Social Institute's Screen-Free K-2 Curriculum Focuses on Character

The Social Institute, a Durham-based education company, has launched a new suite of screen-free lessons for kindergarten through second grade students, expanding its #WinAtSocial modern life skills program to early elementary learners.

Designed to be developmentally appropriate and technology-free, the new curriculum teaches foundational skills such as empathy, emotional regulation, and decision-making. The lessons are meant to be implemented before children begin regular interaction with digital devices, providing a base for thoughtful behavior both online and offline.

“K-2 is such a formative time when students are like sponges, absorbing everything around them,” said Laura Tierney, founder and CEO of The Social Institute. “These offline lessons create the perfect launching pad for our peer-to-peer lessons in later grades.”

Unlike many digital-first education platforms, the new #WinAtSocial K-2 lessons require no screens or special training. The hands-on activities are designed to be easily adopted by teachers and can be extended into the home through family engagement.

“As the conversation grows around how technology should be used in schools, having a curriculum that helps educators teach the skills that students will need to navigate this topic is essential,” said Dr. Jessica Anderson, a licensed school and clinical psychologist.

The K-2 lessons focus on character development and modern life readiness, addressing topics such as managing time between watching YouTube and playing outside with friends. They are designed using the Understanding by Design framework and were developed with input from educators, elementary experts, and families.

The Social Institute also announced updates to its high school curriculum, rolling out for the 2025–26 school year. The reimagined #WinAtSocial lessons for grades 9-12 will feature student-driven learning, reduced screen time, and a focus on real-life skills such as collaboration, communication, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

“Students are most engaged when they have a say in their learning,” Tierney said. “During #WinAtSocial Huddles, students spend the majority of each lesson collaborating and problem-solving, not staring at a screen. That means more connection and deeper learning.”

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