Anonymous
Post 02/07/2016 19:46     Subject: Social Skills Apps?
Does anyone have any apps or book recommendations for a 7 year old?

and yes, he is in a social skills class, but as others have said it would be nice to have some other ways to convey social skills.
Anonymous
Post 02/07/2016 19:41     Subject: Re:Social Skills Apps?
What books are good for teaching social skills?
Anonymous
Post 02/07/2016 14:45     Subject: Social Skills Apps?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Has anyone come across computer apps for adolescents for social skills development? As electronics seem to be a favorite pastime, maybe we could marry the two! Thanks


OP-- my son is nine (not yet an adolescent). Something helpful that we did was enroll DS in a manners class/summer camp. It helped a bit, and we're going back for more this year. My DS has diagnosed social skills deficits and ADHD. He struggles *a lot* with reading social cues. We have found that good manners go a long way-- especially with adults. Yes, of course we try to teach these things at home, but DS does not really accept feedback from us. DS learned table manners (a big deal), greeting new people, shaking hands, etc. As they get older the camps/classes in our city deal with other things like personal grooming and more advanced manners skills that teens would be expected to know.

I know that you asked for apps, and I'm not trying to tell you that apps won't help. We have an app called "what if" but it's for younger kids. We also use the "Social Skills Workbook." It's also for younger kids but it could help depending on the level of challenge. It goes over things like personal space, asking for help, not interrupting other people, etc.


Not OP but where was the manners camp?


PP here- I'm sorry- I am a former DCUM. We moved away awhile back. I had it in my draft response. I bet in DC there is an etiquette class or camp for kids. In our area- there is an etiquette class that spans age six through cotillion. In fact I got the idea from a friend who still lives in DC- she sent her kids to manners and eventually cotillion. I scoffed and then realized my DS could use a manners intervention.


Tea with Mrs B's runs etiquette classes in and summer camps in Arlington, Fairfax and Falls Church:

http://www.teawithmrsb.com/TeaWithMrsB/Classes,_Events_%26_Birthdays.html

The reason I know about this is because my kid's chess school rents their space on weekends for chess tournament practice.

https://www.silverknightschess.com



Anonymous
Post 02/03/2016 14:05     Subject: Social Skills Apps?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Oh jeez, the irony.

Seriously would be much better off taking an art class, playing a team sport, or otherwise dealing with people on a human level.


We will if you will.


I think the point is that apps in general contribute to lack of social skills.


Says who? The incredibly arrogant PP? Apps can be a tool to help kids learn a concept. Sometimes it's easier for kids to figure out how to respond to social situations when they understand them better. Practice in real life obviously is key, but a social skills app isn't going to hurt.


I'm a mom with a kid in social skills class. My first reaction was also "That's sort of ironic!" with a little giggle. But my second reaction was "And also a decent idea. Wonder if it works?" We use books to teach social skills/anger management, and apps are really just a more interactive way of conveying a teaching topic. I think the point is that you have to first learn the social cues...and then you can apply them IRL. (Like, first you have to cognitively understand that when someone looks away, that may mean they are done talking to you about that topic, and that you should move on. Until you know that is a social norm. putting you around kids that will do that, and then not understand when you persist in talking to them about something that they are done with, is counter-productive.) This is for kids that don't learn social skills through mere exposure.