PATHS (Promoting Alternative THinking Strategies)

Program Overview

An evidence-based program supporting children's emotional wellbeing, reducing problem behaviour and improving school climate — from preschool through grade 6. The library holds hundreds of lessons and activities that give educators the tools to build emotional awareness and healthy peer interaction.

PATHS is a research-based program for preschool and primary school that develops emotional awareness and healthy peer relationships while reducing problem behaviour. Lessons connect children's inner experience with concrete situations and use practical self-regulation tools such as the Turtle Technique and Control Signals Poster.

Who It Is For

The most-studied SEL program in the world, for preschool through grade 6.

Typically works with: Pre-K–6 classrooms, including settings serving children with learning, emotional, hearing or developmental differences.

Where It Puts the Emphasis

• Naming and regulating emotions
• Self-control and problem solving
• Peer relationships and social competence
• Transfer into daily classroom life

What It Develops

• Emotional awareness
• self-control
• peer relationships
• problem behaviour reduction

Implementation

1. 1
   Select the age kit

   Choose the preschool, early-primary or upper-primary materials.
2. 2
   Prepare educators

   Train teachers to use scripted lessons while adapting to the class.
3. 3
   Practise regulation

   Use emotion cards, Turtle Technique and Control Signals in daily situations.
4. 4
   Extend and measure

   Use family materials, online resources and outcome monitoring.

Available Resources

• Curriculum and lesson materials
• Educator guides
• Provider website