ExploreWithDora

This lesson aims to teach learners the skills it takes to keep their conversations going for longer. For example, learners will get experience with taking-turns and listening in a conversation, asking questions and making statements, and staying on topic, even when the topic might not be their favorite. This lesson is most applicable with older students (upper elementary, middle school, high school, adult day support classrooms). I have used this lesson in the past with older students on the Aut

This lesson is designed to teach learners about finding common interests when speaking to others. Learners will be introduced to tips on choosing friends, what are common interests and why they are important in a friendship, how to identify common interests in others, and will be given an opportunity to practice some of their new skills. I have used this lesson in the past with older students on the Autism Spectrum.

Here’s an activity for students to practice identifying when it is appropriate for them to set a boundary. Students should look at each of the friendship qualities and decide if they are something a good friend does or an example of when you would need to create a boundary. Then, students should cut out each of the rectangles and glue them in the correct boxes below. I have used this activity in the past with older students on the Autism Spectrum.

Here's a quick worksheet you can use to have your students practice their introductions. Students will practice identifying the three parts of an introduction and create a list of fun facts about themselves that they would use when introducing themselves to start a conversation.

A 20-question quiz on the social skills needed to keep a conversation going. An answer key is included.

A 16-question quiz on asking community helpers for help. An answer key is included.

Social Skills can be complex for some students. Providing your students with fun and ways to practice social skills can help them learn the material in creative ways. This Bingo game will help your students practice with skill like turn taking, asking and answering open-ended questions, identifying common interests, and maintaining conversations. **Offers a variation for advanced learners

A review activity for identifying appropriate tone of voice. I have used this activity in the past with older students on the Autism Spectrum.

A review activity for practicing to respect and set boundaries with others. Students should cross out boxes throughout the week as they experience setting and respecting boundaries in the classroom. Once they cross out 5 boxes, they get BINGO! I have used this activity in the past with older students on the Autism Spectrum.

This lesson is designed to teach learners about healthy friendships. Learners will be introduced to different types of relationships, characteristics of good friendships, how to handle bad friendships, and will be given an opportunity to practice some of their new skills with a sorting activity. I have used this lesson in the past with older students on the Autism Spectrum.

A review activity for practicing personal space rules. Students should look at each scenario below and decide if it is ok for a stranger, friend or family member to do. If it is okay, color in the box. I have used this activity in the past with older students on the Autism Spectrum.

Interpreting humor and jokes and using humor in an appropriate way can be difficult for some learners. These example jokes could be used to teach learners the right and wrong time for humor, how to interpret humor feedback from others, how to understand and respond to humor feedback, and the difference between laughing at someone and laughing with someone.

Here is a fun activity for students to help them discover their common interests! Players should walk around and ask each other questions. Players should then mark off squares when they find other players who fit the descriptions. The first player to get five in a row wins.

Students can use this checklist to keep track group activities or social interactions with peers whether or not they are keeping on topic. Students should mark either “yes” that they completed the target skill, or “no” they did not complete the target skill

Here is a fun activity for students to help them discover their common interests! Players should ask each other questions and share their own preferences. When they find a player who has the same answer as their own, they will be awarded that person’s token. At the end of the game, players can see which person they have the most in common with by counting their tokens.

A visual prompt to help students remember the steps for asking for help while in the community.

A worksheet to help learners practice using the phone and planning get-togethers.

A worksheet to help learners practice identifying their own interests and finding relevant places and activities to make friends.

A worksheet to help learners practice planning and setting up a group get-together.

A worksheet to help learners practice planning and preparing for a group get-together.