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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 Chance In The World SEL WF1764681

    Planning Materials Support Educators

    A curriculum guide, educator-to-educator video, letter to readers from Steve Pemberton, discussion strategies, and academic vocabulary list support implementation.

  • Resources Reinforce SEL A Chance In The World SEL WF1764681

    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 A Chance In The World SEL WF1764681

    Adaptable Timeline Allows for Flexible Pacing

    Based on educator feedback, we recommend six weeks for an all-school read 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.

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    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.

  • Into Literature A Chance In The World SEL WF1764681

    HMH Into Literature

    HMH Into Literature for Grades 6–12 equips students with the reading, writing, speaking, listening, and SEL skills required for success in tomorrow’s world.

  • HMH Coaching Membership A Chance In The World SEL WF1764681

    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 their passion 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 above, 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.

Steve Pemberton

Author of A Chance in the World

Professional Learning for Teacher and Leader Success

  • Guided Implementation

    HMH programs include continuous implementation support with Teacher Success Pathways that are personalized for each teacher, ensuring success 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.

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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.

  • The Lighthouse Effect: How Teachers Can Have an Extraordinary Impact on the World

    The Lighthouse Effect: How Teachers Can Have an Extraordinary Impact on the World

    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.

    Steve Pemberton
    Author of The Lighthouse Effect; Speaker

    Carmen Ortiz-McGhee
    Chief Operating Officer, National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC)

  • 15 SEL Writing and Journal Prompts for Grades 3–12

    15 SEL Writing and Journal Prompts for Grades 3–12

    Introduce your students to the five competencies of SEL with these writing and journal prompts for elementary, middle, and high school.

    Ali Habashi
    Shaped Editor

  • 5 Social-Emotional Learning Activities for High School Students

    5 Social-Emotional Learning Activities for High School Students

    These five social-emotional learning activities for high school students are based on CASEL's core SEL competencies. This lesson plan will help mold your students into independent and meaningful contributors to society.

    Sara Buren
    Shaped Contributor

  • What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in Education? Insights for K–12 Educators

    What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in Education? Insights for K–12 Educators

    Get answers to common questions like "What is social-emotional learning in education?" and "Why is SEL important?"

    Jordan Friedman
    Shaped Editor

  • Teaching Empathy: Activities for Middle Schoolers

    Teaching Empathy: Activities for Middle Schoolers

    Check out a few suggestions for empathy activities for middle schoolers and find new ways for teaching empathy in the classroom.

    Zoe Del Mar
    Shaped Staff

  • Why is Social-Emotional Learning Important in Schools?

    Why is Social-Emotional Learning Important in Schools?

    Why is SEL important? In an HMH survey, K-12 educators noted the high importance of social emotional learning in schools today.

    Jordan Friedman
    Shaped Editor

  • Podcast: Supporting SEL in Middle School Science with Autumn Rivera in CO on Teachers in America

    Podcast: Supporting SEL in Middle School Science with Autumn Rivera in CO on Teachers in America

    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.

    Jennifer Corujo
    Shaped Editor

  • Podcast: Wearing the Kindness Cape with Julia Allan on Teachers in America

    Podcast: Wearing the Kindness Cape with Julia Allan on Teachers in America

    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.

    Onalee Smith
    Shaped Contributor

  • Podcast: SEL in the Face of Natural Disaster with Garrett Jackson on Teachers in America

    Podcast: SEL in the Face of Natural Disaster with Garrett Jackson on Teachers in America

    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.

    Onalee Smith
    Shaped Contributor

Learn how the A Chance in the World curriculum inspires positive change in schools.