Growing Social & Emotional Skills: First-Grade SEL (Social Emotional Learning) at BGCSV

At the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, we know that helping our youngest members develop strong social and emotional skills is key to their long-term success. That’s why we launched a weekly SEL program for all first graders in our after-school program, giving each child the opportunity to participate in a small group of 7–8 peers. Led by our amazing staff, Elizabeth, Kayla, and Olivia, these sessions are designed to be fun, engaging, and meaningful, exploring topics inspired by the Positive Action curriculum, as well as lessons tailored to the needs of our group. Themes include fairness, gratitude, saying thank you, impulse control, and friendship-building. Through these weekly activities, first graders are learning tools that help them interact positively with peers and adults, manage their emotions, and build self-confidence. We’ve already seen remarkable examples of kids applying what they learn in real time, explaining fairness to others, practicing self-control, and forming lasting friendships. This program aligns perfectly with our mission: providing young people with the support, guidance, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential as caring, responsible, and productive community members. Starting with first grade allows us to focus on consistent engagement, small-group interaction, and meaningful relationships. In the future, we hope to expand the program to include kindergarten, providing these important skills even earlier in a child’s developmental journey. By investing in SEL programming, donors help us give young children the tools to navigate challenges, foster empathy, and build strong relationships — skills that will serve them for years to come.