10.5 Teaching and Supporting Social Behaviors

Children are born wanting social interaction. They watch how family and others connect with them. They watch and listen closely to facial expressions and tone of voice. Through these interactions and observations babies develop the foundation for appropriate behavior based on what they see (Committee on the Science of Children et al., 2015).

Social rules help to guide us in our interactions with others. Many children have a hard time recognizing these rules. It takes time and practice to learn.

Thomas McIntyre (2006) wrote these suggestions in his “Teaching Social Skills to Kids Who Don’t Yet Have Them” article:

1. Teach “belly breathing” as a calming technique. Take a deep breath in and count slowly blowing air out. The first photo in this chapter shows a child blowing bubbles, a strategy that is also highly effective here, as a child must take a deep breath to blow bubbles. You might also use the strategy of “smell the flower and blow out the candle” for a visual image and use a silk flower and unlit birthday candle for props.
2. Include a calm corner (not the book area/library) in your classroom. Include soft toys, pillows and emotion posters and materials.
3. Teach social skills (making friends and getting along with others) and incorporate social stories regularly in your ongoing curriculum. Social stories help teach children routines, expectations, and behavioral standards in an alternative way. Search online for “social stories” for more information.
4. Teach children how to identify their emotions and label feelings with them. Use photos and prompts and keep materials about emotions available in the classroom.
5. Ensure you integrate plenty of movement activities throughout the day.
6. Include many opportunities for sensory play, including sand and water.
7. Model the social behaviors you want to see from the children.