Interpersonal Skills 4

Social Skills

Evidence-Based Strategies for Building Social Skills

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Modeling

Demonstrating the expected social behavior so students can observe and learn from the example.

• Greeting a student using eye contact and a friendly tone to show what an appropriate greeting looks like.

Role-Playing

Allowing students to practice social behaviors in structured scenarios.

• Acting out how to handle disagreements and state personal opinions respectfully.

Social Stories and Narratives

Sharing short, personalized stories that teach expected behaviors in specific situations.

• Reading a story that explains the process of how to introduce oneself to a new friend on the playground.

Video Modeling

Showing videos of others (or of the students themselves) demonstrating correct social behaviors.

• Watching a video of peers resolving a conflict appropriately before practicing the steps.

Positive Reinforcement

Providing rewards or encouragement to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior occurring again.

• Offering a reward, such as additional free time, when a student correctly follows classroom procedures to complete a task.

Scaffolding

Giving cues and support to help students perform a skill, then gradually reducing support as they become more independent.

• Prompting a student to ask to join a group, then gradually reducing the prompt until they can ask independently.

Behavior-Specific Praise

Giving clear, explicit praise that identifies the exact behavior the student performed well.

• Acknowledging how a student raised their hand and waited for their turn to speak.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Developmental disorder affecting communication and behavior.

Social Skills Supports

• structured lunch groups

• collaborative learning activities with defined roles

• social stories with guided discussions 

• modeling appropriate behavior

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impulsivity.

Social Skills Supports

• task-oriented group projects 

• social lessons emphasizing listening skills 

• participation in organized social groups

Social Communication Disorder

Difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication.

Social Skills Supports

• role-playing exercises

• target explicit social skill goals in instruction

• group discussions on effective communication strategies

***Consider the student's current social behavior and the desired social skill when choosing the best strategy.