As a homeschooler, it is super simple to provide your child with many opportunities to practice social skills. These 5 common situations are safe locations where you can watch and supervise them interact with others. As you go about your regular weekly activities you will be presented occasions for your kids to practice their social skills.
Says no homeschool mother – ever.
Chances are your children already have some social skills – they interact with you, siblings, and other family members. Even so, you may want to expand their social network and improve their social skills. The obvious places where children can practice social skills include play dates, sports, extra-curricular activities, and academic learning groups.
Small talk seems to be a dying art, yet people appreciate a child who can respond to them in a friendly, respectful manner. Eye contact, clear speech, correct volume, and a respectful manner take time to learn and master. Focus on one point at a time. Allow them to learn at their own pace however, from time to time, a gentle push may be necessary to push past boundaries. I loved watching their personalities emerge as they gained confidence in interacting with others.
5 everyday social situations where your child can safely practice their social skills
1: The Library
If you are a home educator you probably value your local library. Don’t miss the opportunity for your children to interact with your librarian. While learning how to use the electronic catalogue is a worthwhile skill, so is speaking with the librarian. Questions to ask include asking for books on a particular subject, asking for holds to be placed, and asking for recommendations based on which authors they enjoy. Your librarian has a wealth of knowledge and can make recommendations on resources you may not have considered. They are aware of age appropriateness. We discovered many novels simply by asking for suggestions based on authors and series we enjoyed.
2: The Cafeteria
I love my coffee time, so while my boys were young I had to turn this into a learning opportunity. If your child is capable, have them place their own order. This is a quick interaction associated with a positive outcome. In the case of my shy child, there were a few times where a gentle push was necessary, ie, if they did not ask themselves, I would not buy. Once my child was comfortable with placing their own order the next stage was to have them approach the counter (with me watching at all times, of course). I would “forget” to pick up a napkin, sugar, or teaspoon. This led to me having the child approach the counter to ask for it. This is particularly good for shy kids. If you frequent the same cafeteria you will most likely build a relationship where over time conversations will flow.
3: The Supermarket / Store
Shopping is a great opportunity for social skill practice, however only do this if you are not in a rush. Your child can practice saying “Hello”‘ and maybe a bot more of a conversation will begin. Be prepared for the usual question of, “Do you have the day off school today?”, so come prepared. Children can also ask staff questions like: “Do you have……..?”, “Where can I find……..?”, How much does…………cost?”. If it is an item the child wants, all the better.
4: Sport’s Coach or Instructor
Your child probably enjoys participating in extra-curricular activities, especially if it includes children of similar ages. However, don’t miss the opportunity for your child to practice their social skills with their coach. In the first instance a simple, “Hello”, and/or “Thank you, goodbye” suffice. Over time try to develop this into a more meaningful conversation, such as: “How was your weekend?”, How did I go?”, “What is one area I need to focus on to achieve…………..?”. Not only will this help your child improve their social skills, but most coaches will want to help children who show genuine interest in the class.
5: Tourist Information Centre
While you may not visit information centres as regularly as the first 4 locations, they do hold opportunities for kids to practice social skills. Visiting a shopping centre, your child can ask for the location of the bathroom, a particular shop, a child-friendly coffee shop (because mummy has been shopping with me all day and really needs a coffee). On holiday or road trips visit the town Information Centre as ask away. At the very least they can ask for the location of a park with a playground.
Practice Social Skills – play it safe and take it slow.
To help our children practice social skills, it is up to us to create opportunities for them. As soon as they can speak, they are ready to interact. Of course, clear boundaries are necessary and never let your children out of sight or earshot. The benefit of home education is that we are always with our children and aware of what is happening.
Praise your child for the effort they put in and the improvements they make. When they receive a positive response be sure to tell them why. Starting from a young age, everyday situations can be used to build confidence by providing short interactions to practice social skills.
The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is the knack of getting along with people.
Theodore Roosevelt
Unfortunately, not all encounters are positive. This too is another life skill to learn. Be ready to step in if necessary. While it can be unsettling to your child, 2 positive teachable moments are presented. Firstly, conversations can open to discuss empathy and compassion as we do not know what the other person is going through. And secondly, the thread of trust between you and your child build as you show your child you are their advocate or hero. Rest assured that this trust that you build in the small moments are what you will come to rely upon in the teenage years.
Once you adopt the mindset of looking for teachable moments, you will identify opportunities everywhere. If you have other situations where children can practice social skills, please share.
This post shares my experience and opinions only and is not professional advice. Please make your own decisions on what is right for your child and family given your individual circumstances.
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