Let’s talk about the all new Leveled Daily Curriculum – Social Skills!

 I have been using the Social Skills Curriculum in my classroom and let me tell you, this is a HUGE game changer for my students!  My students are already familiar with other subjects of the Leveled Daily Curriculum, so this was an easy prep and easy to implement subject.  Let’s take a look at what is included:

Detailed Lesson Plan Schedules

First, the social skills curriculum includes three types of detailed lesson plan schedules. These schedules provide a clear and structured framework for teaching social skills which ensures consistency and progress. Additionally, TAH thoughtfully designed the lesson plans to address the unique needs of my students and provide step-by-step guidance for educators like me. I find these plans incredibly helpful when I plan!

Data Sheets

The social skills curriculum offers two types of data sheets that enable me to record and analyze data concerning the social development of my students. By collecting and analyzing this data, I can make informed decisions and customize instruction to meet the individual needs of my students.

Detailed Curriculum Maps

The curriculum maps provided offer a comprehensive overview of the new curriculum. These maps outline the scope and sequence of the curriculum, ensuring that all essential skills are covered. I like to use these maps to plan and organize my instruction, ensuring a systematic and comprehensive approach to teaching social skills.

Thematic Units

The curriculum is divided into eight thematic units, each focusing on a specific aspect of social skills. These units cover a wide range of topics, including greetings, conversations, emotions, problem-solving, and more, which are all essential skills. Organizing the curriculum into thematic units has allowed me to use a cohesive and integrated approach when teaching my students.

Anchor Charts

In my classroom, I use anchor charts as visual aids to provide a visual representation of key concepts and strategies. The curriculum includes anchor charts that reinforce and review social concepts during our whole-group and small-group activities. Additionally, these charts serve as a visual reference for students, helping them better understand and apply the new skills they are learning.

Visual Supports

Importantly, visual supports are essential tools for my students.  Visual supports enhance my students’ understanding and communication.   I use these visual supports, such as social narratives, and visual cues help my students to navigate social situations and promote independence as well as self-regulation.

Parent/Caregiver Letters

Thankfully, I am able to continue to foster collaboration and support between school and home, with parent/caregiver letters. Also, I am able to inform my students’ parents and caregivers about the curriculum as well as provide suggestions for practicing these skills at home.  I know my students’ parents are incredibly grateful for the new skills that are being taught. 

Pre and Post Assessments

To ensure accurate measurement of progress and evaluation of the curriculum’s effectiveness with my students, The Autism Helper incorporates pre and post assessments for each of the eight thematic units. These assessments enable me to gather baseline data and track growth over time. Regularly assessing the skills helps me identify areas of strength and areas that need additional support.

Linked Associated Books and Videos

Also, to enhance the learning experience, The Autism Helper provides me with a list of linked associated books and videos such as Personal Space Camp. These resources are used to supplement the curriculum and provide additional opportunities for learning with my students.  My students have loved the books that I have already read to them.

Worksheets, Hands-on Activities, and Adapted Books

Next, included are a variety of worksheets, hands-on activities, and adapted books in the curriculum to engage my students and reinforce social skills concepts. These resources allow my students to practice and apply the skills in a structured and interactive manner. The worksheets and activities are designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, ensuring that my students stay motivated and interested in their social skills development.

My students enjoy participating in whole-group where I project one of the worksheets and we complete it together.  Additionally, my students and I work on the worksheets in small-group centers during the afternoons. This allows me to provide more support and direct instruction.

Social Narratives

Lastly, I use social narratives to help my students understand social situations through concrete examples. The curriculum includes social narratives that are used to address various social scenarios. These stories help my students generalize their social skills to real-life situations.  Read more about social narratives in this blog post from Sasha. 

Thanks for reading with me!  What questions or comments do you have about the new curriculum?  Leave them below and I will get back to you.