What is one effective method to teach social skills to students with disabilities?

Teaching social skills to students with disabilities often benefits from interactive and experiential methods, making role-playing an especially effective strategy. Role-playing allows students to practice and refine their social interactions in a safe and structured environment. By acting out various social scenarios, students can gain firsthand experience in navigating situations that require social skills, such as initiating conversations, sharing, or resolving conflicts. This practice helps to build confidence and allows for immediate feedback from peers or educators, promoting better understanding and retention of the skills learned.

In contrast, while worksheets may assess knowledge, they do not provide the interactive practice needed for social skills development. Reading books about friendship can be beneficial as it introduces concepts, but it lacks the direct interaction and practice opportunities that role-playing offers. Writing down feelings can aid in self-expression and reflection, but it does not actively engage students in the real-time social interaction that is crucial for developing social skills. Therefore, role-playing stands out as a dynamic and effective method for teaching these vital skills.