Encourage Social Skills

Children who have opportunities to practice social skills under the supportive supervision of their parents will have a head start on learning and enjoying their school experiences. Encourage these skills before children start school and during their early school days:

• Help children understand the concept of "body space" and help them practice keeping their bodies within that space when playing or working with others. This includes keeping hands and feet within that space, not jumping on others, walking indoors or when around large groups, etc.
• Teach children to follow directions the first time, without complaining. Praise compliance at home and help children understand that compliance will be expected at school, too.
• Prompt children to put things away -where they belong.
• Practice using a whisper or "indoor voice" in indoor and other settings where appropriate and expected.
• Teach children appropriate ways to seek help-this might include practicing raising a hand to ask a question as will be expected at school.
• Model turn-taking in both talking and playing games with your children and praise their efforts to do the same.
• Teach you children about different feelings (happy, sad, mad, scared, lonely, etc.). Model expressing and describing your own feelings and encourage children to talk about how they feel, using feeling words.
• Talk positively about the school experience, including opportunities to make new friends and try new activities.
• If possible, find a play group or organized activity program for your child, before school starts and during the school year. Sometimes there will be natural groups in the neighborhood or apartment complex or within the extended family; sometimes a church, nearby park or Y will offer organized activities for various age groups. Another option is to contact parents you know who have children about the same age as your children, and organize weekly activities.

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