The new school year is right around the corner and with it comes a wonderful opportunity to set our clients up for success. This August, our Social Skills team is focusing on helping clients build the routines and planning skills that make transitions smoother and reduce stress.
Strong daily habits don’t just happen on the first day of school, they’re built ahead of time. That’s why we’re spending this month laying the groundwork: helping clients create clear routines, anticipate their day, and feel confident handling the unexpected.
Here’s a look at some of the activities we’ll be exploring:
Schedule Creation
Independence starts with knowing what’s expected. In this activity, clients practice identifying and prioritizing their daily responsibilities. We break the day into three simple time blocks — Morning, After School, and Evening — each with its own short list of tasks, from getting dressed and packing lunch to homework, chores, and setting out clothes for the next day. Seeing the day laid out step-by-step helps clients build confidence and independence, one checkbox at a time.
Get Ready, Do, Done
Big tasks can feel overwhelming when the steps aren’t clear. This activity breaks projects down into simple, manageable pieces and we do it by planning backward:
- Start with “Done” – Picture (or write out) exactly what success looks like.
- Map out “Do” – Break the path to that outcome into individual steps, tailored to each client’s needs.
- Plan for “Get Ready” – Identify the materials or preparation needed before starting.
- Execute “Get Set” – Put the plan into motion!
These are just a few of the tools we’ll be practicing with clients this month. Here’s to a fresh start and a fantastic new school year ahead!
