Pathways of Change

Pathways of Change is a social and emotional learning curriculum developed by The Children’s Room (TCR) that focuses on helping students understand, normalize, and cope with change, loss, and grief. Change, loss, and grief are common among many students and impact student concentration, motivation, and relationships within an academic setting.

Types of Change and Loss:

● Moving

● Illness

● Divorce

● Death of a parent or sibling* or friend

● Separations from caregivers or friends

● Changing schools

*One in 14 children in Massachusetts will experience the death of a parent or a sibling before they turn 18 years old. Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model, (CBEM) 2021.

Curriculum Goals:

● Understand grief as a natural response to many types of change & loss
● Normalize the range of emotions that may be experienced
● Explore healthy ways to cope with and express emotions
● Learn how to be an empathetic and supportive friend
● Identify sources of support within the school community

Program Highlights:

● Facilitated by a clinician from TCR and school staff
● Four student-facing lessons delivered in the classroom
● Includes a variety of art, play, and movement-based activities
● Comprehensive materials for students, teachers, and families
● Parent/caregiver information night and training for school staff
● Offered at no charge for schools or families
● Aligned with CASEL Framework (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning)