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September, 2012
Welcome to s2s Insights!
Welcome to the Steps to Socialization newsletter
s2s Insights. Each month 'Social Thoughts' contains a theme article on a relevant social topic. Informative articles or books related to the theme can be found in 'News and Reviews'. The 'Tips and Tools' section contains social thinking tips and activities. 'In the Neighborhood' covers related events and programs.
It's a new school year. Let's help our children to be socially successful.
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Social Thoughts
The backpacks are full and the buses are rolling - it's the start of another school year. How can we help our children to adjust to the new classroom? What do they need to do in order to feel comfortable and fit in with their classmates? You've already accomplished part of the task. You've purchased the supplies and some new clothes. You've talked about the new teachers and whether or not they know anyone in their classes. What else can you do?
Talk about what's expected on the bus. Help them problem solve the situations that might arise. Talk to them about how they decide where to sit, who to sit next to and what to do if the seat is taken. What do they do if kids are fighting on the bus? Discuss how to handle 'mean' kids and what to do if they are getting 'picked on'. Strategize with them before the situations arise so they will have an idea of how to handle the issues.
Talk about how to 'fit in' in the classroom. Fitting in means doing what the rest of the class is doing and following the classroom rules. Tell them to watch what their classmates are doing if they aren't sure of what to do. Tell them to keep their eyes on the teacher so they can figure out who she is looking and if it's their turn to answer. Remind them to watch the teacher's facial expression and body language to figure out if the joking around and whispering should stop. Talk about watching the other kids to see how they react to friendly teasing and sarcasm. Is the facial expression and body language saying that they've had enough and the teasing should stop? Be aware of your child's personal style. Are they wearing something that might draw negative attention and comments? Discuss what they can say and how to handle the situation in a positive manner. Perhaps they should think twice about wearing that particular accessory or article of clothing. Let's give them the social tools they need to have a positive experience.
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Tips and Tools
Concept of the Month: People Files
People files are the information we store in our brain about the people we know. It's as if we wrote each piece of information on an index card and filed it away. The file includes our memories about the person both good and bad. It includes their interests, likes and dislikes, their beliefs and ideas. Using the information in our 'people files' helps us to interpret people's behavior and intentions as well as make decisions about how we will interact with them.
Activity #1: Making a family 'people file'
Discuss what information your child already knows about family and friends. Come up with a list of questions to fill in what they don't know. These questions should range from simple to complex depending on the age of your child. For example, What do you like to eat? What TV show do you like? vs. If you could have any job what would it be? Where would you like to vacation?
Them can interview family members/friends and write down the information for the 'file'. Each person could have their own file page. The next step would be to have the child use this information appropriately. For example, if they know that their father likes the Yankees and the game is on TV, they could say, " Hey Dad the Yankees are on TV. Are you watching? What's happening in the game?"
Remind them this information can be used to initiate a conversation with friends.
Activity #2: Play the game "Say Anything" (with a twist) 1. One person draws a 'question card' and reads one of the questions on the card out loud.
2. Everyone else writes down their answer on the 'say anything' board.
3. Mix up the answers.
4. The questioner has to figure out who each answer belongs to by using their 'people files'.
You can also do this by making up a list of your own questions , choosing one question from the list and writing the answers on index cards. Questions might include: What are you most afraid of? Where would you like to travel ? What would you want most for your birthday? What technology would be the hardest to live without?
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See you next month! In the meantime, please visit us on the web and read our blog.
Evelyn
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