Virtual Social, Emotional Wellbeing, and Community Integration Skills Workshop

​

Social and Emotional Wellbeing

• Understand Emotions

  • Identify basic emotions (happy, sad, angry, surprised, etc.)

  • Recognize facial expressions and body language

  • Discuss situations when you feel these emotions

• Feelings Check-In

  • Daily check-ins: How are you feeling today? Use visuals or mood charts to help identify feelings

  • Practice sharing feelings in a simple sentence (“I feel happy because…”)

• Self-Regulation

  • Teach simple breathing exercises (e.g., "Belly Breathing") for calming down when upset

  • Create a "Calm Down Plan" with steps (e.g., count to 10, deep breaths, take a break)

• Empathy

  • Practice putting yourself in someone else’s shoes: "How might they feel?"

  • Role-play simple scenarios where one person feels sad or happy, and the other responds with empathy (e.g., comforting a friend)

Executive Functioning Skills

• Organization

  • Use visual schedules or checklists for daily tasks

  • Break down tasks into small, clear steps (e.g., "Make your bed": 1. Pull up blanket, 2. Smooth out the wrinkles, etc.)

• Time Management

  • Introduce the concept of time using a timer or clock for specific tasks (e.g., “Let’s clean up for 5 minutes”)

  • Practice simple routines (e.g., morning or evening routines) with visual support

• Problem Solving

  • Introduce "What can I do?" steps for solving simple problems

  • Use social stories to help understand common situations (e.g., what to do if you lose something, or if you don’t get along with a friend)

Building Interpersonal Skills

• Making Friends

  • Practice simple greetings (e.g., "Hello, my name is... What is your name?")

  • Role-play introducing yourself and asking questions (e.g., “What is your favorite color?”)

• Listening and Responding

  • Practice listening skills: “Look at the person speaking” and “Say something nice”

  • Encourage turn-taking in conversations (e.g., practice giving and receiving compliments)

• Using “Please” and “Thank You”

  • Practice polite phrases in various settings (e.g., asking for help, receiving help)

  • Role-play “Please” and “Thank You” scenarios (e.g., when receiving a gift or asking for something)

• Understanding Boundaries

  • Teach personal space: “How close can we stand to each other?”

  • Discuss asking for permission before touching someone or their belongings

Community Integration Skills

• Recognizing Community Helpers

  • Learn about different community members (e.g., police officers, firefighters, teachers, etc.)

  • Practice simple greetings when you see community helpers

• Community Participation

  • Discuss local events and places to visit (e.g., library, park, store)

  • Role-play how to ask for help or directions in a community setting

• Volunteering and Helping Others

  • Practice simple ways to help at home or in the community (e.g., picking up trash, holding a door open)

  • Encourage kindness: “How can I help my neighbor or friend today?”

Personal Goal Setting and Progress

• Set Simple Goals

  • Break down bigger goals into smaller steps (e.g., "I will make my bed every day" with clear steps)

  • Use visual aids (e.g., a sticker chart) to track progress

• Celebrate Achievements

  • Reinforce positive behaviors and progress with rewards (e.g., verbal praise, stickers)

  • Reflect on what went well: “What did you do today that you are proud of?”

• Overcoming Challenges

  • Teach how to ask for help: “If you’re stuck, it’s okay to ask for help”

  • Encourage using coping strategies when things don’t go as planned (e.g., deep breathing, asking for a break)

Continuous Learning and Growth

• Regular Check-Ins

  • Have weekly or bi-weekly check-ins to discuss progress, challenges, and new goals

  • Use simple tools like a feelings chart or checklist to track improvements

• Review and Reflect

  • Regularly revisit social and emotional wellbeing topics through discussions, role-playing, and activities

  • Encourage ongoing practice of interpersonal skills through everyday interactions