What are different techniques to address social problems and ways to help prevent them with an inclusive child in my classroom. Also, what are ways that I can help an inclusive child feel safe and a sense of belonging in my classroom.
Re: Social Skills
What good question! That you ask them suggests that you will do a great job with helping this student to feel safe and included. What makes any of us feel safe? A warm and welcoming manner from a caring teacher goes a long way to helping any child feel safe.
Re: Social Skills
Ginger Hi, I am a social skills teacher for a public school system. As far as teaching specific social skills, I have found social stories to be very effective. There are web sites with articles containing examples and directions on how to write these types of stories. I also will create game cards that help to reinforce skills taught in the stories. I get blank business cards from Walmart and use a clip art program to help make them look interesting and professional. For example I may read a social story about listening to the teacher. Next the group would play a board game (you can use any board from a game that has a trail). Each student would take a turn moving their game piece and then read a card with a ‘power statement’,for example “Listening to the teacher is the right thing to do! You are terrific!” or “Name a good listener skill”. I’ll also mix in some cards for boosting self-esteem, for example , “Fill in the blank, I am good at ____.” On the opposite side of the card you can put clip art of objects that the students like. You can put whatever you like on the cards to individualize them for your students.
A positive reinforcement plan can work wonders too. Use a chart and give stars when you catch someone being nice or displaying a particular social skill you want to reinforce. Good Luck
Ginger, without knowing specifically what the child’s strengths and weaknesses are… you do it by paying attention to the classroom “social climate”. Some teachers seem to do this naturally, others have to work at it. Some think doing “team building” activities at the beginning of the year is enough. It’s not. You want to foster the feeling that your classroom is a place where children can get their needs met. “Fair” means everyone gets what they need, not everyone gets treated exactly the same. You treat each student gently and with respect, and expect them to do the same. You take the time to discuss concerns as a class, knowing that it may take time from other instruction but that it will save time in the long run. You encourage cooperation rather than competition.