Teens – Social Skills Strategy Workbook

47 social skills activities to help prepare teenagers for the modern world

Social skills constitute more than a time-honoured list of modern manners; they are ways to thrive in today’s world.

In this workbook, Teens – Social Skill Strategies, teenagers learn by doing, from each other, and through thought and feedback. Using a variety of social skills activities, real life comes to the classroom, group room or individual space as teenagers practice new skills and begin to change negative behaviours. Awareness of societal expectations, empathy, ethics and altruism are not taught but are lived, through simulated and actual situations. Verbal and non-verbal communication, social graces, the desire to fit in, diversity, inclusion, finding and being a friend, family relationships, forgiveness, first love, breakups, humanitarianism and other topics are featured. Social issues, including abuse prevention and other topics are addressed.

Active learning occurs as teenagers consider social life and social consciousness through social skills activities including interactive games, introspective drawing and writing, mock videos, role plays, panel discussions, press conferences, through drama, music, pantomimes and other activities.

There are seven chapters, with four to ten sessions per chapter, (total of forty-seven) encompass the following:

• Communication – Body language, personal space, behavioural cues, active listening, conversations, first impressions, communication starters and stoppers, assertiveness and negotiation skills
• Expectations – Technology, social networking, mealtime, introductions, first dates, events, travel, condolences, diplomacy, job interviews, work relationships and sportsmanship
• Fitting In – Parent/caregiver issues, excessive people pleasing, acceptance of self and others, respectful disagreement, shyness, positive personality traits, newcomers, diversity and multicultural contributions to society
• Friendship – Positive peer support, non-aggression, frenemies, influence of words and actions, friendship lyrics, envy and jealousy, and helping a person in crisis
• Family – Traditional and non-traditional family styles, changes at home, sibling rivalry, respect for authority without fear or rebellion, and forgiveness
• Teen Love – Healthy and unhealthy relationships, parent/caregiver concerns, first love, expression through art and poetry, dating dilemmas, breakups and power principles
• Caring – Empathy, social causes, creative fundraisers, ways to help at home, school, community, etc., advocacy in action, leadership as a passion to serve versus self-serving power.

Age: 11-19