Core Skills Analysis
Social-Emotional Learning
Olivia took part in a social catch-up with a friend, with support from a support worker. Through the interaction, Olivia practised connecting with another person in a supported setting and experienced time spent maintaining a friendship. The session provided an opportunity to build familiarity with social interaction and to take part in a shared conversation or activity. This experience supported Olivia’s social participation and connection with a peer.
Communication and Language
During the catch-up, Olivia had an opportunity to communicate with a friend while a support worker provided support. The interaction offered practice in expressing ideas, attending to another person, and responding in a social exchange. Olivia also experienced how communication helps people share time and maintain a connection. These skills can support participation in everyday conversations and friendships.
Tips
Tips Keep building on Olivia’s positive social experience by inviting Olivia to help plan a future catch-up, such as choosing a shared activity or preparing a few conversation starters. Afterward, make a simple comic strip or journal entry about the visit, focusing on how people take turns and show interest in one another. Try role-playing friendly greetings and ways to continue a conversation, then practise them during a relaxed shared activity. These gentle, practical steps can make social learning meaningful and enjoyable.
Book Recommendations
- How to Be a Friend: A Guide to Making Friends and Keeping Them by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown: An illustrated guide that explores friendship, communication, and ways to be considerate of others.
- The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig: A story about inclusion and how small acts of kindness can help someone feel noticed and welcome.
- Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson: A thoughtful story that encourages reflection on kindness, choices, and relationships.
Try This Next
- Create a friendship-planning worksheet with spaces for choosing an activity, a place, and a conversation starter.
- Draw a three-panel comic showing a greeting, a shared conversation, and a friendly goodbye.
- Make conversation prompt cards with questions about favourite activities, interests, and shared experiences.