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Core Curriculum
A Chance in the World Curriculum
Inspire Students to “Be the Chance”
The A Chance in the World Curriculum Integrates SEL
Social and emotional learning (SEL) can positively impact student success. The A Chance in the World SEL curriculum for Grades 8–12, based on the best-selling memoir by Steve Pemberton, reinforces SEL competencies. While studying A Chance in the World, students learn about the life-changing power of empathy and resilience.
Planning Materials Support Educators
A curriculum guide, educator-to-educator video, letter to readersfrom Steve Pemberton, discussion strategies, and academic vocabularylist support implementation.
Resources Reinforce SEL and ELA Skills
Read and discuss A Chance in the World using a weekly schedule. The activities, discussion questions, writing prompts, and related readings strengthen SEL and ELA skills.
Adaptable Timeline Allows for Flexible Pacing
Based on educator feedback, we recommend six weeks for an all-schoolread or a class book study of A Chance in the World. At the end, hold a personal-narrative writing workshop, or celebrate with a school-wide assembly.
Educators Can Modify the Schedule
Educators can focus on SEL activities and essential questions, or the ELA lessons and writing workshop. Afterward, they might show a video of an interview with Steve Pemberton, or invite a speaker to the class whose life or work is relevant to the curriculum.
Explore Related Programs with SEL Built Right In
A Chance in the World is included on the HMH Into Literature® reading list, or can be purchased separately. An HMH Coaching Membership offers support for educators teaching SEL, plus additional professional development.
HMH Into Literature
HMH Into Literature for Grades 6–12 equips students with the reading, writing, speaking, listening, and SEL skills required forsuccess in tomorrow’s world.
HMH Instructional Coaching
New and veteran teachers alike will benefit from a yearlong instructional coaching experience that provides tools to achieve their goals and put theirpassion into practice.
Hear from Steve Pemberton
Inspiring Students and Building Community: A Chance in the World engages students who see their lives reflected in Pemberton’s story. In the video below, the author shares how “human lighthouses” can positively impact the lives of others.
We aren’t measured by what happens to us, but rather by how we respond to it.
Author of A Chance in the World
Professional Learning for Teacher and Leader Success
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Guided Implementation
HMH programs include continuous implementation support with TeacherSuccess Pathways that are personalized for each teacher, ensuringsuccess in the first 30 days of instruction.
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Teacher’s Corner®
Teacher’s Corner on Ed offers yearlong access to professional learning, with live events and on-demand content that support teachers in implementing programs,organizing classrooms, and learning best practices.
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Coaching Membership and Courses
Get personalized learning support from experienced instructional coaches, delivered live online or in person, to track teacher goals.
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Leader Support
Leaders receive targeted support to drive innovation and navigate challenges within their district.
Learn how the A Chance in the World curriculum inspires positive change in schools.
Insights & Resources
Explore SEL articles and resources to support social and emotional learning in the classroom.
Steve Pemberton, the author of The Lighthouse Effect, and Carmen Ortiz-McGhee, Chief Operating Officer at NAIC and one of the lighthouses featured in Steve’s book, explain the Lighthouse Effect principle and how their teacher lighthouses positively impacted their lives.
Introduce your students to the five competencies of SEL with these writing and journal prompts for elementary, middle, and high school.
These seven SEL activities for high school students are based on CASEL's core SEL competencies. Help your students become independent and meaningful contributors to society
Get answers to common questions like "What is social-emotional learning in education?" and "Why is SEL important?"
Check out a few suggestions for empathy activities for middle schoolers and find new ways for teaching empathy in the classroom.
Why is SEL important? In an HMH survey, K-12 educators noted the high importance of social emotional learning in schools today.
Photo: Sixth-grade teacher Autumn Rivera
2022 National Teacher of the Year finalist Autumn Rivera shares her journey as a middle school science teacher—from supporting social and emotional learning to making the great outdoors her classroom.
Meet Julia Allan, a Kindergarten teacher in Howard County Public Schools. She talks about equity in education, social-emotional learning, the tooth fairy, bus stresses, and the joys of seeing her students grow together.
Garrett Jackson, a special education teacher in Saipan, CNMI, talks about teaching in isolation, supporting students after a natural disaster, and using edtech in occupational therapy.
Learn how the A Chance in the World curriculum inspires positive change in schools.
Contact Us about A Chance in the World
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