FAQs

General

Is Harmony really offered at no cost?

All of our digital resources are available at no-cost to educators, after-school programs, youth organizations, or participating university collaboratives.

Does the entire school need to implement Harmony?

While it is advantageous to use Harmony strategies, lessons, and activities schoolwide, you may wish to implement by one or two grade levels first, and then roll out the program to other grades later.

I have a large class and my day is already full. How do I find the time to use Harmony in my classroom?

You can implement Harmony strategies, lessons, and activities in as little as 10-20 minutes a day. Our Account Executives can help you develop strategies for integrating Harmony into your schedule and current classroom curriculum.

Is Harmony an anti-bullying program?

Harmony is designed to build healthy relationships among students by engaging them in lessons and activities that promote empathy, understanding, and respect. These effective practices build supportive relationships that ultimately help prevent bullying.

The school year is halfway over—can I still start Harmony in my classroom?

Yes! Our live and on-demand training options can be used to implement Harmony at any time during the school year.

Does Harmony training count towards my professional development credit?

Each school district and youth organization has different requirements for professional development credits. Be sure to consult your district or organization for further information.

How do I ensure that our parents and families understand why we have chosen to implement Harmony?

The Harmony Online Learning Portal provides ready-to-share communications for your families. There is a welcome letter on the dashboard that explains the program in full. In every unit, the Home-School Connections section includes a family letter describing what students will be learning in class, as well as a Home Activities document with ideas families can use to extend the learning outside school.

How do teachers and staff become trained to implement Harmony?

There are several avenues to training. Some teachers get started by signing up for our live training webinars, while others prefer our on-demand video modules. In addition, some schools leverage live online group training sessions to onboard teachers.

How can we get started with Harmony right away?

Contact Harmony@nu.edu today! Our Account Executives will then set up a call to discuss next steps for your district or organization to become a partner!

Is Harmony appropriate for after-school programs?

Yes! Many schools and organizations have chosen Harmony for youth and after-school programs, as it’s a fun and engaging way to build teamwork, friendships, and positive communication outside of the regular school day.

How can I use Harmony with my special education students?

There are a variety of ways to implement the lessons and activities that match student needs. The Meet Up and Buddy Up strategies, as well as the lessons and activities, are wonderful for building inclusive classroom relationships and can be adapted for use with all students.

My 6th grade students have no previous experience with Harmony. Is it too late to introduce the program to my classroom?

Not at all. While the ideal situation would be to start at Pre-K or kindergarten, Harmony is designed so that students can quickly grasp the concepts and benefit from the lessons and activities at every grade level.

Is the Harmony program appropriate for Head Start programs?

Harmony has been implemented in numerous Head Start classrooms across the country. Harmony uses stories, games, songs, and a variety of appropriate lessons to foster an environment of acceptance and inclusion that celebrates strengths and differences. Activities help students develop self-confidence, control, and respect for the feelings and rights of others.

We’re interested in introducing our students to Restorative Practices. How does Harmony support this?

Educators applaud Harmony as an excellent entry to restorative practices, as both share the common goal of supporting the safety, well-being, and success of all students by developing, building, and maintaining healthy relationships.

Does Harmony align with CASEL?

Yes. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)—the clearinghouse for advancing social-emotional learning—has recognized Harmony as a CASEL SELect program for excellence in supporting SEL in schools and districts nationwide.

Can I access the Harmony Online Learning Portal from both computer and phone?

Yes. The Harmony Online Learning Portal provides support whether you are on the go or in the classroom. It is available for your computer and works on iOS and Android phones and tablets.