Social Skills Training

SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING:

A Parent’s Guide to Understanding and Reinforcing the “Stop & Think”  Program Used In School

Information from M. Denise Bishop

         Stop and Think is a five step problem-solving process used to help students make good decisions and master social skills important in the school environment. The process provides clear expectations and consequences for school conduct, such as walking properly down the halls, listening, asking for help, complying with requests, and contributing to discussions. Parents are encouraged to reinforce the Stop and Think process at home when their children are faced with difficult decisions.

What is Social Skills Training?

         *It is a strategy for actively teaching children and adolescents the skills we expect them to demonstrate in the social environment.

         *It is an educational program embedded in a problem-solving model that prepares students to deal competently with challenging situations.

         *It is a program based on an accountability model that teaches students to accept responsibility for their choices they make.

         *It is a program to reduce power struggles and increase positive communication among children, adolescents, parents and teachers.

Steps to the Problem-solving Process:

1.    Stop and Think

     Stop, take a deep breath and think about how you are feeling and what you need to decide.

2.  Good Choice or Bad Choice?

Decide if you want to make a good choice (one that respects others, property, and yourself) or a bad choice.

Remember, the more good choices you make the happier you will be.

3.  What are my choices?

     Brainstorm a few ideas about how you can solve this problem.

4.    Just Do It!

       Pick the best and most helpful idea. 

5.    Say, “Good job!”

Ask yourself, “How did I do?” “Did I solve my problem?” If so, pat yourself on the back.

How to Teach a Skill:

         *Modeling: Determine what the behavior is you would like to see (replacement behavior) and demonstrate it.

         *Role-play: Give your child an opportunity to practice the new behavior while you are there to give support and guidance.

         *Performance feedback: Help your child understand the impact of his or her behavioral choice. Did it solve the problem?

         *Transfer of training: Can your son or daughter engage in the appropriate behavior without your supervision? How can you ensure this will happen?