Socialization

 (Grades K – 4)

Learn by Doing: One thing that tends to go unnoticed in child development is simply learning by doing. Bring your child to potentially social situations to simply expose them to these environments. There are several no cost options that can be very stimulating in a social manner for children: any playground, the library, some museums, the beach, walking trails, etc.

Offer Assistance: Once you introduce social opportunities to your child(ren), you also may need to offer them some “hurdle help” to begin their interactions with other children. This can be as simple as a car ride conversation, “When we go to the park, you might see a new friend there. What do you think you could say to that person? Hi my name is ____; would you like to play?” Or for some children, you may need to get more involved and actually coach them through the interaction as it takes place.

Playdates/ Get-Togethers: This can be a scary experience for everyone involved, including adults, if your child has trouble interacting with others. If you or your child has identified someone they feel comfortable socializing with outside of school, try to meet at a neutral location for the first meeting, such as a playground or the library. You should also keep the meeting relatively brief, about an hour, so as to let the children enjoy each other’s company, but not go too far that they sour on each other or get bored. You want to keep the experience positive. If this goes well, you can alternate the next few play dates at the two children’s houses, again keeping the time relatively short so as not to reach the tipping point. In these first few interactions, you and the other parent may want to plan an activity that each parent could help facilitate to make sure the play time goes smoothly. Good examples of this would be a board game, an arts and crafts activity, or helping playing ball outside. After this structured time, you could offer some “free time.” Try to limit the choices during this time so as not to overwhelm the children.

Socialization Tips by Josh Lechter, Former South Behavior Specialist/School Counselor

Always remember, the ratio of positive to negative feedback should be a 4 to 1 ratio. 

Children should receive more genuine, positive feedback than negative. 

Something to always keep in mind!

Relaxation Glitter Bottle

Relaxation Glitter bottles are an excellent calming strategy.

They are great for kids who are bored, fidgety in the car, anxious or struggling with sensory overload.

They are easy to make and kids love them!

Materials:

1. Empty, clear water bottles

2. Shiny glitter

3. Tiny objects if desired

4. Water

5. Corn syrup

6. Superglue or hot glue gun

7. Duct tape

1. Place glitter and shiny confetti into empty water bottle

2. Nearly fill water bottle with water (about 4/5)

3. Add a little bit of corn syrup (this slows the glitter a bit when you shake it up to make it drop slowly and more interestingly

4. Use hot glue gun or superglue to glue cover on-duct tape closed

See the Resource Section from the STAR's home page for a SMART Chart of making a Relexation Glitter Bottle!

This fun activity is from Leslie Paterson, Behavior Intervention Specialist

BEND THOSE LEGS!

Standing over a child while talking with them can be scary and intimidating for a child, especially if you are upset.  Get down to their level and look them in the eyes, or get below their eye level.  Voice tone should also be low.  

Not only does this subconsciously tell the nervous system there is no threat, it helps the student focus and it lets them know that you are talking with them, not at them.  It shows respect, too.  Remember to have these interactions privately, so as not to embarrass or humiliate.  Fear and humiliation are not appropriate forms of teaching.  They are short lived, and do not teach self-control.  Respect and understanding allow a child to truly develop skills.  This is true for social emotional skills as much as for academic domains.  It’s easier to remember to bend your legs (or sit) when you are upset, then to recall all the reasons eye level and private conversations are important. 

“When your top’s about to blow - get low!”   

This tip is from Leslie Paterson, Behavior Intervention Specialist

Self-Regulation Skills

You often hear people say to children, “you need to calm down” but many children do not possess the skills to calm themselves. Here are 3 tips that you can use to help your child learn self-regulation.

1. Teach your child to identify emotions.

2. Teach self-calming strategies such as, deep breathing, reading a book, drawing or other art work, listening to music and yoga (stretching exercises).

3. Practice self-calming strategies with your child and discuss day to day social interactions that your child encountered. 

This tip is from Leslie Paterson, Behavior Intervention Specialist