SOCIAL SKILLS
The focus of the social skills classes is to practice interacting with peers in a safe, familiar, and supportive environment. Improvement in children’s self-control, emotional regulation, communication, peer interactions, self-esteem, confidence, and resiliency are commonly reported by parents.
Following are examples of skills your child may practice:
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Showing empathy for someone who gets hurt
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Getting a peer’s attention
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Thinking of others when moving through space
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Waiting for a turn
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Asking permission to look at something a friend is holding
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Communicating with words what one is thinking or feeling
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Problem-solving who goes first
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Thinking about what a peer might be thinking/feeling
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Self-monitoring/regulating, (e.g. how loudly one is speaking)
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Being flexible when something unexpected happens
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Being part of the group
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Deciding what to play
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Managing feelings when something doesn’t feel fair
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Moving on, if stuck, (e.g. if not allowed to do something)
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Listening with the whole body, (e.g. eyes, hands, legs, ears)
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Following rules, (e.g. stopping when asked)
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Responding appropriately when overwhelmed
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Respecting others’ personal space
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Listening to and responding to peers reciprocally
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Many skills listed on the Self-Regulation page of this website
Groups typically consist of 4-8 children of similar ages, ranging from preschool through middle school. A child with age-appropriate social skills typically attends the sessions and helps with these skills. Availability of groups depends on interest, age, skill level, and schedule.
