Social Skills Frequently Asked Questions
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When did the social skills program begin?

The New Learning Center has been a leader for 15 years in developing programs to help children and adolescents with peer relationships. The New Learning Center first established this program for middle school grade students, who are at an age where cliques and bullying are common, and when children developmentally are least tolerant of diversity. It then expanded to include other grades and to include educational workshops for school personnel, mental health professionals and parents.

Which children benefit from a social skills group?

Any children having difficulty with friendships and peer relations can benefit from this program. Many of our group members experience difficulties such as shyness, attention problems, learning disabilities, and anxiety. Often these children are very bright and creative and have much to offer, but have developed negative experiences with other children, and lack an understanding of their own behavior as well as the skills to better handle social situations.

How do the groups work?

We cover basic skills such as communication skills, reading nonverbal cues, problem solving skills, assertive communication, and handling teasing; we teach specific tools such as relaxation, self-affirmation and social awareness. We use exercises, videos, role-playing, games and discussions.

Will the group help my child's self-esteem?

Yes! We emphasize the children's areas of strengths and capabilities to help them realize their specialness, and work with parents to find ways to highlight these abilities in social situations. In addition, the group offers a warm, comfortable place where these children can try out new behaviors and ways of thinking and get positive feedback for their growth.

How are parents involved?

Parent involvement is critical to your child's progress. You have many more opportunities than we do to reinforce what your child is learning in group! After each session, we give parents an outline of the skills we have covered, and a short "homework" assignment so that your child can share with you the skills being taught. These practice pages are then signed by the parents as part of the incentive program where the group works for treats chosen by the children. We always ask for feedback about situations that have occurred during the week so we can work them into group exercises. In addition, the individual parent meeting is a discussion of your child's progress, with a written report offering specific ways of continuing to work on goals at home and school.

Do group leaders work with schools and therapists?

We are always willing to share information with schools, and often find that sharing approaches to handling problems withschool personnel and social workers can make a real differences in your child's success at school. With your permission, we talk to key persons to ensure continuity in helping your child.

Why have children responded so well to this program?

We teach you child skills based on our assessment of his or her individual needs, not a prefabricated curriculum of general skills. Children needing to learn to focus, self-monitor and learn about personal space get to work on these skills, while shy children get to learn attitudes and skills for greater confidence and assertiveness. The children become better communicators, more assertive, and have a better feeling about themselves as well as an increased awareness of others.

Do you work with families after the groups are done?

Absolutely! We are available for telephone and personal consultations, as well as offering individual work with the children and parenting consultations on issues such as expectations, limit setting, and the like. The New Learning Center offers a full range of individual, couples and family therapy services.

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