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Social Awareness / Social Management Middle School Learning Goals & Activities

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Social Awareness / Social Management Middle School Learning Goals & Activities

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Encouraging Middle School Students to Embrace Differences

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Encouraging Middle School Students to Embrace Differences

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As students grapple with discovering their identities, teachers can help by modeling how to accept different identities with compassion.

Middle school is a precarious time for young people, as they're figuring out who they are while also learning about how identity impacts their life experiences. The inspirational words of bell hooks, "critically intervene in a way that challenges and changes," have been fundamental in my identity-development work with middle school students, who need a brave classroom space filled with opportunities for learning, growth, challenge, and transformation. Our classroom is reimagined as a space that forges connections across differences, cultivating the acknowledgment, affirmation, and celebration of difference.

Middle school students are at the perfect age to explore identity. In many ways, they are like sponges absorbing all that is around them. Because their identities as well as beliefs have not been fully realized, the more exposure to differences they have, the more likely they are to be welcoming and accepting. Their openness to diversity creates endless opportunities for genuine curiosity, self-reflection, and observations of the world around them.

In relationship to diversity, authentic interactions and connections can be made. It is in these moments that diversity is positioned as a strength and not as a deficit. In acknowledging and celebrating our differences, we find our shared humanity.

3 Ways to Inspire Middle School Students to Connect Across Difference

1. Identity conversations. Conversations focused on identity are a powerful tool for self-exploration. Creating a classroom culture where students can engage in conversations that foster and encourage the exploration of identity is essential to this process.

One of the most important steps is ensuring that we frame participation as voluntary. Students should not feel pressured to share; instead, they should be afforded an opportunity to listen, learn, and grow from each other. If a student chooses not to participate, they can assist as a cultural anthropologist by taking notes or creating a visual storyboard on their observations from the activity. They can then share some key observations with the group.

Activities such as "the story of my name" or the six-word story on Padlet are simple ways to begin identity conversations. I model this for my students by sharing the story of my name or my six-word story. With each class meeting, I share aspects of my identity that are important to me or aspects of my identity that have been the most challenging for me to navigate.

Another way to invite identity conversations is through using prompts that explore identity and difference. I ask open-ended questions that are deeply rooted in identity development, underscoring the fact that identity is on a continuum, meaning that we are on a constant journey of discovery. Identity conversations and discussions should foster connection, empathy, and a sense of community where every student feels authentically seen, heard, and valued. Activities such as the circle of connection or identity pods help to facilitate these conversations. Integrating video technology such as Flipgrid deepens the connection within these activities, giving students autonomy and creative license to affirm and celebrate their identity.

2. Identity circles and interviews. Through the identity-development model, students can regularly engage in learning more about who they are and how they live and move through the world. Conversations on aspects of identity including age, ability, ethnicity, gender, race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religion, and family structure set the foundation for meaningful dialogue. This work can be done using identity circles where students step in or out of the circle when prompted by a statement on identity. For example, "Step into the circle if you are the oldest child (then the youngest, the middle) in your family" facilitates questions on age and family structure, followed by conversations on how this aspect of identity affects the lived experience.

As the activity progresses, more sensitive topics are covered, such as "Step into the circle if you identify as a student of color" or "...if you have two dads." Trust has to be built, but the students enjoy the questions on more sensitive topics, as they give us the opportunity to talk about topics like privilege, microaggressions, and racism.

Students also can be grouped in pairs to conduct identity interviews for the purpose of learning more about their classmates. Identity interviews let students get close to experiences that differ from their own, allowing for a real connection that goes beyond the surface. Identity interviews can end with each student writing a reflection about the experience of being an interviewer. It should include what they learned about the other person as well as what they learned about themselves.

3. Identity as story. The art of storytelling is a powerful tool to connect across differences. Giving students the opportunity to share their stories fosters authentic connection that affirms identity where students learn from each other's stories and experiences. Creating a regular, ongoing storytelling series forges an opportunity for connections to be made where the power of storytelling is something that the students can both feel and see in real time. After students share their stories, they are applauded by their classmates, which creates a classroom culture where sharing is valued and celebrated. Students are intrinsically motivated to share their story because each time a story is shared, the principles of courage, resilience, and healing are elevated. Storytelling is an entry point for connection across differences, as well as the guidepost for building empathy and understanding.

Giving students autonomy to be genuine, playful, curious, and courageous is foundational to supporting students to connect across differences. Connecting across differences helps to dispel and counter pervasive stereotypes, as well as challenging assumptions around difference that seep into the life of a middle school student through social media, TV, and things overheard on the playground or at the dinner table.

The journey of identity is not linear, and that's OK. As educators, our role is to create a solid foundation for students to embrace who they are and to embrace others, no matter how different they may be.

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Encouraging Middle School Students to Embrace Differences

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As students grapple with discovering their identities, teachers can help by modeling how to accept different identities with compassion. Middle school is a precarious time for young people, as they're figuring out who they are while also learning about how identity impacts their life experiences.

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9 Ways to Teach Social Skills in Your Classroom

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9 Ways to Teach Social Skills in Your Classroom

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9 Ways to Teach Social Skills in Your Classroom

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Strong social skills are essential for success in life. Discover nine ways to create a more inclusive classroom and support social skill development in your students.

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5 "Unwritten" Social Rules That Some Kids Miss

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5 "Unwritten" Social Rules That Some Kids Miss

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If you bump into someone, you usually say "excuse me" or "I'm sorry." When someone is speaking, you don't cut them off to say something.

More than likely, you learned these unwritten social rules when you were very young and quickly understood when and how to follow them. But some kids just don't pick up on social rules or cues. They need extra help learning them.

Here are five social rules that can be challenging for kids - and tips to help your child understand and follow them.

Social rule #1: Meet and greet politely.

Saying greetings, introductions, and goodbyes

Politely offering and receiving compliments

Being able to start and finish conversations

Social rule #2: Take turns talking.

Listening when others speak and looking them in the eye

Not interrupting

Responding appropriately and at the right time

Social rule #3: Pay attention to others.

Stopping what you're doing so you can listen

Reading people's emotions through their body language and facial expressions

Changing your behavior to match what other people are doing, like quieting down with the rest of the room

Social rule #4: Think about others before acting.

No touching without asking

No cutting in line

Waiting your turn

Standing a comfortable distance away when talking

Social rule #5: Cooperate with others.

Following directions when you're asked to

Asking for help when you need it

Apologizing when necessary

Being flexible and open to new ideas

See a teen describe what it feels like to struggle with unwritten social rules.

How to help your child follow social rules

You can start by breaking down social rules in ways your child can understand and practice. Role-playing games are a good way to model behavior and help your child practice responding to different social situations. You can also use your child's favorite TV shows to focus on reading body language and other social cues.

Be sure to praise your child for successful social interactions, too. Giving positive and specific feedback can reinforce the behaviors you want your child to repeat. With practice and support, your child can get better at following social rules.

Key takeaways

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5 "unwritten" social rules that some kids miss

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Read about five unwritten social rules and expectations for kids. See examples of social rules kids may struggle with, and how to help.

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Social-Awareness | Social-Emotional Learning | PBS LearningMedia

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Discover ways to help children develop social awareness and learn empathy by putting themselves in another’s shoes: recognizing emotions, appreciating diversity and showing respect for others.

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Social Awareness: An Introductory Guide | Positive Action

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Discover the basics of social awareness and learn how to apply it in your everyday life with this comprehensive guide from Positive Action

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5 Simple Lessons for Social and Emotional Learning for Adults

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5 Simple Lessons for Social and Emotional Learning for Adults

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5 Simple Lessons for Social and Emotional Learning for Adults

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Edutopia blogger Elena Aguilar offers up five lessons to use with school staff and faculty for building emotional awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.

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Social Awareness and Relationship Skills

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Social Awareness and Relationship Skills

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Social Awareness and Relationship Skills | SEL @ Home | PBS LearningMedia

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Discover how taking the time to better understand the needs and perspectives of others helps your child be part of a larger community. Humans are social creatures, so understanding and empathizing with others is an important part of developing relationships.

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Social Skills For Kids - Ways To Improve Social Skills For Elementary-Middle School

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How to Teach Children About Cultural Awareness and Diversity

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How to Teach Children About Cultural Awareness and Diversity

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Cultural Awareness for Kids | Parenting Tips & Advice

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Help your child understand and respect differences among those in your community. Foster cultural awareness for kids with resources from PBS KIDS for Parents.

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5 Ways to Boost Social Skills for the Littlest Learners

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5 Ways to Boost Social Skills for the Littlest Learners

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By helping young students develop social awareness and emotional literacy, teachers can create a calm environment in the classroom-and build the foundation for lifelong learning.

To learn more about the benefits of teaching social skills in the classroom or to see the research cited in this video, take a look at the links below:

2022 review of how movement affects academic performance, by Lucia Petrigna, Ewan Thomas, Jessica Brusa, Federica Rizzo, Antonino Scardina, Claudia Galassi, Daniela Lo Verde, Giovanni Caramazza, and Marianna Bellafiore

2019 study on how growth mindset improves achievement, by David S. Yaeger, Paul Hanselman, Gregory M. Walton, Jared S. Murray, Robert Crosnoe, Chandra Muller, Elizabeth Tipton, Barbara Schneider, Chris S. Hulleman, Cintia P. Hinojosa, David Paunesku, Carissa Romero, Kate Flint, Alice Roberts, Jill Trott, Ronaldo Iachan, Jenny Buontempo, Sophia Man Yang, Carlos M. Carvalho, P. Richard Hahn, Maithreyi Gopalan, Pratik Mhatre, Ronald Ferguson, Angela L. Duckworth, and Carol S. Dweck

2018 study on the effects of movement on cognitive performance, by Raed Mualem, Gerry Leisman, Yusra Zbedat, Ola Mualem, Monjed Amaria, Aiman Kozle, Safa Khayat-Moughrabi, and Alon Ornai

2017 meta-analysis of the effects of physical activity on executive functions, attention, and academic performance, by Johannes W. de Greeff, Roel J. Bosker, Jaap Oosterlaan, Chris Visscher, and E. Hartman

2017 review of the effects of physical activity interventions on children's cognition and metacognition, by Celia Álvarez-Bueno, Caterina Pesce, Iván Cavero-Redondo, Mairena Sánchez-López, José Alberto Martínez-Hortelano, and Vicente Martínez-Vizcaino

2016 study on how feelings of safety at school affect classroom engagement, by Carolyn Côté-Lussier and Caroline Fitzpatrick

2011 meta-analysis of how teacher-student relationships affect student engagement, by Debora L. Roorda, Helma M.Y. Koomen, and Frans J. Oort

2010 article on building trust and relationship in urban classroom communities, by Catherine D. Ennis and M. Terri McCauley

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5 Ways to Boost Social Skills for the Littlest Learners

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By helping young students develop social awareness and emotional literacy, teachers can create a calm environment in the classroom-and build the foundation for lifelong learning.

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27 of the Best Picture Books About Social Awareness

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27 of the Best Picture Books About Social Awareness

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Social awareness helps children cope in new situations and increases their emotional wellbeing. It helps them recognise how their emotions and behaviour influence their interactions. They also use empathy to recognise the mood of others and consider different points of view to build positive and diverse relationships.

Benefits of social awareness include increased:

self-reflection of actions and goals

empathy through perspective-taking

self-management

responsibility of personal actions and consequences

self-esteem and self-confidence

academic and recreational achievements

use of strategies to avoid or negotiate negative situations or behaviour.

In another post, Social Awareness Activities and Resources for the Classroom, I have put together books with resources, short videos and online resources.

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27 of the Best Picture Books about Social Awareness

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Social awareness helps children cope in new situations and increases their emotional wellbeing. It helps them recognise how their emotions and behaviour influence their interactions. They also use empathy to recognise the mood of others and consider different points of view to build positive and diverse relationships.

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Social Skills | Development for Kids | PBS KIDS for Parents

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Young children are social from the start of life. They observe how people interact with them. They pay close attention to facial expressions and tone of voice. And they develop appropriate behavior based on what they see. Choose an age to discover what social skills your child will learn this year.

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20 Social Skills Activities and Games for Kids

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20 Social Skills Activities and Games for Kids

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Social skills activities enhance a child's ability to interact with others and respond to various social situations.

Engaging in social skills activities teach children important life skills like conflict resolution, turn-taking, and maintaining interpersonal relationships.

Some social skills activities include Simon Says, conversation Jenga, story chains, community gardening, and roleplaying.

A child's social-emotional development can determine their place in society. They learn how to communicate with and respond to others through interactions with their parents, teachers, and peers.

While socialization develops naturally, social skills activities for kids can support the learning process.

What are Social Skills Activities?

Social skills activities aim to improve a child's ability to:

Actively listen

Communicate

Problem-solve

Take care of themselves and others

Recognize and express their emotions

By engaging in these activities regularly, children improve their social competence and boost their confidence in social settings.

Benefits of Social Skills Activities for Kids

Developing social skills enables children to communicate more effectively and compassionately. There are also other distinct advantages, which include the following:

Better relationships. Children with good social skills can relate to others on a deeper level. They can convey their thoughts productively and demonstrate empathy toward others.

Self-reliance. When children can communicate effectively, they develop better problem-solving skills. They are more likely to ask for help and approach conflict resolution with confidence.

Enhanced teamwork. Communicative children work better with others, as they can express their opinions and think creatively.

Academic and career success. Team players naturally achieve greater academic success and are more prepared for workplace challenges. Social skills activities equip children with critical interpersonal skills essential for navigating future workplace complexities [*].

Improved communication skills in children with autism. Children with autism experiencing difficulties interacting and understanding social cues can significantly benefit from social skills activities [*]. These activities help them practice essential social skills, develop empathy, engage in conversations, and build relationships.

20 Social Skills Activities for Kids

Providing children with opportunities to become better communicators and collaborators sets them up for future success. Here are 20 of the best social skills activities for kids.

1. Emotion Charades

People express emotions through more than just words, and playing emotion charades will help children better understand gestures.

Objective: To identify emotions and feelings
Instructions:
2. Friendship Bracelet Exchange

Crafting friendship bracelets is a fun activity that exercises creativity and provides opportunities for children to express appreciation for others.

Objective: To express gratitude to others
Instructions:

1. Use materials like beads and charms to create friendship bracelets.

2. Exchange the friendship bracelets and encourage your child to explain why they chose to give their bracelet to a specific person.

3. Conversation Jenga

Playing Conversation Jenga is an excellent way to introduce peers to each other and learn how to interact.

Objective: To break the ice and get to know peers
Instructions:
4. Feelings Journal

Children shouldn't feel obliged to share everything with their parents. However, having a safe space to express themselves is paramount to their mental health.

Objective: To reflect on feelings and responses
Instructions:

1. Choose a journal. Let your child's imagination run wild, decorating it in ways that speak to them.

2. Encourage your child to free-write, allowing their thoughts to flow uninterrupted.

5. Cooperation Obstacle Course

Competition is healthy and natural amongst children, but cooperation is fundamental. Instead of testing a child's speed and endurance, create an obstacle course that requires teamwork.

Objective: To foster teamwork and inspire critical thinking
Instructions:
6. Role Reversal

People often learn best through experience, and providing an opportunity for your child to see life in someone else's shoes can be surprising.

Objectives: To learn new perspectives and understand different roles
Instructions:

1. Roleplay scenarios in which your child goes through your routine of preparing breakfast, going to "work," and doing household chores.

2. Ask them how they felt, what they liked, and what they found challenging.

7. Thank You Notes

Well-socialized children should know how to give and receive compliments. It'll allow them to appreciate diversity among others.

Objectives: To express gratitude for others
Instructions:
8. Problem-Solving Skits

It can be challenging to anticipate when you might encounter a problem, but you can't be too prepared. Enacting potentially tricky situations allows your child to consider their response in a safe environment.

Objective: To prepare your child for challenging situations that require conflict resolution
Instructions:
9. Story Chain

Story chains are an excellent way to exercise your child's imagination while inspiring a sense of teamwork. They also exercise your child's improvisational skills, as they require your child to create a narrative on the spot.

Incorporate our suggested social skills books into your child's storytelling exercises-they might take inspiration from what they read!

Objective: To inspire creativity in a group setting
Instructions:

1. Create a few cards featuring words, pictures, and topics like "family," "zoo," "baker," or "vacation."

2. Have each child draw a card, adding onto an improvised story according to the topic written on the card.

10. Random Acts of Kindness Challenge

Performing acts of kindness shouldn't be limited to people your child knows-everyone deserves to experience kindness! These acts can be simple and even unplanned.

Objective: To show respect to others, even strangers

Instructions:

1. Create a list of random acts of kindness like helping a neighbor tend to their garden or helping someone take their groceries to their car.

2. Check off items on this list, aiming to achieve at least one a day.

11. Staring Contests

Maintaining eye contact plays a surprisingly essential role in conversation-making. It makes people feel more connected and comfortable. Staring contests can also enhance a child's ability to focus on a task.

Objective: To improve focus and connections
Instructions:

1. Sit across from each other in a comfortable space like the bedroom or living room.

2. If your child is uncomfortable, place a sticker on your forehead for them to look at, gradually making eye contact as they relax.

12. Scavenger Hunts

In a scavenger hunt, children work together to solve puzzles and achieve a shared goal. You can up the stakes by providing a simple reward, such as a snack or toy.

Objective: To improve teamwork and organizational skills
Instructions:
13. Roll the Ball

Roll the ball is appropriate for toddlers, as it only requires simple movements. It's a great way to get children to connect.

Objective: To introduce joint activities with other children
Instructions:
14. Productive Debate

If you have older children, hosting a productive debate can be a healthy way to explore potentially controversial or challenging topics. By discussing these topics in a safe, controlled space, children can practice patience and develop thoughtful responses.

Objective: To learn how to have difficult conversations and achieve positive outcomes while being respectful
Instructions:

1. Host a roundtable session for brainstorming debate topics. Consider topics like whether phones should be allowed in school settings, whether school uniforms are necessary, or whether curfew are helpful.

2. Assign participants to different perspectives. Take turns making each point.

15. Simon Says

Simon Says is a classic children's game that exercises their listening skills in a fun way. It also rewards good behavior and keeps children entertained.

Objective: To learn self-control and impulse control
Instructions:
16. Play Pretend

Unstructured, imaginative play allows children to explore different worlds and exercise their creative thinking. Especially at an early age, children with the time, space, and tools to let their imaginations run wild are more likely to be highly aspirational.

Objective: To embody different mindsets, roles, and perspectives
Instructions:

1. Provide your child with materials to put together costumes and props.

2. Role-play scenarios like running a shop, being a doctor, or living in a castle.

17. Board Games

Board games teach children to work toward a common goal in a fun and imaginative way. Games like Hoot Owl Hoot, Outfoxed, and Mysterium Kids exercise your child's critical thinking while reinforcing teamwork.

Objective: To follow instructions, work together, and solve problems
Instructions:

1. Choose age-appropriate board games like Snakes and Ladders for younger children and Concept for older children.

2. Rotate new board games a few times a month and replay clear favorites.

18. Token Stack

Token stacking is an adaptable activity that parents and teachers can use to teach children how to have a conversation while working on their focus and concentration.

Objective: To learn to have focused conversations
Instructions:

1. Gather coins, chips, or tokens and stack them one by one.

2. Each time a child stacks a coin, have them ask the other child a question to get to know them.

19. Community Gardening

Community gardening is a great way to steer children away from their screens and into nature. It'll also teach them the value of nurturing a living thing.

Objective: To increase social competence and instill a sense of responsibility
Instructions:
20. Virtual Playtime

Not being able to see their friends in person doesn't mean your child can't enjoy the occasional virtual playdate. Many online spaces host a plethora of activities children can enjoy with their friends, such as collaborative games.

Objective: To adapt to new, ever-changing situations
Instructions:

1. Find an online space where your child can enjoy virtual playtime with their friends. For instance, you can use Discord or FaceTime.

2. Shortlist online communities for your kids. For instance, Scratch is a creative sandbox where friends can draw. Tinkercad is another online space featuring 3D design tools.

The Bottom Line

Providing children with the opportunity to develop their emotional, empathic, and relational skills is the best way to prepare them for the future. With these social skills activities for kids, your child can learn to communicate and collaborate with others. Enhance their learning experiences with our social skills worksheets.
Sources:

1. Jones D, Greenberg P, and Crowley M. "Early Social-Emotional Functioning and Public Health: The Relationship Between Kindergarten Social Competence and Future Wellness." American Journal of Public Health, 2015.

2. Bozkurt S, Vuran S. "An Analysis of the Use of Social Stories in Teaching Social Skills to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders." Educational Sciences: Theory and Practice, 2014.

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20 Social Skills Activities and Games for Kids

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Social skills activities are a great way for kids to practice empathy, problem-solving, and communication. Here are 20 social skills activities to try.

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Edutopia is a free source of information, inspiration, and practical strategies for learning and teaching in preK-12 education. We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.

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Teaching Parents to Teach Their Children to be Prosocial

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Teaching Parents to Teach Their Children to be Prosocial

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Teaching Parents to Teach Their Children to be Prosocial | LD Topics | LD OnLine

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LD OnLine is the leading website on learning disabilities, learning disorders and differences. Parents and teachers of learning disabled children will find authoritative guidance on attention deficit disorder, ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dysnomia, reading difficulties, speech and related disorders.