Social Skills1

Social Skills

Steps to Success

Listening

Look at the person who is talkingThink about what is being saidShow that you are listening by nodding your head or asking a clarifying questionRepeat what was said in your own words to show that you understand

Asking for Help

Ask yourself, “Can I do this on my own?”If not, think about exactly what you need help withThink about who you should ask for helpChoose the right time to ask. If you are in class raise your hand and wait quietly until you are called onAsk for help in a polite tone of voice

Following Instructions

Listen carefully to the instructionsAsk questions about anything you don’t understandRepeat the instructions to the person to be sure you understandFollow the instructions

Joining In

Decide if you want to join inDecide what to sayChoose a good timeAsk if you can join in by using a friendly tone of voiceIf the answer is yes, join inMake sure you understand the rulesIf the answer is no, find another activity

Apologizing

Decide if you need to apologizeThink about your choices:

Say it out loud to the personWrite the person a note

Choose a good time and placeCarry out your best choice in a sincere way

Saying Please, Thank You, and Excuse Me

Say “Please,” when you are asking for somethingSay “Thank You,” when you receive something from someoneSay “Excuse Me,” when you disturb someone verbally or physically

Handling Anger

Do or say nothing until you count to 10Think of how your body feels and acknowledge that you feel angryThink about your choices and the consequences of each choiceAct out your best choice

Accepting Consequences

Decide if you were wrongIf you were wrong, say to yourself, “I have to accept the consequences.”Say to the person, “Yes, I did (describe what you did).”Say how you will avoid doing this next timeApologize

Accepting “No”

Decide why you were told noThink about your choices and the consequences of each choiceAct out your best choice

Resolving Conflict

Decide if you want to resolve the conflictHave someone ask the other person if they want to resolve the conflictAgree to the time and placeAgree to the ground rules:

No interruptingNo name calling or put downsWork to resolve the conflict

Resolving Conflict Cont’

The first person tells his/her side of the story using I-MessagesThe second person restates what the problem is for the other person. After restating, this student may ask questions to understand the situation betterThe second person then tells their side of the story, after which, the first person restates what was said and asks appropriate clarifying questions

Resolving Conflict Cont’

Both people suggest possible solutionsBoth agree on a resolution