2nd Steps Social Skills

The first graders have started a new unit in Social Skills:  PROBLEM SOLVING

Research has shown that students with stronger problem-solving skills are more likely to be academically successful, socially adjusted, less impulsive, and less aggressive.  However, they may need coaching and practice on how to handle certain situations.  

When people have strong feelings, they sometimes don't think clearly.  

There are 3 important steps the students are learning:  

1. Before tackling the situation that is making them feel so mad or frustrated, they need to CALM DOWN, something we have practiced for several months.

2. Use words to SAY what the problem is.

3. THINK of lots of solutions.

(The "S" in "say" and "T" in "think" help begin to spell the word "STEP" which the 1st graders will soon investigate further.)

Some books have wonderful scenarios that children can relate to, especially regarding friendships:  Frog and Toad, Little Bear, George and Martha, the Arthur series, Franklin, Froggy, and much more!

Here are some scenarios your child can practice, but they should always remember to calm down first.  Then SAY the problem and THINK of solutions.

• You and a friend want to sit in the same spot in the cafeteria
• You and a friend arrive at the beginning of the line at the very same time
• A friend forgets they were going to play a game with you at recess
• A classmate stepped on your new crayon and broke it
• A classmate's plant is growing quicker than yours is

*Think of how we figure out math problems and other academic areas.  We need to say the problem and think of solutions, so we learn more and feel better about figuring it out!  We can apply this to many areas of our lives.