This part focuses on creating safety, security, and connection in the classroom. Studies show that fear reduces a student's ability to learn. Until students feel safe physically, socially, and intellectually, they cannot achieve their learning potential. This part focuses on calming the brain and body and exploring the different strengths of students.

Part 2: Social and Emotional Learning Lessons to Meet the Needs of the Limbic System

This part focuses on identifying and expressing different emotions. Students learn to identify the six primary emotions of happiness, sadness, anger, hurt, fear, and love. They also learn appropriate ways to express these emotions. This part also focuses on connecting emotionally with others.

Part 3: Social and Emotional Learning Lessons to Meet the Needs of the Cortex

This part is the largest, helping students focus, manage, and harness emotions to support and enhance learning. Students learn strategies for impulse control—a key to responsible behavior. They also learn to avoid bullying others, protect others from bullying, appreciate diversity, and avoid discrimination. This part also addresses conflict resolution, developing a positive attitude, and maintaining healthy relationships.

Can I have a closer look?

Of course! You can download a PDF sampler of In Focus Grades 6-8. If you'd like purchasing information, go to the In Focus page in our store.