The August theme for our Social Skills Training Program is preparing our clients for the new school year. The topics covered are Expected/Unexpected Behaviors, Coping Skills and Conversation Skills.
One of the activities involves writing down different social skills on individual pieces of paper and passing them around for each client to choose one. When the client draws the slip of paper from the bowl, he or she will be asked what the social skill means, asked for an example, and to share with the rest of the group why that skill is important. These activities will be broken down over several lessons by focusing on one skill at a time. This exercise opens the conversation for everyone to be involved and talk about each social skill.
An example of one of the topics is Sharing Materials. Potential answer could be: I am coloring with crayons and I can let my friend borrow my crayons to color with me. Sharing is important because it shows others that you care about how they feel. Part of being a good friend is sharing.”
Another area we are covering this month in preparation for school is understanding what behaviors are expected and unexpected. For example, it may be expected to wake up groggy or grouchy but is unexpected to be rude or mean to others. We all experience changes we cannot control, but it is expected that we control our reactions when we get frustrated or disappointed.
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