Overcoming Obstacles
A School-Based Life Skills Curriculum for Elementary Students
Overcoming Obstacles is a school-based life skills curriculum designed for students in grades K–2 and 3–5. This prevention-focused program helps children develop essential social, emotional, and behavioral skills that support positive decision-making, healthy relationships, and long-term success in school and life.
As part of DISC Village’s school-based prevention programs, Overcoming Obstacles equips youth with practical tools to navigate everyday challenges, build resilience, and strengthen their sense of responsibility and belonging.
What Is Overcoming Obstacles?
Overcoming Obstacles is a structured, age-appropriate curriculum that focuses on teaching coping skills for youth alongside foundational values such as empathy, integrity, perseverance, and respect. Lessons are delivered in a supportive school setting, allowing students to practice skills in real-time with peers and trusted adults.
The curriculum is tailored to developmental stages, ensuring that younger students build core concepts while older elementary students deepen their understanding and application of these life skills.
How Overcoming Obstacles Supports Youth Development
Children face a wide range of social and emotional challenges as they grow. Overcoming Obstacles helps students learn how to:
- Manage emotions in healthy ways
- Respond to peer pressure
- Resolve conflicts respectfully
- Work cooperatively with others
- Build positive friendships
- Develop confidence and self-awareness
By focusing on early prevention, this school-based program supports students before challenges escalate, helping them develop strong coping strategies that carry into adolescence and beyond.
A Prevention-Focused, School-Based Approach
Delivering life skills education directly in schools removes barriers to access and reinforces learning in an environment where children spend much of their time. Overcoming Obstacles aligns with best practices in school-based prevention programs by:
- Supporting social-emotional learning
- Reinforcing positive behavior
- Promoting healthy peer relationships
- Encouraging responsible decision-making
This proactive approach benefits not only individual students but also classrooms and school communities as a whole.
Session Content Includes
The Overcoming Obstacles curriculum covers a comprehensive range of life skills, including:
- Being responsible
- Empathy
- Coping skills
- Respect
- Integrity
- Having a positive attitude
- Perseverance and doing your personal best
- Cooperation and teamwork
- Resolving conflicts
- Handling peer pressure
- Becoming a good friend
- Good citizenship
Each topic is taught through interactive lessons designed to engage students and encourage practical application of skills.
Building Skills That Last Beyond the Classroom
Overcoming Obstacles helps students develop the tools they need to succeed not only academically, but socially and emotionally. By learning how to cope with challenges, communicate effectively, and make positive choices, students are better prepared to navigate school, relationships, and their broader communities.
Learn More About Overcoming Obstacles
If you are a school, caregiver, or community partner interested in coping skills for youth or school-based prevention programs, DISC Village is here to help. Overcoming Obstacles is one of the ways we support children in building confidence, resilience, and the skills needed to thrive.