High Priority for Social Skills in Middle School

Middle school is one of the most challenging places for any child to fit in. This challenge is often multiplied many times over for a child with special needs. The middle school years are a volatile time for most students.

If we agree that one of the highest deficits in social skills at the middle school level is with the student with special needs, we might think that these students are the ones who need the training, right? So we give them some training and everyone is great. NOT! We must remember to look at the whole picture: all the students, the teachers, paraprofessionals, legal rights, IEPs, scheduling, goals, objectives, curriculum, lunch room, sports, etc. Social skills are a big part of all of life. They affect "the now" and " the later". Everyone needs to be "on board" with the philosophy of acceptable behavior at the school. Social skills are the "main artery" of that place we call "school". Social skills affect everything, including learning.

So, how do we address the "social skills" in middle school so that we are maximizing the success of all the students in middle school? One of the ways Dr. Jed Baker, a clinical psychologist and renowned expert on social skills training for children who have social-communication difficulties, has been successful is by creating an all inclusive program with all the students in. Dr. Jed Baker directs and supervises social skills training in the Millburn, NJ public schools. However, not all school districts are able to do this. Other districts have special programs for the students who need special training with social skills. Many districts offer on-going training for their teachers, paraprofessionals and administrators and even incorporate it into their curriculum. Some districts offer social skills workshops for the families in the district.

Dr. Jed Baker

Social Skills Lesson Plans for Middle School

Other information on social skills for middle schoolers