1. Social skill Kunali Shah January 2009

2. Overview What does “social skills” involve? The social skills program. Our roles in implementing the program.

3. Social skills AKA pragmatic skills A group of skills which people need to interact and communicate with others and function in group situations. The ability to understand and observe social rules to achieve social reinforcement and to avoid social punishment.

4. Can you think of some social skills? Eye contact Turn-taking –Asking & answering questions –Waiting for a turn Predicting and ‘reading’ others’ emotions Appropriately dealing with emotions Initiating conversation Topic shifting

5. Why?? Source: www.pinkgrapefruit.co.uk

6. Why do we need to work on social skills? Most children intrinsically learn social skills Due to limited intrinsic learning abilities, our students need to be taught these skills, followed by LOTS of practise. The program is aimed at increasing integration with peers.

7. The program Run over 10 weeks Students split into 2 groups (rooms 16 & 17) Recommended to implement in the mornings Social skills program

8. Your role.. Teachers: Be committed to correctly implementing the program, as per your guide Ensure you have the necessary props / equipment before each session Ensure your EAs are aware of the activity for each session and are comfortable assisting running the program Fill out recording sheets to monitor progress Encourage practicing the goals during the week –In the playground –Other activities that target the goals Contact me if unsure of goals / activities

9. Your role cont… EAs: Be committed to correctly implementing the program Ensure your are aware of the activity for each session and are comfortable assisting running the program Assist teachers to fill out recording sheets to monitor progress Encourage practicing the goals during the week –In the playground If unsure of goals / activities, speak to the class teacher

10. My role Develop the program/s Support staff in the implementation process Monitor progress and make necessary changes as required Review recording sheets to establish efficiency of the program

11. Questions?