Start With Hello
Teaching empathy and empowering students to end social isolation by following three easy steps.
As someone who cares deeply about children, you may know social isolation is a very real epidemic. It can cause kids to pull away and, in serious situations, even hurt themselves or others. Start With Hello is one of Sandy Hook Promise’s no-cost Know the Signs programs and teaches students to be more socially inclusive and connected to each other. With activities and curricula available for all ages, students are empowered to end social isolation in three easy steps.
Join us September 18 – 22 for Start With Hello Week, a national call-to-action week dedicated to making new social connections and creating a sense of belonging among youth. Register now!
Step 1: Learn how to recognize the signs of loneliness and social isolation.
Step 2: Find out what you can do to help others feel included.
Step 3: Discover how to break the ice and strike up a conversation.
Start With Hello Elementary is a digital program that includes an interactive storybook, videos, activities, and projects. You’ll also have access to a full curriculum aligned to the CASEL 5 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Competencies and the Learning for Justice Social Justice Standards. This curriculum contains essential questions, lesson plans, educator practices, and project ideas that help students boost belonging, build empathy, and social awareness.
Start With Hello Middle and High School is an age-appropriate version of the award-winning program that teaches empathy to empower students to end social isolation. Includes a video training for students, an Educators’ Guide, and a handbook to help schools build and reinforce a culture of inclusion. Can be done remotely, virtual-live, or in-person.
Start With Hello Elementary is a digital program that includes an interactive storybook, videos, activities, and projects. You’ll also have access to a full curriculum aligned to the CASEL 5 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Competencies and the Learning for Justice Social Justice Standards. This curriculum contains essential questions, lesson plans, educator practices, and project ideas that help students boost belonging, build empathy, and social awareness.
Start With Hello Middle and High School is an age-appropriate version of the award-winning program that teaches empathy to empower students to end social isolation. Includes a video training for students, an Educators’ Guide, and a handbook to help schools build and reinforce a culture of inclusion. Can be done remotely, virtual-live, or in-person.
No-cost, social–emotional learning curriculum, on-demand trainings with videos, activities, and more!
Our Know the Signs programs are at your fingertips. Just register for the Sandy Hook Promise Learning Center. There you’ll find full training videos, interactive lessons, and a searchable digital library of resources.
Each year, thousands of schools and youth organizations nationwide participate in Start With Hello Week, a national call-to-action week dedicated to making new social connections and creating a sense of belonging among youth. Start With Hello Week is September 18 – 22, 2023. Jumpstart the movement in your school community and register for Start With Hello Week!
Schools report reductions in bullying and other harmful behaviors
Educator feedback indicates increased emotional wellness of students
More than 8 million students and educators have participated
One classroom period is all it takes to kick off Start With Hello
