3 STEPS TO TEACHING SOCIAL SKILLS
Powerful You Primary
26 A-Z Social Skill Lessons for K-1
As a classroom teacher (30 years ago) I used the TPA model.
Teach - Practice - Apply
I also used this model during parenting my two children.
TEACH In the beginning I did everything for them. I did a lot of telling and showing - (model-model-model).
PRACTICE To loosen the reigns, we practiced together the new skill (role-play).
APPLY And then I closed my eyes and hoped they would apply these life skills to their daily life. Often I would reteach (and model) a skill such as putting a dirty dish in the dishwasher.
I continue to use these steps when using Powerful You with children.
TEACH
· SIMPLIFY - Choose one social skill or A-Z Powerful You lesson.
· READ & SHOW – Read one short Powerful You story and show the educator card & classroom sign.
· MODEL - Say the self-talk out loud and then in your head.
· BE VULNERABLE – Share your story.
2. PRACTICE
· BREATHE – Practice this with every lesson.
· STRETCH – Allow movement to help open the lines of communication.
· TURN AND TALK (or journal) – Encourage open conversations and self-awareness.
· ROLE-PLAY - Give opportunity for students to role-play or act out handling difficult emotions/situations.
· MEMORIZE – Request that students memorize the A-Z Self-talk from Powerful You. They will apply it during difficulty.
3. APPLY
· TRUST – Believe in them.
· RETEACH – Take the time to discuss previous lessons and share coping strategies that worked and did not work. Did anyone breathe during stress? Did anyone use the self-talk during struggles? What has worked for you?
· CELEBRATE - Enjoy the journey of learning.