Footprints for Life is a research-based primary prevention program that builds assets and teaches important life skills to students in grades two and three. Through the use of puppets and stories that feature “real life” situations experienced by a children’s soccer team, the program offers many opportunities for students to practice the new skills they have learned in a fun and non-threatening way.

The goal of Footprints for Life is to help young children build a strong foundation of life skills rooted in key social competencies. The social competencies that Footprints addresses are planning and decision-making practice, interpersonal skills, cultural competence, peer pressure, and peaceful conflict resolution — assets identified as promoting positive attitudes and behaviors.

Footprints for Life is a six-week program taught during a regular classroom period for approximately 40 minutes each week. Weekly homework assignments and educational sheets not only reinforce the lessons between classes, but also involve parents in their child’s learning experience.

• Program overview and story outline
• Introduction
  • Lesson #1 - Feelings and Learning "I" Messages
  • Lesson#2 - Conflict resolution using the Solution StopLight
  • Lesson#3 - Decision-making (peer pressure and consequences)
  • Lesson#4 - Tobacco, Alcohol, and Medications (RX and OTC)
  • Lesson#5 - Coping Skills
  • Lesson#6 - Remembering what we learned and sharing it with Amir

Footprints for Life reaches children while their health-related attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors are at a formative stage; provides a resource for teachers to help identify potential problems; and opens the door for parents to have important discussions with their children at home.

Comments From Teachers About Footprints

• "I think this has been an excellent program for my class. I will continue to use all the strategies with my class and encourage them to use them as well."
• "The Solution Stoplight, win/win, and "I" messages have provided a great resource for me as a teacher when incidences occur."
• "I encourage the children to use "I" messages and verbally express their feelings. This program has really helped the children utilize these strategies."
• My students totally enjoyed the program, but the carryover and application came from me. They still need to be reminded about win/win solutions and "I" messages."

For additional information, please call us at 973-473-3366 or write us at ncadd@passaiccountycouncil.org