Confident Life Program™ FAQ

The Confident Life Program™ is designed to complement existing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs for students in grades K-3. Here are some key elements of the program: 

Core Components 

1. Social and Self-Awareness: Activities and lessons that help children understand their own emotions and recognize the emotions of others. 
2. Self-Regulation: Techniques and practices for managing emotions and behaviors in various situations. 
3. Relationship-Building: Exercises that promote effective communication, cooperation, and the development of positive relationships. 
4. Responsible Decision-Making: Guidance on making ethical and constructive choices about personal and social behavior. 

Program Structure 

• Interactive Activities: Engaging exercises that involve role-playing, storytelling, and group discussions to reinforce learning. 
• Stories and Scenarios: Age-appropriate stories that illustrate key concepts and provide relatable examples for children. 
• Skill-Building Exercises: Practical activities that children can practice both in the classroom and at home to develop their social-emotional skills. 

Benefits 

• Enhanced Emotional Well-Being: Helps children understand and manage their emotions, leading to better emotional health. 
• Improved Interpersonal Skills: Encourages positive interactions and relationships with peers and adults. 
• Academic Success: Supports overall success in school by fostering a positive and supportive learning environment. 

The program aims to create a foundation for lifelong social-emotional competence, helping children navigate their world with confidence and empathy. 

Yes, there are several success stories from the Confident Life Program™. Here are a few highlights: 

1. Improved Classroom Behavior: Teachers have reported significant improvements in classroom behavior. For example, one school noted a 30% reduction in behavioral

incidents after implementing the program. Students became more adept at managing their emotions and resolving conflicts peacefully. 

2. Enhanced Academic Performance: In another case, a school district observed a noticeable increase in academic performance among students participating in the program. The focus on self-regulation and responsible decision-making helped students stay more engaged and focused during lessons. 
3. Positive Social Interactions: Parents and teachers have shared stories of children forming stronger, more positive relationships with their peers. One parent mentioned that their child, who previously struggled with making friends, became more confident and started to enjoy social interactions more. 

These stories illustrate the program’s impact on both emotional well-being and academic success, helping children develop the skills they need to thrive in various aspects of their lives. 

The Confident Life Program™ includes comprehensive teacher training to ensure educators are well-prepared to implement the curriculum effectively. Here are some key aspects of the training: 

Training Components 

1. Workshops and Seminars: Teachers participate in interactive workshops and seminars that cover the core components of the program, such as social and self-awareness, self-regulation, relationship-building, and responsible decision-making. 
2. Hands-On Practice: Educators engage in role-playing and scenario-based activities to practice the techniques and strategies they will use in the classroom. 
3. Resource Materials: Teachers receive a variety of resource materials, including lesson plans, activity guides, and assessment tools, to support their implementation of the program. 

Support and Follow-Up 

• Ongoing Support: The program provides continuous support through follow-up sessions, online resources, and a community of practice where teachers can share experiences and strategies. 
• Feedback and Assessment: Teachers are encouraged to provide feedback on the training and the program’s implementation, which helps in refining and improving the curriculum. 

Benefits for Teachers 

• Increased Confidence: The training helps teachers feel more confident in their ability to teach social-emotional skills and manage classroom dynamics effectively.
• Professional Development: Participation in the training contributes to teachers’ professional growth and development, enhancing their overall teaching practice. 

This structured approach ensures that teachers are not only knowledgeable about the program’s content but also skilled in delivering it in a way that resonates with their students. 

Absolutely, parents can play a crucial role in the Confident Life Program™. Their involvement can enhance the effectiveness of the program and reinforce the skills children are learning. Here are some ways parents can participate: 

Introduce The Confident Life Program™ to your child’s school, youth organization, or social skills counselor.

• Have you seen or heard of bullying or other poor behaviors taking place at your school or other youth organization? Be sure to recommend The Confident Life Program™ for students K-3^rd grades to help children thrive.
• Introduce The Confident Life Program™  and our mission to your PTA meeting. 

Parent Workshops 

• Educational Sessions: Parents can attend workshops that explain the core components of the program and provide strategies for supporting their children’s social-emotional development at home. *In Development
• Interactive Activities: These sessions often include interactive activities that parents can do with their children to practice SEL skills together.

Home Activities 

• Take-Home Materials: The program provides materials and activities that parents can use at home to reinforce what their children are learning in school. 
• Daily Practices: Parents are encouraged to integrate simple SEL practices into daily routines, such as discussing emotions, practicing mindfulness, and role-playing different social scenarios. 

Communication and Feedback 

• Regular Updates: Schools often send home updates about the program’s progress and upcoming activities, keeping parents informed and engaged. 
• Feedback Opportunities: Parents can provide feedback on the program and share their observations about their children’s progress, which helps in tailoring the program to better meet students’ needs. 

Benefits for Parents 

• Enhanced Understanding: Parents gain a deeper understanding of social-emotional learning and its importance, which can improve their own interactions with their children. ● Stronger Parent-Child Relationships: Participating in the program can strengthen the bond between parents and children, as they work together on developing important life skills. 

Involving parents creates a supportive environment that extends beyond the classroom, helping children apply their SEL skills in various settings. 

To access the Confident Life Program™, you can follow these steps: 

Steps to Access 

1. Click Here to Register your Organization.  Fill out the Confident Life Program™ Request Form. This form will ask for details about your school or organization, the grades that will be participating, and the number of students involved. 
2. Click Here to Order The Confident Life Program™ View the multiple options available to meet your organization’s needs.
3. Contact Information: You can also reach out directly via email at info@motivatedtoact.org or call (858) 922-1724 for more information and assistance.
4. info@motivatedtoact.org or call (858) 922-1724 for more information and assistance.

Additional Resources 

• Workshops and Training: More information about teacher training and workshops will be available soon on the website. 
• Support and Updates: Sign up for Motivated To Act’s newsletter to receive updates and additional resources.

Yes, schools can customize the Confident Life Program™ to better fit their specific needs and contexts. Here are some ways customization can be achieved: 

Customization Options 

1. Tailored Lesson Plans: Schools can adapt the lesson plans to address specific social-emotional challenges or goals relevant to their student population.
2. Flexible Scheduling: The program can be integrated into existing curricula or scheduled as standalone sessions, depending on the school’s timetable and priorities.
3. Cultural Relevance: Activities and examples can be modified to reflect the cultural backgrounds and experiences of the students, making the program more relatable and effective. 
4. Focus Areas: Schools or other youth organizations can emphasize certain components of the program, such as self-regulation or relationship-building, based on the needs of their students or participants. 

Implementation Support 

• Consultation Services: The program offers consultation services to help schools design and implement a customized version of the curriculum. 
• Ongoing Feedback: Schools can provide feedback during the implementation process, allowing for continuous adjustments and improvements. 

Benefits of Customization 

• Increased Engagement: Tailoring the program to fit the specific needs of students can lead to higher engagement and participation. 
• Better Outcomes: Customization ensures that the program addresses the unique challenges and strengths of the student body, leading to more effective outcomes. 

By allowing for customization, the Confident Life Program™ ensures that it can meet the diverse needs of different schools and student populations. 

Yes, there is a cost associated with the Confident Life Program™. The exact pricing can vary depending on factors such as the number of students, the specific components of the program being implemented, and any additional support or customization required. 

How to Get Pricing Information

To get detailed pricing information, you can: 

1. Register Your School or Youth Organization Here: Confident Life Program™ Request Form with details about your organization. This will help the program administrators provide a tailored quote based on your specific needs. If requested, the Motivated To Act nonprofit team may participate in helping your organization to secure financing for the program.
2. Click To Order The Confident Life Program™ to review the best options for your organization, and to place your order.
3. If you are a prospective donor wishing to purchase the program for your local school or youth organization, CLICK HERE.
4. Contact Directly: You may also reach out via email at info@motivatedtoact.org or call (858) 922-1724 for more personalized assistance. 

Benefits and ROI: 

The Confident Life Program™ offers a strong return on investment (ROI) by positively impacting students’ social-emotional development, academic performance, and overall school climate. Here are some key points to consider: 

Academic and Behavioral Improvements 

1. Enhanced Academic Performance: Schools implementing the program have reported improvements in students’ academic achievements. By fostering better self-regulation and focus, students are more engaged and perform better academically. 
2. Reduced Behavioral Issues: There is often a significant reduction in behavioral incidents, leading to a more positive and conducive learning environment. 

Long-Term Benefits 

1. Social-Emotional Skills: Students develop crucial social-emotional skills that benefit them throughout their lives, including better emotional regulation, improved relationships, and responsible decision-making. 
2. Positive School Climate: The program contributes to a more positive school climate, which can lead to higher teacher satisfaction and retention, as well as improved student attendance and engagement. 

Financial Considerations 

1. Cost Savings: By reducing behavioral issues and improving academic performance, schools can save on costs associated with disciplinary actions and remedial education. 2. Investment in Future Success: The skills students gain from the program can lead to long-term success, reducing future costs related to mental health and social services. 

Measuring ROI

To measure the ROI of the Confident Life Program™, schools can track metrics such as: 

• Academic performance: Test scores, grades, and overall academic achievement. ● Behavioral incidents: Frequency and severity of behavioral issues. 
• Attendance rates: Student attendance and engagement levels. 
• Teacher and student feedback: Surveys and feedback forms to gauge satisfaction and perceived impact. 

By evaluating these metrics, schools can quantify the benefits of the program and justify the investment. 

Yes, there are grants available that can help cover the costs of implementing the Confident Life Program™. Here are some steps and resources to explore: 

Steps to Find Grants

1. Check with the nonprofit Motivated To Act directly to inquire about any specific grants or funding opportunities they might offer or know about. You can reach them via email at info@motivatedtoact.org or call (858) 922-1724. 
2. Local Education Grants: Look into local education grants provided by your state or district. Many educational grants support SEL programs. 
3. Nonprofit Organizations: Organizations like the Center for Christianity and Public Life offer grants that might align with the goals of the Confident Life Program™.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Some corporations have community grant programs that support educational initiatives, including SEL programs. 

Resources to Explore 

• Grants.gov: A comprehensive database of federal grants where you can search for education-related funding opportunities. 
• Foundation Center: Provides information on various foundations that offer grants for educational programs. 
• Local Community Foundations: Many community foundations offer grants to support local schools and educational programs. 

Tips for Applying 

• Align with Grant Goals: Ensure your application clearly aligns with the goals and criteria of the grant. 
• Highlight Impact: Emphasize the potential positive impact of the Confident Life Program™ on students’ social-emotional development and academic success.
• Provide Data: Include any relevant data or success stories that demonstrate the program’s effectiveness.

By exploring these resources and following these steps, you can increase your chances of securing funding to support the implementation of the Confident Life Program™ in your school.

Yes, the Confident Life Program™ aligns with Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) standards. The program is designed to complement existing SEL programs for students in grades K-3. It focuses on key components such as social and self-awareness, self-regulation, relationship-building, and responsible decision-making. These components are in line with widely recognized SEL standards that aim to foster emotional well-being, positive interpersonal skills, and academic success.

The Confident Life Program™ implements Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) standards through a variety of engaging and interactive activities. Here’s a breakdown of how the program aligns with key SEL components:

1. Social and Self-Awareness: The program includes activities and lessons that help children understand their own emotions and recognize the emotions of others. This is achieved through storytelling, role-playing, and group discussions.

2. Self-Regulation: Techniques and practices for managing emotions and behaviors in various situations are taught through practical exercises and skill-building activities. Children learn how to handle their emotions effectively.

3. Relationship-Building: Exercises that promote effective communication, cooperation, and the development of positive relationships are a core part of the program. Children engage in group activities and role-playing scenarios to practice these skills.

4. Responsible Decision-Making: The program provides guidance on making ethical and constructive choices about personal and social behavior. Children are encouraged to think about the consequences of their actions and make positive choices.

The program is structured in a way that allows for both classroom and at-home practice, ensuring that children can continuously develop their social-emotional skills. It’s designed to create a foundation for lifelong social-emotional competence, helping children navigate their world with confidence and empathy.

The Confident Life Program™ is primarily designed for children in grades K-12, with the first phase being K-3rd. It aims to reach students at crucial stages in their social-emotional development, helping them build empathy, inclusion, and strong leadership skills early on.

The program is also beneficial for teachers, homeschooling parents, and other academic institutions as it provides valuable resources and structured activities to support social-emotional learning.

The Confident Life Program™ is offered in two formats: a 15-week full-year course and a 9-week accelerated course.

Full-Year Course

• Duration: Spread over 15 weeks, typically divided into three 5-week blocks (fall, winter, and spring).

• Schedule: One 35-55 minute class per week.

• Structure: Allows for a more gradual and in-depth exploration of the program’s components, with time for reflection and practice between sessions.

Accelerated Course

• Duration: Condensed into 9 weeks, often with a more intensive schedule.

• Schedule: One 35-55 minute class per week, but completed in a shorter time frame.

• Structure: Designed for those who need to cover the material more quickly, possibly due to time constraints or specific program requirements.

Both versions cover the same core components and aim to achieve the same outcomes, but the choice between them depends on your schedule and how quickly you want to complete the program.

The Confident Life Program™ is primarily available in English. However, the organization is working on translating the books and materials into multiple languages to reach a wider audience, including those who have immigrated to the United States and regions across the globe. Spanish and Mandarin are two of ten languages currently under development.

To organize a “Junga Day” event and have Junga the Dancing Yeti® visit your school or organization, you can follow these steps:

1. Contact Motivated To Act: Reach out to the Motivated To Act nonprofit organization, which manages the “Junga Day” program. Email your request to info@MotivatedToAct.org.

2. Request a Visit: Express your interest in hosting a Junga the Dancing Yeti® visit and inquire about the availability of the program for your school or organization. They will provide you with details on scheduling and any specific requirements.

3. Plan the Event: Work with Motivated To Act to plan the event, including setting a date, time, and location. They can help you with organizing activities, such as book readings, role-playing exercises, and discussions about bullying and inclusion.

4. Promote the Event: Spread the word about the “Junga Day” event to students, parents, and staff. Use posters, newsletters, and social media to generate excitement and ensure a good turnout.

5. Prepare for the Visit: Make sure to have all necessary materials and resources ready for the event. This may include books, posters, and any other educational materials provided by Motivated To Act.

6. Host the Event: On the day of the visit, welcome Junga the Dancing Yeti® and enjoy the activities and lessons planned for the event. Encourage participation and engagement from all attendees.

By following these steps, you can create a memorable and impactful “Junga Day” event for your school or organization. If you need more specific information or assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Motivated To Act directly at info@MotivatedToAct.org.

Motivated to Act is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting bullying prevention and discrimination prevention messages to schoolchildren. Here are some key ways they support schools and students:

1. Confident Life Program™: This award-winning curriculum is designed to teach empathy, inclusion, and strong leadership skills to children in grades K-3rd. It includes beautifully illustrated books, animated films, and role-playing activities.

2. Educational Resources: They provide schools with books, posters, guides and other materials that are integral to the program’s curriculum. These resources help facilitate lessons and activities that promote social-emotional learning.

3. Teacher and Counselor Support: The organization partners with educators, teachers, counselors, and advisors who are highly regarded in their fields. They offer training and support to help these professionals effectively implement the program.

4. Community Outreach: Motivated to Act conducts in-person and virtual presentations by children’s book authors, educators, and counselors. These presentations help spread their bullying prevention message and provide additional support to schools and students.

5. Holiday Backpack Project: They run initiatives like the Holiday Backpack Project, which provides school supplies and backpacks to children in need. This project helps ensure that students have the necessary tools for their education.

6. Fundraising and Donations: The organization relies on donations to fund their programs and initiatives. Donations help them provide bullying prevention books, videos, and lesson plans in a variety of languages to schools, especially those that are socially and economically disadvantaged.

By focusing on these areas, Motivated to Act aims to create a safer and more inclusive environment for children, helping them develop the skills they need to navigate their world with confidence and empathy.

Motivated To Act offers several volunteer opportunities for those interested in supporting their mission to reduce bullying and discrimination in schools. Here are some ways you can get involved:

1. Program Facilitators: Help facilitate the Confident Life Program™ in schools by leading activities, discussions, and role-playing exercises with students.

2. Event Volunteers: Assist with organizing and running events, such as book readings, presentations, and workshops led by children’s book authors and educators.

3. Outreach Volunteers: Participate in outreach efforts to spread awareness about the program and the organization’s mission. This can include distributing informational materials and engaging with the community.

4. Fundraising Support: Contribute to fundraising initiatives by helping to organize events, campaigns, or online fundraising efforts to support the organization’s programs and resources.

5. Content Contributors: If you have skills in writing, illustration, or film production, you can contribute to the creation of educational materials, such as books, posters, and animated films.

6. Mentors and Counselors: Provide support and guidance to students as they navigate social-emotional challenges, helping them develop empathy, inclusion, and leadership skills.

You can find Junga the Dancing Yeti® products for sale on the official Junga the Dancing Yeti website.

1. Books: The series includes several books that teach children valuable lessons about acceptance, bravery, and overcoming bullying.

2. Films: There are animation-style films based on the books, which are also available for purchase.

3. Audiobooks: You can find audiobooks on platforms like Audible.