This ongoing class is for students that need practice in various social situations. We will recognize our feelings and others to improve our emotional awareness. We will practice phrases to help them navigate uncomfortable or dangerous situations. We will practice active listening and provide positive feedback throughout the class. 

Classroom management:
I will first start with my classroom expectations and rules. I am very big on positive self-talk and making sure that EVERYTHING that comes out of our mouths is positive, uplifting, and/or encouraging. If it doesn't check one of those boxes, we do not say it. I will make sure that anything shared is appropriate for school and define what that means. I will make sure our discussions stick to the theme of the lesson if the conversation gets derailed. The goal is to feel safe, heard, and learn some good strategies in social situations to use in real life.

Structure of Class:
1. Introductions with a fun icebreaker
2. Discussion on scenario/social skill [feelings wheel]
3. Brainstorm solutions or responses to the scenario
4. Roleplay if applicable 
5. Share personal stories if applicable [feelings wheel]
6. Make connections and encourage or uplift one another
7. Allow time for natural conversation

Student participation and engagement will be encouraged! I hope students can make friends in these classes.

Social scenarios/topic/social skills we will cover: 
Week of Jan. 30: Starting a Conversation
Week of Feb. 6: Making New Friends
Week of Feb. 13: Asking for Help
Week of Feb. 20: Expressing Empathy
Week of Feb. 27: Active Listening
Week of Mar. 6: Saying No/Standing up for Yourself
Week of Mar. 13: Respecting Boundaries
Week of Mar. 20: Sharing a Story
Week of Mar. 27: Self-Confidence
Week of Apr. 3: What to do if someone wrongs you
Week of Apr. 10: What to do if you forgot to do something important
Week of Apr. 17: What to do if you feel embarrassed
Week of Apr. 24: What to do if you got in trouble at home

To help with emotional regulation and identifying emotions, students will be provided with a feelings wheel.

What's my teaching style?
I will use example scenarios to teach the social skill through slides. I will facilitate conversation and encourage students to come up with their own solutions that work for them. I will make sure the whole class is respectful and encouraging while interacting with each other. My goal is for the students to do the majority of the talking. If a student does not want to share, they are allowed to pass. 

This class welcomes students of all social skill levels. All are welcome: neurotypical students, neurodivergent students, students with ADHD, students on the Autism spectrum, and everything in between! This class will be focused on elementary school students.

Specific scenarios or topic suggestions are welcome.