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SEN

Helping learn social skills - 6 year old

5 replies

LauraVonSlim · 24/05/2016 13:14

Sorry if this isn't the right place for this question as my son doesn't have SEN as such but I thought people might have good experience of helping develop social skills in children where it doesn't come naturally.

I had another meeting with my son's teacher today and she has flagged (again) the difficulties he is having with certain things:

  • respecting other's personal space (he's not usually aggressive but touches a lot, hugs and kisses when not wanted etc)
  • talking 'at' people, not being able to wait to speak, interrupting, asking the same questions endlessly until someone answers him without being able to just wait 2 minutes
  • showing any awareness that his actions effect other people


I'm sure a lot of this is normal 6 year old behaviour but I want to help him develop social skills if I can as he is finding it difficult to make friends.

Does anyone know of any good books/exercises/reading resources that I can use?

Thanks in advance.
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Kanga59 · 25/05/2016 22:04

I have found practising things at home a big help. so when my son is out in he world.on his own, he already has some tools

teach him to say excuse me and then wait for a reply before continuing to talk. so that he has your attention, otherwise you may not hear when he is saying.

lots of positive praise. well done for saying excuse me! well done for waiting for your turn. you are such a big boy!

help him to understand other children's feelings and point of view. how do you think Ben feels when you touch his face? I don't know. I think that might be scary for Ben. what else could you.do?

If he goes to hug someone, teach him to high 5 instead. its less invasive.right we have said hello now, shall we play?

he needs coping mechanisms and alternative behaviours

turn taking games at home will help him develop patience. especially if you drag your heels a.little before throwing the dice for example.

If he can't do it at home, he won't be able to out and about.

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LauraVonSlim · 26/05/2016 11:11

That's really helpful, thank you Kanga. Will try those things with him. We do do some of them already obviously but I think a consistent focus is needed.

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wobblywonderwoman · 17/06/2016 23:09

Visual supports are good and social stories are a great way to teach the rules of being a friend, reducing behaviours.

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bluebird3 · 18/06/2016 07:44

Look into Social Thinking. They have a website and lots of brilliant books on teaching social skills. A lot of speech therapists and counsellors use this but it doesn't have to be down by a professional...just someone willing to put in some reading and time.

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Holdthepenproperlypleeeease · 19/06/2016 16:23

Laura, my dd is similar, I am watching with interest, hoping fro some useful strategies. Thanks

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