Develop Social Skills in a Gentle Environment

In this 9-week class, we will use some of the best children’s picture books to learn key social skills such as letting emotions go, asking for help, accepting “no” for an answer, and disagreeing appropriately. 

The following social skills will be taught using the accompanying books: 

Week 1: Letting Emotions Move Through Your Body
		When Sophie Gets Angry, Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang
		
Week 2: Showing Self-Control
		“Cookies,” a story in Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel

Week 3: Trying New Things
		I Really Like Slop! By Mo Willems
 
Week 4: Apologizing
		Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Hanks

Week 5: Staying on Task
		Mr. Putter and Tabby Write the Book by Cynthia Rylant

Week 6: Making Friends
		Henry & Mudge and the Careful Cousin

Week 7: Including Others
		The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

Week 8: Teamwork
		The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse by Mac Barnett

Week 9: Showing Appreciation
		The Thank You Book by Mo Willems


Prior to each class, if possible, the learners will have read the book or had the book read to them. 

The class will be teacher-led and student-focused. 
The learners will have already read the book or had it read to them. 

During each class, we will discuss the social skill and the book from the week. 
Learners will have a chance to talk about what they already know about this skill and how they’ve done or seen it in their daily lives. 
We will take a few minutes to practice the skill with one another. 
We will also review past social skills with a game.

The learners do not need prior knowledge. I will use developmentally appropriate language during the discussion.