Techniques and Ideas for Teaching Students with Social Skills Difficulties

This piece is to accompany Seamless Teaching [1]

• Select two classmate buddies for friendship and social communication.

• Model and script social cues and response repertoires.

• Role-play social situations.

• Tell the child why a verbal response was inappropriate.

• Designate teams for assignments or games; don’t allow the students to choose teams.

Sometimes one or two simple changes can make a world of difference for a child with special needs. Here are complete lists of techniques for a variety of situations.

Techniques and Ideas for Language Difficulties

• Teach and model appropriate opening comments and greetings.

• Pair student “buddies” or use small group instruction to rehearse conversational skills.

• Teach cues and rules for conversational turn taking, how to politely interrupt, and changing the topic.

• Explain metaphors or words with double meanings.

• Use video and audio taped conversations as models.

• Pause between instructions when giving multiples.

• Limit the number of oral questions.

• Use videos to help identify nonverbal expressions and their meanings.

• Assist the child to feel comfortable asking for instructions to be repeated or written down.

• Use social stories: the true “story” of the child’s world and the people in it.  

Techniques and Ideas for Concentration Difficulties

• Give frequent positive feedback for on-task behavior.

• Redirect to tasks frequently. 

• Use structured, timed activity sessions.

• Break down assignments into smaller parts.

• Reduce the frequency of homework assignments.

• Use nonverbal and gestural cues to the students.

• Seat the child at the front of the class for fewer distractions.

Techniques and Ideas for Organization Difficulties

• Use written and picture activity schedules and calendars.

• Keep a list of assignments.

• Help the child to utilize checklists and “to do” lists.

• Use picture icons on containers, lockers, shelves, etc.

• Put picture schedules and picture cues in lockers.

Techniques and Ideas for Motor Coordination Difficulties

• Refer for occupational or physical therapy if needed.

• Refer for adapted physical education.

• Have the child participate in fitness activities.

• Allow the child to choose if she wants to play a competitive sport.

• Allow for slower writing speed, extra test time, etc.

• Allow the use of computer for written assignments.

Techniques and Ideas for Sensory Difficulties

• Allow child to use music and headphones.

• Limit visual items/decorations on walls.

• Reduce harsh lighting.

• Limit high-pitched noises.

• Prepare child for unexpected noises such as fire alarms.

• Ear plugs can be used for solitary activities.

• Model relaxation activities.

• Limit exposure to loud places in the community.

Techniques and Ideas for Social Skills Difficulties

• Select two classmate buddies for friendship and social communication.

Model and script social cues and response repertoires.

• Role-play social situations.

• Tell the child why a verbal response was inappropriate.

• Designate teams for assignments or games; don’t allow the students to choose teams. 

• Refer for Social Skills Groups.

• Encourage cooperative and turn-taking games.

• Teach how to begin, maintain and end a game.

• Provide structured choice of activities for the playground.

• Stress sharing and cooperation skills.

• Encourage the child to be flexible. 

• Protect the child from bullying.

• Assign one team member to be the consistent, daily support person for the child.

Sharon Jurman is the senior director of consultation and outreach services at Bancroft, a service provider for individuals with disabilities.