Our 10-week
Social Skills Program assists in the development and reinforcement of positive social skills and appropriate social behaviour.
The program
is offered in a supportive environment that encourages friendship, positive emotional behaviour and presents positive conflict
resolution techniques.
Purpose
of the Program: For many children and adolescents
with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder, interacting and socializing with peers can present an ongoing struggle.
In general,
the ability to understand social interactions, read facial expressions, perceive and express emotions, and interpret language's
more subtle meanings is acquired intuitively at an early age. Those with learning disabilities however sometimes need help
in both developing and understanding these social skills. And as they learn, they also need a safe and supportive place where
they can practice these skills.
Through facilitated
interactions with their peers, participants become more aware of how their style of interpreting and responding to social
cues effects them and others.
Without positive
social relationships, self-esteem and self-confidence can fail to develop appropriately. The child whose self-esteem and self-confidence
are low may be afraid to try new things and meet new people. The result of this is often alienation from the group and loneliness
for the child.
Program
Goals:
- To help participants develop social
skills, life skills, and problem-solving strategies, including conversation and basic interaction skills
- To provide a safe environment in
which to practice these skills
- To allow participants to use these
skills in a variety of activities, such as group discussion, co-operative games, role-playing, art projects, and recreational
activities
- To improve peer and adult relations
- To help participants develop awareness
of their individual styles of interacting and to learn what works and what doesn't
- To promote self-esteem and build
self-confidence.
- To help parents understand the problems
experienced by their children and to provide strategies for parents to use at home
- To promote emotional well-being
- To aid in correcting and preventing
behaviour problems
Specific
Topics / Areas Covered include:
- Perceiving and expressing emotion
- Controlling impulsivity
- Friendship making and maintenance
- Conflict resolution
- Co-operation
- Respect
- Self-esteem & self image
- social problem solving skills
- verbal and nonverbal communication
- friendship making & maintenance
- manners & social etiquette
- bullying & victimization
Eligibility:
Children and youth from 8 to 16 years
with learning disabilities, ADD or ADHD. Participants are placed in age appropriate groups.
In general, program candidates are children who:
- Avoid social contact
- Behave immaturely
- Are shy or timid in peer group settings
- Have conflict with peers
- Have low and/or damaged self-esteem
