What are social skills groups?

School counseling groups are formed based on student needs and participation is determined by teachers as well as parent referrals.  Social skills groups are small groups (typically two to five students) led by an adult who teaches the kids how to interact appropriately with others their age. They can help kids learn conversational, friendship. active learner and problem-solving skills. They can also be useful in teaching kids to control their emotions and understand other people’s perspectives.

Group meetings typically occur once a week.  A school psychologist and/or counselor might lead the social skills group in school. Groups might meet during lunch time (“lunch bunch”) or other times during the school day which will not interfere with important academic instruction.

How do social skills groups work?

The group facilitator leads kids through lessons to learn the skills needed to deal with whatever social challenge they’re facing. Most of these meetings include a chance for kids to role-play or practice social skills—and to get feedback on how they’re doing.

 Possible Groups:

Academic Learning Skills  

Behavioral and Organization Skills Group

Skills addressed include:

  • Listening
  • Asking for Help
  • Following Instructions
  • Bringing Materials to Class
  • Completing Assignments
  • Contributing to Classroom Discussions
  • Ignoring Distractions
  • Making Corrections
  • Accepting Consequences
  • Asking a Question 

Trapper Keepers
Organization and Academic Learning Group

Skills addressed include:

  • Identifying Key Components of a Good Study Area at Home
  • Taking Responsibility and Establishing Priorities
  • Desk Mapping and Backpack Organization
  • Using a Planner
  • Participation and Cooperation During Peer Group Work
  • Homework Completion and Test-taking Strategies
  • Setting and Tracking a SMART Goal
  • Review and Practice Skills for Learning (Focusing and Listening)

Problem Solving

 Coping skills and emotional management group for students 

Skills addressed include:

  • Steps in Problem Solving
  • What are My Anger Triggers
  • Self-Regulation: Brain over Body
  • Masking our Feelings
  • Dealing with Consequences
  • Fair Ways to Play – Solving Playground Problems
  • Dealing with Peer Pressure
  • Learning and practicing self-calming strategies (develop an individual coping plan)
  • Practice Positive Thinking, Practice using “I-messages” when upset
  • Handling Teasing and Maintaining Self-control at Home and School
  • Technology and Cyberbullying

Prosocial Skill

Social and Emotional Learning and Relationships

Skills addressed include:

  • Steps in Problem Solving
  • Knowing your feelings
  • Expressing feelings
  • Recognizing another’s feelings
  • Staying out of fights
  • Managing emotions
  • Relaxing, dealing with stress
  • Dealing with anxiety
  • Making friends
  • Empathy and respect
  • Accepting differences
  • Giving compliments
  • Making apologies