Social Decision Making/Social Problem Solving: A Curriculum For Academic, Social And Emotional Learning: Grades 2-3

Developed over three decades of implementation in a wide range of schools, this research-validated curriculum focuses on teaching students to be reflective, nonimpulsive, and responsible decision makers and problem solvers - while emphasizing essential literacy skills. It is ideal for classroom use and can be adapted for small group settings.
The program uses a variety of cooperative learning methods, including small-group brainstorming, problem solving, and role-playing activities. Students learn skills such as self-control, listening, respectful communication, giving and receiving help, and working cooperatively and fairly in groups. The manual includes numerous reproducible worksheets.

Maurice J. Elias, Ph.D., is professor, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, and directs the Rutgers Social-Emotional Learning Lab. He is vice chair of the Leadership Team of the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) and senior advisor for Research, Policy, and Practice to the New Jersey Center for Character Education. He devotes his research and writing to the area of emotional intelligence in children, schools, and families.

Linda Bruene Butler, M.Ed., is director of the Social Decision Making/Social Problem Solving (SDM/SPS) Program at the Behavioral Research and Training Institute of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, University Behavioral HealthCare's Behavioral Research and Training Institute. Ms. Bruene Butler has published and lectured extensively in the area of social-emotional learning and has trained many others to become SDM/SPS consultants and trainers.