PATHS

PATHS Golden Rule: Treat others how you want to be treated.

Promoting Alternative THinking Strategies (PATHS)

PATHS, which stands for Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies, is a social-emotional learning programme that helps children develop important skills such as self-control, emotional awareness, and positive peer relationships. It teaches students to recognise and understand their own feelings and those of others, manage emotions, and make thoughtful decisions in everyday situations. PATHS lessons are integrated into daily classroom activities, creating a supportive and positive learning environment.

In school, teachers use PATHS to support both social and academic growth. Through storytelling, role-playing, and guided discussions, students practise skills like problem-solving, empathy, and cooperation. Children who take part in PATHS often show improved behaviour, stronger social interactions, and greater readiness to learn.

PATHS also promotes a school-wide approach to social-emotional learning. Staff receive training to apply PATHS principles across the school, from break times to group projects, helping children use these skills in real-life situations. The programme supports both academic success and the emotional well-being of every student.

PATHS has been shown to improve:

• Classroom Behaviour

• Self-Esteem

• Self-Control

• Emotional Intelligence

• Academic Engagement

• Conflict Resolution

PATHS has been shown to reduce:

• Emotional Distress

• Aggressive Behaviour

• Conduct Problems
  

How can you help your child?

Top Tips for using PATHS at home:

• Take an interest in your child being Pupil of the Day - give them a compliment too.

• Model complimenting at home.

• Encourage your child to share their feelings - remember all feelings are okay.

• Differentiate between feelings and behaviour.

• Encourage the use of Turtle or the 3 steps for calming down.

• Compliment your child for self-regulating their feelings.

• Model problem solving so they can see the process for themselves.

• Play games which encourage teamwork and cooperation

• Remember the Golden Rule - treat others how you want to be treated.