Welcome to "Navigating Friendships: A Journey for Autistic Learners," an interactive and supportive class tailored for autistic learners who wish to explore the dynamics of forming and nurturing friendships. This course is designed to provide practical skills in understanding emotions, engaging in conversations, and interpreting social cues through a variety of engaging teaching methods.

What Will Be Taught & Topics Covered:

Throughout this course, we will delve into:

Essentials of Friendship: Initiating and sustaining friendships.

Emotional Intelligence: Recognizing and managing emotions.

Communication Skills: Effective conversation strategies.

Social Cues & Etiquette: Navigating body language and social norms.

Weekly Agenda for the First Four Weeks:

Week February 19: Introduction to Friendship

We begin by exploring what friendship means and why it's important. Lectures and slides will introduce the concept, followed by interactive games to help learners identify qualities they value in friends.

Week February 26: Emotional Intelligence

This week focuses on understanding and expressing emotions. Video clips and role-playing exercises guide learners through recognizing emotions in themselves and others, fostering empathy and emotional connection.

Week of March 4: Communication Skills

Effective communication is key to friendship. Through group discussions and practical role-play, students will learn how to start conversations, listen actively, and share their thoughts and feelings clearly.

Week of March 11: Social Cues & Etiquette

Understanding non-verbal communication and social etiquette forms this week's core. Interactive activities and video analysis will help learners interpret body language, facial expressions, and the unspoken rules of social interactions.

Class Structure & Teaching Methods:

Our class combines lectures and slides for foundational knowledge, interactive games and role-plays for practical application, video clips for real-life context, and group discussions for shared learning experiences.

Teaching Style:

I prioritize a learner-centered, empathetic approach, creating an inclusive atmosphere where every student is encouraged to participate and express themselves. Confidence-building and constructive feedback are key components of my teaching style.

Learner Interaction:

Learners will enjoy a mix of group activities, individual reflections, Q&A sessions, and collaborative projects, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging learning experience. Interaction is encouraged to not only learn from the instructor but also from peers, enhancing the social learning aspect of the course.

Join us in "Navigating Friendships: A Journey for Autistic Learners" for a comprehensive exploration into the art of making and maintaining friendships. This course promises a blend of knowledge, practical skills, and confidence-building activities, all designed to help you navigate the complexities of social interactions while forming meaningful connections. Let's embark on this exciting journey together!