In order for children to make friends they need to learn the routines of their peer group. In order to do this children benefit from learning how the social world operates and how they fit into it in order to be accepted. Children who are able to gain access to play will develop strategies to enter into social play opportunities. Schools play a role in helping children learn these type of skills in the preschool years where children are allowed play time and teachers and parents communicate about socialization moreso than in later years. In elementary school academic concerns become more of a priority over socialization. Research has demonstrated that friendship can help children transition into school. Friendship has also been found in studies to impact children’s positive outlook about school.
The impact of social skills does not only impact children’s peers, but their teachers as well. Students who do not meet the expectations of their teachers in terms of social behavior have higher rates of disciplinary actions. Teachers’ value cooperation and self-regulation as areas linked to success in the school environment. But these skills are not taught in most schools, nor are they discussed with students as an expectation.
Social skills programs can help students learn and practice how to work with others and make friends. Group members practice using social skills in a group and then practice doing “social skills homework” which encourages using their skills in their natural environment like school, clubs, or at home. The group member is expected to practice using their new skills independently and report the outcome back in the group where they are given verbal praise and positive reinforcement. Social skills groups use praise, attention, and positive feedback to encourage new behaviors in different settings. If a child is praised for their behavior they are more likely to repeat the behavior. Students needs the opportunity to practice skills in the natural environment.
Learning and using social skills comes easy to some and is difficult for others. A social skills group can help a student learn and use skills and employs methods to encourage use of the skills in the natural environment to increase social competency. If you find your child lacking in skills it is good to talk to a professional about training and improving in this area. Speech language Pathologists, psychologists, and social works are common professionals that provide training in social skills.