Social
Intervention Strategies
•
initiate pretend play in a natural
environment
•
initiate cooperative games or activities
Examples of cooperative games include non-elimination
musical chairs, frozen beanbag game.
•
teach specific behaviour that make up social
skilfulness
Prosocial Behaviours :
Although social skills differ at various ages
and for various ethnic and cultural groups,
some skills are universal. These universal skills
comprise being positive and agreeable; being
able to use relevant contextual and social cues
to guide one’s own behaviour; and being
sensitive and responsive to the interests and
behaviour of playmates. (Mize 1995)
Children will have to be introduced to these
social skills such as :
i) Entry skills
The child is taught to observe the group before
attempting entry. He or she has to initiate
contact by approaching, gaining eye contact,
touching or vocalising. The child also learns
to respond positively to others’ invitation.
ii) Supportive
actions
Supportive behaviours tells the potential playmates
that they are keen to cooperate and can be trusted.
Such actions comprise smiling at the friends,
imitating, sharing, taking turns and assisting
others.
iii) Conflict management
skills
To resolve conflict peaceably with playmates,
children need to be taught to manage their emotions
so that they can behave prosocially with peers,
without using coercive means. Children will
need guidance to solve a dispute collaboratively.
When disputes have arisen between children,
ask and listen to what each child needs; explain
each child’s needs to the others involved;
ask the children how they can solve the dispute
so that all can get what they want; guide them
to select one of the strategies that they have
suggested; thank the children for their cooperation
and check whether the solution is working.
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