The Pathways to Empower elementary collection of sequential teacher resources begins with an engaging look at neuroscience, helping students build a strong understanding of how their brains work. That knowledge then comes to life through lessons on social relationships and the four key parts of mental health literacy. Each grade-level resource offers evidence-based strategies to strengthen resilience, encourage connection, and promote positive mental health in a fun and meaningful way.
Grade 1: Growing a Stronger Me
Resilience is the number one protective factor for mental health. In these lessons, students learn about the Resilient Mindset Model, which includes the characters of the brain (four animated bugs that represent different functions of our brain). The model and characters help them understand their brain’s natural response to challenges and provide a framework that allows them to use challenges (good, bad, big, or small) to build their resilience.
The curriculum provides a comprehensive learning experience and includes four modules:
- Neuroscience 101 introduces the developmental stages of the brain and the functions and systems at work.
- The Resilient Mindset ModelTM explains how the brain naturally responds to challenges, so you can use challenges as opportunities to build resilience and form common nonjudgmental language to better your mindset.
- Brain-Based Relationships applies all the science, frameworks, and strategies learned in the first two modules to your interactions with others.
- Mental Health Literacy covers the four goals of mental health literacy through the lens of neuroscience.
Included in this purchase is one printed student workbook. The Facilitator Guide and online materials are sold separately.
Dr. Donna Volpitta
Donna Volpitta, Ed.D. is an educator, author, and speaker who loves making the brain science of resilience and mental health easy to understand and apply. She is a co-founder of the Mental Health Literacy Collaborative, a board member of One Revolution Foundation, a member of the Mental Wellness Initiative and Children’s Wellness Initiative of the Global Wellness Institute, a Global Presence Ambassador for Parenting 2.0, and a member of the Character Collaborative. Donna is a former classroom teacher with experience in both general and special education and the mother of four fantastic young adults.
Jason Schofield
Jason Schofield is an author, educator, and speaker who makes educational content engaging and memorable. He brings his creative spirit and forward-thinking mindset to all of his projects. He is particularly passionate about finding ways to bring people together to collaborate around health and education. He is a co-founder of the Mental Health Literacy Collaborative. Jason is the father of two wonderful young children.