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A READY-TO-USE, REPRODUCIBLE ACTIVITY BOOK vii
Introduction
Some children seem to be socially adept from birth, while others
struggle with various challenges of social acceptance. Some
children make friends easily; others are loners. Some children have
self-control, and others have quick tempers. Some are natural
leaders, while others are withdrawn.
Many aspects of social development seem to be an innate part of
a child’s temperament, but we also know that the environment can
play an important part in shaping a child’s social development. In
the last ten years, psychologists have become increasingly aware
that social skills can, and should, be taught. Many studies have
shown that shy children can become more outgoing, aggressive
children can learn self-control, and children who tend to be social
isolates can be taught how to make friends.
There is no question that children with better social skills have a
significant advantage in life. They not only experience the rewards
of positive relationships, but they do better in school, have a better
self-image, and in general, are much more resilient as they face
life’s inevitable challenges.
This book is designed to teach social skills to many different types
of children, particularly those with social problems. Often labeled as
having a social skills deficit, these children may be considered
aggressive, socially isolated, or shy. The underlying concept is that
to proceed through the expected stages of their social
development, children should posses all the skills addressed by this
book. Written for use by groups of children, such as a classroom or
a counseling group, the activities are intended to help children in
every aspect of their social development, as they relate their peers,
their parents and their teachers. While many activities can be used
with just one child, it is hard to argue with the concept that social
skills are best learned in a social environment.