Welcome back, Knights! Term 1 was a whirlwind of social skill development, and we’re excited to dive into Term 2 with more engaging activities. This term, we are continuing to focus on strengthening those crucial executive functions: Self-Monitoring and Inhibition. Remember, these skills are all about being aware of ourselves and our actions in different social situations.
Building Sensory Superpowers:
This term, we are exploring the fascinating world of sensory processing! We are learning how everyone experiences the world a little differently, and how some situations might feel overwhelming for some, while others might crave more stimulation.
- Sensory Detectives: Through fun experiments, we’ll discover how we seek and avoid sensory input.
- Finding the “Just Right” Zone: We’ll explore tools and strategies to help us regulate our senses and feel comfortable in different environments.
The Power of Words:
Communication is a cornerstone of social interaction! Term 2 will focus on using our words effectively:
- Validation vs Invalidation: We’ll learn the difference between validating someone’s feelings and trying to fix their problems. Knowing how to respond with empathy and support is key!
- Sizing Up Our Reactions: Sometimes, our reactions might not match the size of the problem. We’ll practise techniques to keep our responses calm and collected.
Learning Through Sharing:
Active listening and responding to narratives are essential social skills. We’ll be honing these through:
- Interactive Discussions: Both small and large group discussions will allow us to practise listening attentively and sharing our perspectives.
- Charting Our Course: Visual aids like charts can be powerful tools for understanding ourselves and others. We’ll use them to explore different topics throughout the term.
Building a Strong Foundation:
Just like last term, some important reminders will be revisited:
- Safety First: We’ll continue to prioritise everyone’s safety and develop our recognition of the 5 levels of behaviour.
- Conflict Resolution Champs: We’ll explore different approaches to conflict resolution, learning how to handle disagreements constructively.
- Positive Risk-Taking: Stepping outside our comfort zone can be incredibly rewarding. We’ll continue to encourage positive risk-taking in a safe and supportive environment.
A Message from the Knights:
We’re excited to embark on this social skills adventure with you all! Remember, social skills take practice, so keep participating, keep learning, and most importantly, keep having fun!
