Our Social Skills team will focus on preparing clients for a successful school year with activities at our center and tips below that parents can use at home.
1. Break Tasks into Manageable Steps with Get Ready–Do–Done
Big assignments or daily tasks can sometimes feel overwhelming. The Get Ready–Do–Done visual tool helps kids by breaking tasks down into smaller, more achievable steps.
Here’s how it works:
- Start with “Done.” Show the child what the completed task should look like – this could be a written description or a picture.
- Work backwards. List the steps needed to reach the finished product.
- Adjust as needed. Some children may need a few simple steps, while others benefit from more detailed breakdowns.
This strategy encourages independence and reduces stress by giving clients a clear roadmap to follow.
2. Create a Daily Schedule
Consistency helps children feel secure and confident. By creating a daily schedule, clients can take ownership of their time and responsibilities.
We encourage children to think about the tasks they need to complete each day – such as packing a backpack, finishing homework, or preparing for bedtime—and record them in a simple schedule template.
This activity not only promotes independence, but also helps build time-management skills that will benefit them well beyond the classroom.
3. Prepare for the Unexpected
While routines are important, school also comes with plenty of surprises. Helping children plan for the unexpected moments can ease anxiety and boost confidence.
Some examples we will explore together include:
- What to do if you can’t find your classroom.
- How to handle arriving to class and not knowing where to sit.
- What steps to take if your computer or tablet isn’t charged.
By practicing these “what if” scenarios, students are more prepared to adapt when things don’t go as planned.
Those are just a few of the activities we will work on this month with our clients and that parents can do at home.
