Best practice tips for social skills

Best practice tips are strategies that have been evaluated in other settings, target a relevant factor (such as a teaching style that lowers student anxiety), or is considered best practice by experts in the field.

Encourage everyone to participate

Come up with activities that get everyone involved. For example, avoid games where students get eliminated. Similarly, consider picking teams or partners so students aren’t picked last.

Set clear social expectations

Students who find social skills challenging may be left out by other students. Setting clear expectations for the class about how to treat each other may help. Consider establishing a clear system to manage any exclusion, teasing or bullying.

Find more helpful resources on the Anti-Bullying page.

Access stories about social skills

Consider reading stories that show or talk about how to act in different social situations. Access our school stories - what is bullying and what to do about it and what is cyberbullying.