Social skills form the foundation for positive interactions, healthy relationships, and confidence in classroom and other school settings.
Inner Circle ABA therapy emphasizes several key social and communication skills that help families prepare for a return or transition to school. In an era where education begins long before the first day of school, understanding the full range of skills that children need for school readiness is crucial. Inner Circle ABA therapy can help children develop the social, communication, motor, and academic skills necessary for success.
“By working with local schools to inform the school readiness component of our ABA therapy programs, parents can trust that their children are learning specific skills and behaviors focused on preparing them for success in traditional school environments,” said Sarah Varillas, BCBA, Inner Circle chief clinical officer.
6 Social Skills Inner Circle ABA Therapy Teaches for School Readiness
Sharing and Taking Turns
Learning to share and take turns is fundamental for cooperation and collaboration with peers. During group activities, children learn to wait their turn to speak or use a toy. For example, a child might learn to wait for their turn to speak during small group time or during a group activity. Sharing is vital for positive classroom interactions, and Inner Circle ABA therapy teaches this skill by creating situations where children can practice sharing, like sharing crayons or art supplies during an art activity.
Following Group Instructions
Following group instructions teaches children how to participate effectively in classroom activities. Inner Circle ABA therapists use techniques like modeling and prompting to encourage comprehension to help children follow group directions, such as lining up or transitioning between activities. For instance, a child might learn to line up quietly when the teacher calls for recess or to transition smoothly from playtime to story time.
Learning Social Cues
Understanding social cues is essential for positive interactions with teachers and classmates. Inner Circle ABA therapy focuses on teaching children to recognize and respond to facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. For example, a child might learn to recognize a teacher’s smile as a sign of approval or to interpret a classmate’s frown as a need for space. This awareness significantly improves their social interactions and fosters healthy friendships and confidence in the classroom.
Small Group Play
Small group play is a powerful method for teaching social skills in a play-based environment. Through activities like building blocks or role-playing games, children learn to cooperate, negotiate, and make friends through positive interactions. This setting mimics a classroom environment, making the transition to school smoother and more familiar. For instance, children might work together to build a tower of blocks, learning to share materials, take turns, and follow instructions together.
Preparing for Classroom Routines
Understanding classroom routines helps children transition smoothly between tasks and activities. Inner Circle ABA therapy with school readiness incorporates routines similar to those found in school settings, where children with autism can practice moving from task to task, remaining seated, and waiting in line. This also includes learning to navigate activities like cleaning up and putting school supplies or lunch away.
Understanding the Classroom
Teaching children the names of common classroom objects fosters independence and confidence in classroom settings, making traditional school environments feel more familiar and safe. Inner Circle ABA therapy incorporates activities that familiarize children with common classroom layouts and materials. For instance, children might learn to identify and use items like books, pencils, and art supplies.
While not a social skill itself, understanding a classroom environment and what to expect there fosters confidence and independence, two key components for successfully navigating and thriving in social situations with classmates and teachers.
School readiness with Inner Circle ABA therapy is focused on preparing children to thrive in a structured educational environment with confidence and as much independence as possible. By learning these social, communication, motor, and academic skills in environments similar to those they will see when they join their peers in school, children are better equipped and prepared for success when they step into a real classroom.
Learn more about Inner Circle’s approach to ABA therapy for school readiness.