Middle School SEL Curriculum Made for Middle Schoolers

I have taught the same lesson from Wayfinder and Second Step and have had far better experiences and learning outcomes with the Wayfinder lessons. In the ten years I’ve taught Second Step, I have never had students refer back to a lesson. In the one year I’ve used Wayfinder, I’ve had students refer back to or request to hear or see something again from the lessons on several occasions. The slide decks that are already created for you (and editable) are masterfully done and they don’t look like a whack cartoon trying to convince you bullying is wrong. It’s strange to think other SEL curricula think our students need cheesy graphics to understand purpose, caring for others, and developing relationship skills. Wayfinder teaches to what’s actually relevant and developmentally appropriate for students at every level, and it’s based on real research. Our students’ overall wellbeing matters. Using second-rate curricula to teach SEL skills says that it doesn’t. Our kids deserve more.

I believe Wayfinder is what all K12 schools should evolve towards to meet this moment in education. Every mission statement proclaims that we are aiming to prepare students to contribute to a global society, Wayfinder is the tool to make such statements a reality!

My favorite Wayfinder feature is the activity library, where I have been in a pinch and have needed an activity and can just search by theme. I have entered search terms like respect, integrity, goals, cyberbullying, fairness, etc., and it produces a number of teaching options listed by suggested age/grade. This has been a lifesaver more than once for me! There are also sets of lessons bundled by theme, ready made for any counselor or teacher. Our middle schoolers especially love the workbooks where they can do guided journaling, as well.