Supporting social and emotional skills that promote school success in prek-1
Ready to Learn is a social, emotional, and learning skills development program designed for children ages 4-7. Created by researchers Dr. Greg Brigham, Dr. David Lane, and Dr. Donna Lane, the program features five stories about Fuzzy the Caterpillar and his friends, with each story emphasizing a different skill. The four key learning and social skills include: paying attention, listening, asking questions, and encouraging oneself and others. Five teaching strategies are specified: modeling, coaching, cueing; student story telling; student story retelling; positive peer reporting; and encouragement council.
A 2003 randomized control trial found that students who participated in the program achieved high scores on standardized listening comprehension tests. The program is listed as a SELect program on the CASEL guide, where it is described as having the evaluation outcomes of improved academic performance and reduced conduct problems.
Teachers and school counsellors are required to attend a one-day training session on the program. Implementation support includes a powerpoint resource and 20 minute overview video for educators; a teacher manual, the Fuzzy stories in book and audiobook format; posters; and parent education newsletters with supplementary activities for the home.