Self-Science
A proven process to develop EQ
Self-Science — so named because emotional intelligence grows from the scientific study of our relationships and ourselves — is one of the few comprehensive, developmental, and research-based curricula for creating a school-wide culture of emotional intelligence. Daniel Goleman studied Self-Science in one school and wrote an entire chapter of his best-selling book, Emotional Intelligence, about the concepts. Goleman writes:
“Self-Science is a pioneer, an early harbinger of an idea that is spreading to schools coast to coast…. A list of the contents of Self-Science is an almost point-for-point match with the ingredients of emotional intelligence — and with the core skills recommended as primary prevention for the range of pitfalls threatening children…. Were he alive today, Aristotle, so concerned with emotional skillfulness, might well approve.” He also calls the program “a model for the teaching of emotional intelligence.”
Self-Science was first published in 1978 and has been used by hundreds of schools around the globe; this third edition revises and updates the curriculum to be more teacher-friendly and cohesive with the Six Seconds Model of Emotional Intelligence.
In this kit, schools will find the foundation to build an effective social-emotional learning program. Unlike most “packaged programs,” Self-Science is a process with a clear competency model and a methodology that can be adapted and integrated into the classroom and school. With minimal training and support, teachers will be able to learn a practical framework and process for teaching these invaluable social and emotional competencies.
When effectively implemented, Self-Science creates a powerful shift in the learning environment toward collaboration, inclusion, and humanism, which significantly reduces destructive behavior while also increasing academic performance. In one study, 100% of the teachers said Self-Science increased cooperation and improved classroom relationships. Seventy five percent said after using the program, both violence and “put-downs” decreased, plus students became more focused and their achievement improved.Self-Science is a proven approach to increase social and emotional skills. Self-Science is also used as the foundation for whole-school improvement projects to create a more respectful, responsible, and resilient school community.
Rather than telling children what not to do, Self-Science provides multiple options of what to do. It helps children become more aware of themselves and make more conscious decisions about the ways they think, feel, and act independently and interdependently. Nationally and internationally, parents and teachers are increasingly concerned about school culture and emotional intelligence competencies. Issues of exclusion, violence, depression, and under achievement are all addressed within this preventative, comprehensive program.
Part of the power of Self-Science is its flexibility. Once a facilitator understands how a lesson flows, she or he can easily adapt any current topics, other exercises, and even academic subject matter into the lessons. In addition, Self-Science can be taught as a “stand-alone” class or folded into existing programs such as class meetings, advisory, life-skills, or community service.
Self-Science: Getting Started with Social Emotional Learning
Karen McCown, Anabel Jensen, Joshua Freedman & Marsha Rideout
Published by Six Seconds, 3rd Edition, September 2010