Across the Marsh curriculum
We are excited to introduce the Across the Marsh Curriculum, a social and emotional learning (SEL) program that uses the real-world experience of the Across the Marsh documentary to introduce strategies that support emotional problem-solving and Self-development.
Our project-based modules encourage learners to celebrate their uniqueness, learn to Self-regulate, and learn the innermost details about themselves. The critical facets of our hidden curriculum foster positive behavior changes that can ultimately lead to more time participating in learning, a sense of belonging associated with higher levels of motivation, authentic learning, and improved academic and personal relationships.
Our learning program consists of eight modules designed to help learners develop critical life skills that will benefit them at school, at home, and in future careers. Using the real-world experiences shared in the Across the Marsh documentary as a foundational and exploratory discussion, the modules include:
Developing a Healthy Sense of Identity: This module examines the core issues of identity present in the Across the Marsh documentary and critically discusses how concepts of identity and sense of Self play a pivotal role in the experience. Learners will become familiar with fundamental concepts of identity and are presented with opportunities to embrace feeling and showing Self-compassion. This module contains topics and activities promoting Self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Participants have several opportunities to explore and ponder profound details of Self and personal identity.
Managing Expectations: This module examines the fundamental issues surrounding expectations developed from a conditioned or learned identity and the motivations of expectations. Using the real-world experiences shared in the Across the Marsh documentary as a foundational and exploratory discussion, this module gives learners the tools to identify the role expectations play in our lives and how to manage those expectations for Self and others. The discussions and activities encourage Self-reflection and genuine communication and challenge unrealistic expectations that can lead to disappointment and frustration.
Finding Resolutions: This module investigates how finding resolutions despite various emotional challenges is pivotal personally and in the Across the Marsh documentary. This module encourages emotional problem-solving, collaboration, and improved relationships with others. Learners are provided the tools to develop, manage, and implement essential resolution skills. They become familiar with the benefits of implementing a relatable resolution process, the concept of the Asking Process, and finding resolutions without expecting feedback.
Managing Forgiveness: This module helps learners develop the ability to forgive themselves and others. Learners are introduced to forgiveness by examining its key elements evident in the Across the Marsh documentary. Learners will become familiar with the idea of forgiveness, how to manage it, and its benefits. This module provides the tools necessary to find a starting point for forgiveness and implement strategies that have the potential to reframe levels of personal satisfaction.
Recognizing and Managing Vulnerability: This module examines the role vulnerability plays in the Across the Marsh documentary and uses those elements to help learners recognize their own vulnerability and how to manage it. This module provides the tools necessary to develop, manage, and implement essential coping skills related to allowing personal experiences of vulnerability. Learners are encouraged to realize that vulnerability is reasonable, personal, and should be expected from Self and others. Learners are given opportunities to work through feelings of guilt and shame and gather strategies for Self-healing and Self-trust. The fundamental goal of the lessons, discussions, activities, and projects is to create a safe space within the Self.
Self-Acceptance: This module introduces the concept of Self-Acceptance through exploratory discussions relating to the Across the Marsh documentary. Learners will further examine the core essentials of Self-Reflection, Self-observation, and Self-awareness and become keenly familiar with their relationship with themselves. This module provides learners the opportunity to challenge Self-criticism and doubt and cultivate a practice of Self-acceptance.
Coping with Feelings of Abandonment: Using the challenges of abandonment evident in the Across the Marsh documentary, this module helps learners recognize feelings of abandonment and develop coping mechanisms to manage resulting behaviors that can be emotionally problematic.
Coping with Feelings of Rejection: Using the challenges of rejection evident in the Across the Marsh documentary, this module helps learners recognize feelings of rejection and develop coping mechanisms to manage resulting behaviors that can be emotionally problematic.
The Across the Marsh Curriculum aligns with and expands on each of the five core competencies of the CASEL SEL framework, supports DOK skill levels 1, 2, 3, and 4, and meets 21st-century skills of Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Initiative, and Social Skills. The lessons align with Common Core State Standards and TEKS, providing a Think, Plan, Act, Reflect framework to foster higher-order thinking and neurogenesis. The curriculum is learner-centered, thematic, and project-based, encouraging character development.
We realize that learners’ social and emotional well-being is a top priority for educators and parents. We developed the Across the Marsh Curriculum as an innovative approach to SEL and to help learners develop intangible qualities with a proven track record of long-term personal and psychosocial benefits.
We encourage you to explore the curriculum and its modules further and see how they can benefit your learners. We are confident that you will find our curriculum a valuable asset to your SEL education support services.