How KooLKIDS Works
The KooLKIDs Social Emotional Learning program is a 13-session school-based program organised around the four KOOL modules. It is designed to assist children aged 8 - 11 years to build skills to regulate their emotions, behaviour and learning. KooLKIDS supports children to develop a better sense of self-worth and self-awareness, understand how to manage their emotional wellbeing and develop prosocial behaviours. The key aim of the program is to empower children to achieve positive behaviour changes and to live well with themselves and others.
The KooLKIDS program is divided into four key modules. Through completion of the KOOL modules, children will learn how to:
- Know their strengths and develop self-esteem (K);
- Understand and manage their emotions (O);
- Recognise that everyone has feelings and develop empathy (O); and;
- Improve their social and friendship skills (L).
Module 1: Know Yourself (Strengths)
Session 1
- To recognise that we all have unique qualities and strengths.
- To recognise and celebrate our strengths.
- To learn to like ourselves and build self-esteem
Session 2
- To understand that tuning into our thoughts and self-talk helps us know ourselves, our strengths and the areas we need to work on.
- To recognize that positive and negative moments in our life shape us into who we are today.
- To introduce the ABC model, a cognitive behavioural tool that helps students change the way they think and feel.
Session 3
- To understand that when we have our needs met we can build on our strengths and develop a positive sense of self.
- We all have needs for fun and freedom; love and belonging; and a sense of power and responsibility.
- Knowing the right time and right place to meet our needs.
Module 2: Understanding Our needs and emotion (emotions)
Session 4
- To introduce students to feelings and emotions that everyone experiences in their daily lives.
- To understand that emotions are the end result of our self-talk.
Session 5
- To gain a deeper understanding of negative emotions.
- To understand the impact that thoughts and self-talk can have on feelings and behaviour.
Session 6
- To learn and practice conflict resolution strategies.
- To learn strategies to help us manage difficult emotions.
Module 3: Understanding Others' needs and emotions (empathy)
Session 7
- To understand that empathy is the ability to understand how others might feel.
Session 8
- To learn to recognize emotions in others and adjust personal actions to resolve situations.
Session 9
- To remember the importance of putting ourselves in “other peoples' shoes”.
- To recognize the role that negative thoughts play in negative outcomes.
Module 4: Live well with others
Session 10
- To understand friendship building and friendship blocking behaviour.
Session 11
- To learn the importance of social skills in order to live well with others.
- To develop friendship skills.
Session 12
- To learn that to be a team player is essential for building good relationships with others.
Session 13
- Class review and celebration
- To consolidate the knowledge and skills learnt over the last twelve weeks.
The key aim of KooLKIDS is to empower children to achieve positive behaviour changes and to live well with themselves and others.