Social skills curriculum for kindergarten

KinderSocialSkills Curriculum

Thanks so much for stopping in!  As teachers we set goals and we do everything we can to CRUSH THEM.  Every year I set the goal: work on social skills.  It sounds EASY… so I can CRUSH this.  The year is off to a good start, you are taking your time to teach each routine step-by-step, going over every possible problem BEFORE it even happens so you can prep your kinders on how to attack the problem the correct way and then slowly “stuff” starts to take over and you back off this routine.  You know what I mean?  Stuff like data, assessment, schedules… and beyond that you just get into a routine… the kiddos ARE learning how things “run” in the classroom and for the most part they are completely amazing!  I mean let’s remember on day one when they didn’t know what criss-cross-applesauce was and now it’s a vocab word up there with chicken strips and macaroni and cheese.  However, things do happen… a shove here, a trip there, a yell over there, a “you’re not my friend” back there.  It happens.  New teachers and veteran teachers… it happens!  Our students come to us from all “walks of lives” and they have experienced different things.  They might have a lot of older brothers or come from a home where they are not told “no”… it happens and as a classroom teacher it is our goal to send those little youngsters out the door on the final day of school knowing right from wrong and being AWESOME CITIZENS.  We want them to treat ALL kids equal.  We want them to SHARE.  We want them be KIND.  We them to make FRIENDS.  We them to know that we all have weaknesses and strengths and that is OKAY.  As a teacher I struggled teaching these concepts.  I’m not sure if you could the word “uncomfortable” but I just didn’t know how to relay my message without seeming very direct and “Now listen here” haha!  I didn’t want it to be like that!

That is when I had the idea to create SOCIAL STORIES and use CHARACTERS…. animal characters at that – – Tom Cat and Tabby Cat could take that “uncomfortable-ness” from the situation and they could teach the skills by EXAMPLE.

What is KinderSocialSkills?

KinderSocialSkills Curriculum is an engaging social skills curriculum with young learners in mind! KinderSocialSkills takes 75 common social skills and teaches them in a kid-friendly way for students. The students are able to grow and develop by listening to the social stories. The social stories contain two main characters, Tom Cat and Tabby Cat. The two cats will take the students on adventures as they are introduced to the broad social skills context through both home and school settings.

What does the RESEARCH say about KinderSocialSkills?

Research shows us social skills are at times a bigger indicator for future success in life than academics (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2015). That statement is profound. A longitudinal study regarding kindergarten students and social skills was conducted by Drs. Damon Jones and Mark Greenberg, both professors at Pennsylvania State University, and Dr. Max Crowley, a professor from Duke University. The kindergarten students were tracked over a 20 year period and the results were astonishing. The predictions made in kindergarten based upon their social skills had a direct correlation with outcomes met in mid-adulthood and later adulthood. The study showed that utilizing social emotional health programs at a young age can help to improve these social skills. Furthermore, when students are given an opportunity to learn social skills, educators and parents are given the ability to notice those lacking these social skills and then set up immediate and intense interventions to correct this disconnect. The researchers believed that social skills are just as vital in the kindergarten classroom as academics.

What is the structure of KinderSocialSkills?

KinderSocialSkills consists of 75 two-day lesson plans. Day one is an introduction of the skill and a social story. Day two is a review of the skill and a hands-on approach to applying the skill. On the second day the students are also asked to deeply think and apply the skill to their own lives. On both days the students will interact with their peers through verbal discussions. The teacher will lead the initial conversation and then turn it over to the students for their opportunity to have collaborative peer discussion. KinderSocialSkills also includes a follow-up independent writing sheet for each skill. This is a way for the students to put the skill on paper and for parents to be connected with the skill of the day. There is a note at the bottom of each paper so parents can track the social skill and hopefully continue the discussion of that skill at home.

What is included in KinderSocialSkills?

– 150 social skill lessons (75 skills spanning over 2 days each) *day one is a social story and day two is follow-up)

– 75 follow-up student sheets (2 differentiated versions included for non-writers and writers)

– journal covers

You can decide to use the practice sheets “loose leaf” or bind them into a journal.

– notebook labels

You can also print the practice sheets in a smaller format and place them into the small composition notebooks.

What skills are included in KinderSocialSkills?

Story 1: Taking Turns
Story 2: Following directions
Story 3: Following rules
Story 4: Sharing
Story 5: Being a good friend
Story 6: Impulse control
Story 7: Voice volume
Story 8: Tattling
Story 9: Being first and last
Story 10: Interrupting
Story 11: Personal space
Story 12: Asking for help
Story 13: Apologizing
Story 14: Helping
Story 15: Praising others
Story 16: Good sportsmanship
Story 17: Patience
Story 18: Compromising
Story 19: Respecting others
Story 20: Eye contact
Story 21: Identifying feelings
Story 22: Expressing feelings
Story 23: Encouragement
Story 24: Complimenting
Story 25: Communicating clearly
Story 26: Expected behavior
Story 27: Think before you speak
Story 28: Peer pressure
Story 29: Problem solving
Story 30: Manners
Story 31: Being flexible
Story 32: Accepting “no”
Story 33: Accepting criticism
Story 34: Celebrating success
Story 35: Asking permission
Story 36: Participation
Story 37: Staying on task
Story 38: Using names
Story 39: Conflict resolution
Story 40: Cooperation
Story 41: Forgiving
Story 42: Reliability
Story 43:Trust
Story 44: Initiating a conversation
Story 45: Holding a conversation
Story 46: Ending a conversation
Story 47: Responsibility
Story 48: Respecting yourself
Story 49: Respect property
Story 50: Respect others
Story 51: Respect authority
Story 52: Facial expressions
Story 53: Body language
Story 54: Honesty
Story 55: Perseverance
Story 56: Making mistakes
Story 57: Best effort
Story 58: Avoiding conflicts
Story 59: Accepting differences
Story 60: Confidence
Story 61: Actions impacting others
Story 62: Self-esteem
Story 63: Being bossy
Story 64: Being positive
Story 65: Calming down
Story 66: Making decisions
Story 67: Knowing strengths
Story 68: Knowing weaknesses
Story 69: Multiple friends
Story 70: Gratitude
Story 71: Sore loser
Story 72: Control
Story 73: Guilt
Story 74: Giving Criticism
Story 75: Separation

*Please note that the stories may be used in any order you choose!

Ah, I love this but I teach PreK/First/Sped?

You will notice that this packet is marked as Pre-K, Kindergarten and First Grade! This is not something I do often or lightly! I find it very frustrating to purchase a packet and it not be grade level appropriate. I have included two differentiated versions to all practice sheets. These two versions work for non-writers (coloring) and writers (writing 3-4 simple sentences). Please note that NO student materials and NO teacher materials have the “KINDER” name on them so you do not have to worry about this! As teachers we are the only ones to ultimately make the decision as to know if it will work for our kids, if I can help with this decision please let me know! Please note that I have included alternate covers.

View the packet by clicking below!

8 Skills for Kindergarten Success

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Kindergarten is a big transition for kids! The expectations are new, and some of the social interactions are new, especially for students who didn’t attend pre-Kindergarten programs. We want kids to share, take turns, make transitions, and so much more (all while learning new academic concepts as well). To help kids make the transition, we practice these 8 Kindergarten social skills that contribute to school and social success!

1 – Sharing

This Kindergarten social skill probably seems like a given, but it’s so important for Kindergarten success! Students spend a lot of time in free play with their peers and working alongside one another. Sharing toys and sharing materials is a must. Click here to read more about a sharing activity I do in my social skills group.

2 – Taking Turns

Taking turns goes hand in hand with sharing, but there’s a distinct difference that many incoming Kindergarteners don’t know just yet. When we’re sharing, we have common materials that are available to everyone at the same time. For example, students might be sharing a box of Legos while they all build independently or together.

When we’re taking turns, one person is using an item or items while another person waits. For example, students might take turns using the swing. Or they might take turns reading a particular book. This is when students might need specific instruction on waiting strategies while they wait for their turn!

3 – Accepting No

Newsflash: sometimes kids will hear no, especially at school. Sometimes, they might ask for a turn with something and someone might say no. Or they may want to do something in the classroom and hear a no from a teacher. Accepting no is another important Kindergarten social skill! We can teach kids calming strategies to use in the moment when they experience disappointment, frustration, or anger over a no answer.

4 – Listening & Following Directions

Listening and following directions are huge skills for not just Kindergarten success, but school success as a whole – and we end up teaching this way beyond Kindergarten sometimes! First, we teach kids what listening actually looks and feels like in their bodies. Eyes on the speaker, body still, mouth closed, hands empty, and ears ready to listen. Our bodies feel calm, open, and in anticipation!

Of course, listening has to come before following directions! And lots of directions will be coming to them. Some of our students may need a little extra instruction & practice following one-, two- and multi-step directions that they will undoubtedly receive in the classroom.

5 – Following Rules

Following rules probably also seems like a given, but this doesn’t just apply to school rules. Kids will have the freedom to play with one another during recess. Following game and social rules will be a learning experience for many Kindergarteners, and they may need explicit instruction in social rules. We practice this by playing games, changing rules to familiar games, and talking about how we feel when others don’t follow the rules.

6 – Stating Needs

Need some personal space? Ask for it with words. Need help? Let an adult know. That phrase “use your words,” comes up a lot in Kindergarten, but sometimes our newest students need explicit instruction in this because they don’t have the words yet. Practicing asking for a break, some space, or help is big for Kindergarten success!

7 – Transitioning Activities

It’s hard to stop doing something we enjoy and move on to something else – even for some adults! We can help students tune in to transition signals like teacher reminders, visual calendars, and timers so that they aren’t surprised by transitions. And when it is hard to move on, we can use some of those calming strategies we use to deal with no responses too.

8 – Being Flexible

Not getting what we want is hard. But being able to accept alternatives, roll with changes, and accept mistakes are all important Kindergarten social skills! Setting up an accepting and safe classroom environment where upcoming changes are communicated and mistakes are welcomed is key!

What other Kindergarten social skills do you focus on during the first semester? What are your favorite games to teach these skills? Get my Kindergarten Social Skills Curriculum here.

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Social skills of preschoolers - the development of social skills in children

The development of social skills is a necessary point of education. A child with a high degree of socialization will quickly get used to kindergarten, school, any new team; in the future will easily find a job. Social skills have a positive effect on interpersonal relationships - friendship, the ability to cooperate.

Let's figure out what social skills are.

What are social skills and why develop them?

Social skills - a group of skills, abilities that are formed during the interaction of a person with society and affect the quality of communication with people.

Man is a social being: all our talents and aspirations are realized thanks to other members of the group. Others evaluate our actions, approve or condemn our behavior. It is difficult to reach the pinnacle of self-actualization alone.

That is why social skills are important. They should be developed from early childhood and honed throughout life.

Social skills are a reflection of the child's emotional intelligence, to which educators and teachers assign an important role in the process of personality development. Without this group of skills, a smart child will not be able to apply the acquired knowledge in practice: it is not enough to create something outstanding, you need to be able to correctly convey thoughts to the public.

Sometimes people mistakenly believe that social skills relate exclusively to the topic of communication, communication. In fact, skills include many multidirectional aspects: an adequate perception of one's own individuality, the ability to empathize, work in a team, etc.

Why do we need social skills?

1. Regulate the area of ​​interpersonal relationships: the child easily makes new friends, finds like-minded people.
2. Minimize psychological stress: children with developed social skills quickly adapt, do not feel sad due to changes in external circumstances.
3. They form an adequate self-esteem from childhood, which positively affects life achievements and development in adulthood.
4. Social skills cannot be separated from building a successful career: the best specialists must not only understand the profession, but also have high emotional intelligence.

Development of social skills in a child

Social skills need to be developed from preschool age, but older children and even teenagers may well learn to interact with the world.

It is recommended to pay attention to areas of life that bring discomfort to the child, significantly complicate everyday life.

1. Friends, interesting interlocutors: the kid does not know how to join the team, he prefers to sit in the corner while the others play.
2. Verbal difficulties. The child does not understand the rules of conversation, is poorly versed in the formulas of etiquette (when you need to say hello, say goodbye, offer help).
3. Problems with the non-verbal side of communication. Such a baby does not recognize the shades of emotions, it is difficult to understand how others relate to him. Cannot "read" faces and gestures.
4. Does not know the measure in expressing a point of view: too passive or, conversely, aggressive.
5. The child bullies classmates (participates in bullying) or is a victim.

In case of severe moral trauma, one should consult a psychologist: for example, school bullying is a complex problem that children are not able to cope with on their own. The involvement of parents and teachers is required.

In other cases, family members may well be able to help the child develop social skills.

What are the general recommendations?

1. Be patient

Don't push your child to get the job done. Let them take the initiative: for example, do not rush to help during school gatherings, let the baby work on the problem on his own. The same goes for lessons and other activities.

2. Support undertakings

Children's dreams seem trifling to adults, but the initiative turns into a habit over the years and helps to discover new projects, meet people, and experiment.

3. Criticize the right way

When making negative comments, remember the golden rule of criticism: analyze the work, highlighting both positive and negative sides in a polite way. Commenting on the specific actions of the child, and not his personality or appearance - this will lead to problems with self-esteem.

4. The right to choose

It is important for children to feel that their voice is taken into account and influences the course of events. Invite your child to personally choose clothes, books, cartoons. Ask about ideas, plans: “We are going to have a rest together at the weekend. What are your suggestions?

5. Personal space

Make sure that the baby has a place where he can be alone and take a break from talking. Personal things should not be touched: rearrange without prior discussion, read correspondence with friends, check pockets, etc.

Children, noticing the respectful attitude of adults, quickly begin to pay in the same coin; the atmosphere in the family becomes warm and trusting.

What social skills should be developed in a child?

Let's dwell on the main qualities and skills, the development of which is worth paying attention to.

1. The ability to ask, accept and provide help

Without the ability to ask for help, the child will deprive himself of valuable advice; the lack of the ability to accept help will lead to losses, and the inability to provide help will make the baby self-centered.

• Let the child help those in need: for example, a lagging classmate.
• Explain to your child that getting help from friends and teachers is not a shame.
• Show by personal example that mutual help enriches experience: tell how you exchange advice with colleagues, friends.

2. The ability to conduct a conversation and get the right information

Being a good conversationalist is difficult, but the skill is honed over time and brings a lot of benefits.

• Prompt your child for dialogue development options: for example, you can start a conversation with a relevant question, a request for help.
• Do not leave the child in the role of a silent listener: when discussing pressing issues at home, ask the opinion of the baby.
• Support children's public speaking: presentations at school, performances, funny stories surrounded by loved ones will add confidence.

3. Empathy

Empathy is the ability to recognize the emotions of others, put yourself in the place of another person, empathize.

This ability will make the child humane, prudent. How can it be developed?

• Start by recognizing the child's feelings - it is useless to listen to people if the person does not feel personal experiences. Ask your baby: “How do you feel after a quarrel with friends?”, “Do you want to relax today?”
• After conflicts with classmates, ask your child how the children with whom the quarrel may feel now.
• While watching cartoons, reading books, pay your child's attention to the emotional state of the characters.

4. Ability to work in a team

Many children can easily cope with tasks alone, but this is not a reason to refuse to work in a team. It gives the opportunity to exchange ideas and experience, delegate tasks, achieve goals faster and more efficiently.

• If the child does not communicate with members of the team, try to introduce him to another social group: for example, the lack of communication with classmates can be compensated by a circle of interests, where the child will feel calmer.
• Make the family a friendly team in which the child has his own "duties": for example, do housework, remind parents of upcoming events. Any activity related to the well-being of other family members will do.

5. Respect for personal boundaries

The absence of an obsessive desire to interfere in other people's lives is a valuable skill that helps to win people's sympathy.

• Respect the child's personal boundaries: do not enter the nursery unannounced, do not rummage through personal belongings and correspondence, if the matter does not concern the life and safety of the baby.
• If the child violates other people's boundaries (takes toys without permission, asks uncomfortable questions), talk about it in private.

6. Ability to overcome conflict situations

It is difficult to imagine our life without conflicts. The task of the child is to learn how to culturally enter into a discussion, defend his point of view, and not be led by the provocations of his interlocutors.

• Discuss problems that arise calmly, without raising your voice. Do not put pressure on the child with parental authority unnecessarily: the child is a separate person who has the right to an opinion.
• Do not judge people for views that differ from those of your family but do not affect your well-being. Show your child that the world is very different.
• You can demonstrate to children the basics of a civilized dispute, explain what arguments are, etc. It is advisable to teach this child in kindergarten.

7. Self-confidence

Stable and adequate self-esteem is a quality that not all adults possess.

It is formed under the influence of many factors: relationships between parents, the role of the child in the family circle, the characteristics of the environment that surrounded the child in early childhood.

It is important that the child does not grow up to be either a narcissistic narcissist with fragile self-esteem, or an overly shy person. How can you help your child find balance?

• Praise your child for personal progress: to receive a compliment from parents, it is not necessary to win prizes in school competitions. The zeal of the baby, the interest shown and the stamina also deserve praise.
• Explain, remind the children that initially they are worthy of respect and love, like all people around.

Social skills will help in many areas of life: in studies, hobbies, friendships, building a reputation in a team. The main thing is to encourage and support children at all stages.

Emotional intelligence for children

We introduce children to the types of emotions, how to manage them and how to show themselves in teamwork, through situational games

learn more

Psychological and pedagogical conditions for the formation of social skills in young children

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