Social Skills group

[Creole]

Anyone advice on this? My son's school believes he would benefit from this, he's 4 and a half and started reception 2 weeks ago. However, she believes he's not SEN but tends to get overexcited in the playground, talking constantly, interrupts the teacher in class etc.

Any advice please

Hi Creole, my ds's school has started a social group with a few childen, which is run by the actual teachers. It was initially organised by my ds's SALT. Do you think the school would be interested enough to set one up? I'm sure a SALT would be able to give tonnes of advice.

They can work very well, help 'younger' (for their age IYSWIM) to do things like take turns, listening when others talk etc. they can help to bridge children into the school setting.

My DS did it as he was only just 4 in reception and all the ones doing it also had slightly delayed speech and he really enjoyed it. All four of them got a certificate when they finished and he was actually quite sad.

I've seen fab materials for social skills groups, and a friend of ds1 benefited immensely from such a group.

If I were you I would jump at the chance.

Hi everyone and many thanks for your replies.

I was a bit anxious as I had no idea what it entails and although I'm going to have a word with the teacher I wanted to find out if people had experience of this.

My son has no speech problems and I have been told he is quite bright. I felt the reasons they gave were a bit flimsy - talks too much, interrupts and overexcitment in the playground - surely does not mean he lacks social skills.

bump

All the things you describe about your son's behaviour are very normal for a Reception Class, and I really don't think you should worry. 'Social skills' groups have been running for eternity in Reception classes, but have only recently been given a special name. As the other posters have said, the groups are hugely beneficial, and as a Reception teacher in a past life I would have included most of the children in some form or another. The activities will just be fun games which focus on speaking and listening skills to help children learn and concentrate, turn-taking, understanding others' feelings and behaving appropriately within a large group. All 4 year olds need input of this kind, and I would be glad that the teacher was doing it.

If you really are worried, then why not ask a bit more about what is involved, especially as you could then maybe follow up in some way at home. It's just about helping your son reach his potential in learning and socialising, and I think it is really positive. HTH

I have been trying to get my son's school to start one, but they are resisiting.