NOTES ON RUNNING A SOCIAL SKILLS PROGRAM
by Wendy Lawson
Aim:
Identify the triggers or what causes the behaviors to occur and try to modify them where possible.
Need to systematically teach strategies to use when a child is faced with those situations and /or feelings.
SOCIAL SKILLS SESSIONS
2-3 sessions per week
Small group - child and 3 class peers (good role models)
Select target behavior
Hitting other students / adults
Pushing roughly Throwing sticks and other objects
Throwing equipment
Swearing Running off with others ball
Prioritize list and choose one
Small group session - students to act out the actual situation
Discuss
What happened?
Why do you think it happened?
How did you feel when it happened?
What else could have been (a) said (b) done?
Practice, rehearse and role play the appropriate responses that have been suggested
Use real equipment
Use video camera to reinforce the auditory and visual message
Develop a script of "say and do" strategies to learn and practice (perhaps keep in a small book or on a card to go in his pocket). These are safety phrases that need to be constantly reinforced
Sample phrases such as:
"I need help"
"I'm sorry"
"I don't understand"
"I'll try"
"If I start feeling hot in the head I will count to ten under my breath"
Whatever skills being focused on there must be opportunities for practice in class and playground
Should the child make any attempt to use a skill it should be praised
Some type of reward system would intensify motivation to try
After play ask the child how things went and get the child's and others perception of what happened.
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS - PEER SUPPORT
Meet regularly every week and follow up on the skills session
Discuss the safety phrases - get input form all in the circle
When they would use them
How to use them - stand still, face the person,
Look at them and say I'm sorry
Use the students to get ideas for the child to use
Ask them to think of some ways they could use to help the child if they see something is happening
Introduce some potential problem situations that you know will come up for the child
Ask the circle to come up with solutions of how they may solve them
e.g. "What would you do if you lost your canteen money?"
"What would you do if a teacher accused you of doing something that you hadn't done?"
"What would you say if you accidentally hurt someone?"
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