NCJ Number
150929
Date Published
1994
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article describes the development and implementation of a Canadian in-school program designed to help children develop social skills that will prevent and eliminate aggressive and violent behavior.
Abstract
The plan to enhance social skills with primary students was provided through an intensive in-school 2-year training program in a North York elementary and middle school. The program was modeled after Friendship Village, an existing after-school program offered by North York General Hospital's Child Development and Counselling Service. Four teachers received instruction for 15 weeks. Working with a group of 12 selected students, during each 15-week series the teacher-trainee gradually became a co-leader. At the conclusion of the training, the teacher became the trainer of the next teacher-trainee. Through the training of the four teachers over 2 years the school assumed ownership of the program. For students the goal of the program is to enhance their self-esteem, develop effective peer skills, gain an awareness of group decisionmaking skills, develop social problemsolving strategies, and promote positive interaction with adults. The goal for teachers was to develop skills and strategies for increasing insights and awareness of student relationships with each other, while providing experiences to foster the implementation of skills to strengthen these relationships. This article discusses the program's assumptions, the social skills taught, the principles of early intervention, the teachers' use of sample language, and how to manage behavior. The five steps in class discussion are also reviewed, as are activities and games to strengthen positive social skills. 6 references