Social Language Training: Elementary Book

Ages: 6–11
Grades: 1–6

Here is a developmental, evidence-based program for social language skills. This program is based on the results of the Social Language Development Test–Elementary, research, and practical experience.

Students learn to recognize, understand, and successfully deal with positive and negative social situations.  Units of the book are arranged in order of general skill complexity and development.  Specific skills addressed include:

Interpretation of facial expressions, gestures, and nonverbal language

• compare and contrast facial expressions
• interpret facial expressions and gestures appropriately  
• understand the vocabulary for describing and interpreting emotions

Making inferences   

• pay attention to relevant details and ignore irrelevant ones
• use context, body language, and other clues to make reasonable inferences

Problem solving

• identify problems
• predict the consequences and choose the best solution
• evaluate the results

Multiple interpretations 

• observe details
• differentiate important from unimportant details
• use logic

Friendship  

• think about how others might feel
• understand how friends act toward each other 
• handle difficult social situations appropriately
• support friends and preserve friendships

Respecting others 

• how to show respect to peers, siblings, and adults

Interpersonal negotiation

• identify the qualities of a good friend 
• disagree tactfully
• seek mutual resolutions to problems;
• use persuasion effectively

Reading between the lines

• interpret nonverbal communcation, sarcasm, and tone of voice
• the use of vague communication

Students focus on specific social language skills while using the activity sheets for discussion; sharing related personal experiences; and scripting, if necessary.  Scene illustrations segue into role-playing.  The need for writing is minimal.

Social Language Training Elementary incorporates these principles and is also based on expert professional practice.

To see more of this product's contents:

• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Sample Pages
• References
• About the Authors

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