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Age group(s) for which this activity is appropriate:
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School
Middle School
High School & Beyond
Describe the activity:
Play a videotape of a sit-com or comedy on the VCR. After playing a segment, stop the tape and ask your child to predict what a character will say or do next. You can do this with the sound on or off to tap a different set of skills. You can also ask your child to say what the character will say, express the feeling that a character may have, or act out the next scene. Then run the tape and see what really happens. Resist the temptation to overdo this game or teach too much. It's summer, remember?
If you have access to a videocamera or even a tape recorder, your kids can visit a neighbor's house and interview them. You can type up a list of questions first, or have your child generate the questions. Using the camcorder or the tape recorder all by themselves can be very motivating for some kids, especially younger ones. If your child is shy about doing this, have her record people as they are asked to act out a scenario for a group of kids. For example, the kids might ask a shopkeeper to pretend to "shoo" some rowdy kids out of the store. At home, you can replay the tape and see what kids think of the portrayals. This will provide fun practice in reading social cues or non-verbal messages, as well as bring your child (who's now the "cool cameraman") together with a group of kids. You'll also be able to monitor social activity, intervening or giving suggestions as necessary.
Have kids write and produce a "garage play," and perform it for the other kids and adults in the neighborhood. There can be a role for everyone. Kids can make and sell tickets, design props, rig the curtains, write, act, sing, record the show, etc. Each of these activities involves some kind of social interaction which you, as an adult, can monitor. Then you're in a position to offer guidance or suggestions to kids who have difficulty.
Consider setting up a "Manners School" for younger children. A couple of willing high-school kids can teach your child and his friends how to set a table, introduce other people, be assertive, etc. Using role play and art and music activities, such as writing poems or composing songs about friendships or social interactions, can be very engaging. Young kids, as well as big kids who need social-skill development, can benefit from this activity, whether they're the "students" or the "teachers."
What is the benefit to a child with learning problems?
Every time a child with social problems gets to act out a new social activity, or even to watch others enact the activity, increases the likelihood that he will model this behavior in his own life.
By Jerome J. Schultz, Ph.D.
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Pregnancy
Activity Rating
