Step by Step - Toolkit Promoting Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in Children and Teens | Grades 5 and 6 Curriculum

The Step by Step toolkit, developed by the World Bank with external contributors, aims to equip teachers with resources that can help students from age 6-17 better understand and manage their emotions, thoughts, impulses and behaviors, form and sustain positive relationships, and make the most out of life by making responsible decisions and pursuing meaningful goals. The Step by Step toolkit offers a series of practical lessons and support materials designed to be implemented in the classroom by the teacher. Read more

Challenges in Grades 5 and 6

The Step by Step lessons for grades 5 and 6 are designed for children ages 10 and 11. Given where students are in their development at that age, lessons offer a more complex context to children on the skills to be promoted, while proposing more abstract challenges to stimulate their development.

This means presenting situations that go beyond the students’ close environment, that involve multiple perspectives and that may propose a less short-term vision. The group and friends are given more predominance as a context and source of learning.

The activities aim at stimulating students’ development, not only from a cognitive standpoint, but especially from an emotional and social point of view, in such a way that emotions play a lead cross-cutting role.

Throughout the lessons, teachers will find questions aimed at identifying what students are feeling, what others feel, and how they relate to one another.

Many of the lessons involve movement and fun activities for children, without losing sight of the pedagogical purpose.

Role of the Teacher

The teacher’s job in Grade 5 and 6 consists of facilitating the lessons, as well as encouraging students to implement and regularly practice the skills they seek to develop. Teachers are encouraged to give students opportunities instead of simply lecturing them. Rather than transferring knowledge - propose activities, stimulate the development of thoughts and emotions, and build a safe and nurturing environment.

RESOURCES