Teaching Social Skills: Strategies for Effective Social Skills Groups

As educators, we know that academics are only part of the equation for student success. Social skills—the ability to communicate effectively, regulate emotions, collaborate with peers, and navigate social situations—are just as crucial. For students who struggle with these skills, structured social skills groups can be a game-changer.

What Is a Social Skills Group?

A social skills group is a structured setting where students learn and practice essential social behaviors in a supportive, small-group environment. These groups are often led by teachers, counselors, or behavior specialists and provide direct instruction, modeling, role-playing, and guided practice.

Why Social Skills Groups Matter

Students with behavior challenges, autism, ADHD, anxiety, or other social
difficulties often struggle to make and maintain friendships. Social skills groups provide:

1. Expliciting instruction on skills like turn-taking, active listening, and conflict resolution.
2. Safe practice opportunities where students can role-play real-life scenarios.
3. Immediate feedback to help students refine their social interactions
4. A sense of belonging by connecting students with peers facing similar struggles.
   

5 Strategies for Running an Effective Social Skills Group

1. Make It Engaging: Students learn best when they’re having fun! Use games, role-playing, and hands-on activities to teach social concepts.

2. Use Real-Life Scenarios: Help students generalize their skills by practicing situations they actually encounter at school. Role-play how to join a game at recess, respond to teasing, or work in a group project.

3. Teach and Reinforce Key Skills: Some essential skills to focus on:

        •       Active listening :making eye contact, nodding, responding appropriately
        •       Following Directions : Teaching what is actually means
        •       Managing emotions :deep breathing, self-talk, asking for a break
        •       Problem-solving :resolving conflicts by thinking through different solutions before reacting

4. Encourage Peer Interaction: Social skills groups work best when students can practice with real peers. Pairstudents up for partner activities, group discussions, or structured playtime to reinforce skills.

5. Give Frequent Feedback & Praise: Positive Reinforcement: Catch students using their skills and reinforce their efforts with specific praise. Also use reward system like tickets or a sticker chart to encourage participation and keep students engaged. Token boards are also a great individualized positive reinforcement system to use!

Do you run a social skills group in your classroom? Share you favorite activities or topics in the comments!!