Some kids learn to say “please” and “thank you” and to wait their turn by watching others. But kids with learning and attention issues might not pick up on common social interactions simply through observation. If your child struggles with social skills, a social skills group could help. Social skills include far more than the ability to communicate with other people. They are crucial to making friends, succeeding in school and, later in life, getting and keeping a job. Social skills groups are small groups led by an adult who teaches the kids how to interact appropriately with others their age. They can help kids learn conversational, friendship and problem-solving skills. They can also be useful in teaching kids to control their emotions and understand other people’s perspectives. Kids can learn important skills that they will use the rest of their lives. This includes learning how to greet others, start a conversation, respond to others, maintain a conversation, share, take turns, and ask for help. Social skills groups are best for kids who are not developing social skills as quickly as their peers. This may include kids with ADHD, who can be too active and physical in their play. It may include kids with non-verbal learning disabilities, who may have trouble picking up on social cues, like body language, tone of voice and facial expressions. It may also include kids with social communication challenges and other types of learning or behavior issues. This social skills “camp” is being offered for children between the ages of 9 and 13, or perhaps a little older but who would function well with this age group of peers. The “camp” will run between July 27-30 from 10 AM – 12 PM and is being facilitated by Dawn McMillan of Full Circle Whole Child. It will be held at the Turtle Wing Foundation office campus at 1203 S. Kessler Avenue (next to On Pointe Dance Studio) in Schulenburg. Through fun and group interactions, attendees will practice their coping skills, mindfulness, self-esteem building, developing friendships and empathy. The “camp” is free, but it is important to register your child by calling the Turtle Wing office at (979)505-5090 or e-mailing Susie Shank at susie@turtlewingfoundation.org. The volunteer team who is helping to make this camp possible is Avant-Garde out of Houston, a group of high school girls who will be in the area on retreat at Featherock Conference Center. This program is underwritten by Turtle Wing Foundation due to a grant from Second Chance Emporium. Turtle Wing’s mission is “helping children with learning challenges in rural areas achieve their full potential”. The foundation serves youth in Fayette, Lavaca, Colorado and surrounding counties. To learn more, check out our Social Skills event page or to learn more about Turtle Wing Foundation visit our Facebook Page.
