BeCool Lower Elementary

Conflict management is an essential life skill that students must learn in order to thrive in the classroom and beyond. That is where BeCool Lower Elementary comes in. This research-based program uses peer video modeling to teach students ages 6\u20139 how to avoid \u201chot\u201d and \u201ccold\u201d reactions to criticism, teasing, bullying, and anger with the help of Chester the Cat and his real-life friends.

Across five engaging modules and more than three hours of instruction, students watch relatable characters navigate the very situations they encounter every day\u2014on the playground, in the lunchroom, and in the hallway. Each module pairs short video vignettes with a comprehensive teacher\u2019s guide loaded with discussion prompts, role-play activities, and reproducible handouts, so educators can reinforce each lesson long after the screen is off.

The first module introduces Chester the Cat and his friends, who model positive behaviors for students to emulate. The remaining modules focus on specific conflict resolution skills such as remaining calm, using \u201cI\u201d statements, and finding compromises. Throughout the program, students participate in interactive activities and practice their newfound skills in real-life scenarios.

BeCool Lower Elementary is available as a standalone license or as part of the Stanfield+ subscription (99/yr), which unlocks the entire Stanfield digital library for your school.

As educators, we know how challenging it can be to manage the behavior of young children in the classroom. One minute they are listening attentively and participating actively, the next, they are throwing a tantrum or bullying a fellow student.

It is a never-ending struggle, but it doesn\u2019t have to be. BeCool Lower Elementary is a program that helps students understand and manage difficult behaviors, enabling them to interact positively with others both inside and outside the classroom.

BeCool Lower Elementary focuses on four classes of difficult behaviors: Criticism, Teasing, Bullying, Anger/Others, and Anger/Self. The program features peer video modeling scenarios that show characters confronting a difficult person who is intimidating or manipulating them in some way.

This program is built on research-based practices that truly work!

Module 1: Coping With Criticism

Children\u2019s reactions to criticism can vary greatly, with some becoming defensive or hurt while others might lash out aggressively. In this module, students learn why those reactions are counterproductive and what they can do instead. By teaching them how to respond calmly, they can take away the negative power that criticism has over them.

This module helps students to develop their emotional intelligence which is essential for school life, home life, and beyond. Since every student needs to learn how to deal with criticism, the toolkit in this module will help them develop their problem-solving and resilience skills that they can use to navigate uncomfortable situations outside of the classroom.

Module 2: Coping With Teasing

This module teaches your students how to handle teasing from peers in a confident and positive manner. The program uses relatable characters to provide examples that students can easily understand. Taylor, Dominic, and Amy deal with teasing from their friends in a COOL, calm, and assertive way, and your students can learn how to do the same.

Students will receive practical advice on how to stay calm, respond assertively and deal with the situation maturely. They will learn how to use positive self-talk to bounce back from any negative comments in a constructive way. The program is also designed to develop critical socio-emotional life skills such as self-respect, respect for others and how to foster relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.

Module 3: Coping With Bullying

The curriculum introduces children to different strategies for dealing with bullying, which they can then practice in the safety of their classroom. With 41 minutes of instruction, the module gives children ample time to learn about different types of bullying, the effects that bullying can have, and how to cope with bullying. Students see peers in the videos model the COOL response\u2014standing up for themselves without escalating the conflict.

Module 4: Coping With Anger/Others

Module 4 is all about coping with anger towards others. Children are taught how to avoid reacting with a HOT or COLD response and how to resolve conflicts in a healthy way. With 40 minutes of instruction and a teacher\u2019s guide, students can learn how to identify triggers and develop strategies for dealing with their anger.

By encouraging these skills, children can learn how to deal with anger in a productive way, setting a strong foundation for their emotional intelligence.

Module 5: Coping With Anger/Self

Next, the curriculum introduces children to the BeCOOL 4-Step Plan, which teaches them how to assertively act on angry feelings in a healthy way. With 41 minutes of instruction, children can learn how to identify the underlying emotions behind their anger and develop the skills to act on these feelings assertively.

Using the BeCool program in your classroom can have long-term benefits for your students. By teaching them conflict resolution skills at a young age, you are setting them up for success in all areas of their lives. They will be better equipped to handle challenging situations, communicate effectively with others, and develop strong relationships with their peers and adults.

With its emphasis on assertive techniques, peer pressure awareness, and frustration management, this program can help children deal with the most common interpersonal problems they will face. Teachers consistently report that students who complete the program show fewer disruptive incidents and a greater willingness to talk through disagreements rather than react impulsively.

As educators, it is our responsibility to help children develop these skills so they can navigate the challenges of growing up with grace and resilience. BeCool Lower Elementary gives you a proven, video-based toolkit to make that happen\u2014one module at a time. This program is included in the Stanfield+ subscription (99/yr for your school\u2019s full digital library).