Tools for teachers to improve social interaction in the classroom

    June 23, 2023

    To succeed in an educational environment, each student can benefit from exposure to therapy tools that improve social growth.

    Classroom-based therapy interventions allow teachers to support all their students while ensuring that only appropriate students are placed on a therapist's caseload. Our whole child approach at Kelly Pediatric Therapy considers all areas of your students’ education, including their social skills and interactions. 

    Supporting social interaction in the classroom.

    There are several tools and activities that teachers can utilize throughout the school day in support of students’ social interactions. To help improve social skills for all students in your classroom, you can:

    • Model positive behavior
    • Assign classroom jobs to individuals or groups
    • Role-play positive social interactions
    • Run large and small group activities 

    These small actions can encourage positive social interactions between your students and create a classroom environment that supports each student’s social growth. Along with these actions, Kelly Pediatric Therapy offers several small-group, classroom-based activities and interventions that therapists can use to improve social interactions.

    How does the Kelly Pediatric Therapy teacher connection improve social interaction?

    As Kelly Pediatric Therapy, we offer a range of classroom-based therapy interventions that can help teachers improve social interactions while keeping more students off the therapy caseload. We support every student’s academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth so that they can succeed in the classroom and beyond. 

    Our partnering schools can benefit from our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) approach. This data-driven approach is divided into three tiers of support: 

    • Tier 1: Classroom-level support
    • Tier 2: Short-term, small-group support
    • Tier 3: Individual therapeutic support

    The Capable Classroom™ encompasses several Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions that support your students’ whole education. These interventions are designed for every student and can ensure that your special education programs occur in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) possible. 

    There are a few interventions within the Capable Classroom™ that are designed specifically for supporting social growth: 

    Super Self™—self-regulation group.

    The Super Self™—Self-Regulation Group is designed for students at the third-grade level or beyond and can be done with an individual or in a small group. This group helps build students’ social skills, self-regulation abilities, and sensory awareness. With an included self-reflective report, they can track their progress and bring those skills to the classroom. 

    I Know What To Do! card game.

    The I Know What to Do! card game is a social skills activity that has students match challenging social scenarios with appropriate responses. This can benefit students who struggle with impulsivity and need social stories to develop skills. 

    Apply to work alongside Kelly Pediatric Therapy as a special education teacher today!

    Using Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions from our Capable Classroom™, Kelly Pediatric Therapy can help the teachers in our partnering districts support each student’s social skills and interactions. Social growth is a crucial part of education, and with support from our school-based providers, you’ll have the tools needed to ensure your students’ success. 

    To learn more about our classroom-based interventions or work alongside us, contact Kelly Pediatric Therapy today! 

     

    Tools for teachers to improve social interaction in the classroom | myKelly
    3:37

    Related resources

    View All
    7 min read | September 12, 2019

    How to make Tier 1 speech therapy interventions child’s play.

    Empower teachers with articulation games to address mild speech issues in the classroom, reducing the need for formal therapy and lightening speech... Read More
    4 min read | October 31, 2024

    Professional goals for special education teachers.

    Learn about professional goals for special education teachers to enhance effectiveness in the classroom and how Kelly Pediatric Therapy supports educators... Read More
    4 min read | April 1, 2025

    Occupational Therapy Appreciation Month

    Celebrate Occupational Therapy Appreciation Month by honoring the vital role of occupational therapists in enhancing lives. Discover ways to show... Read More
    4 min read | December 26, 2023

    School-based vs. outpatient PT jobs: What’s the difference?

    Differences between school-based and outpatient PT jobs includes the location and intensity of the physical therapy provided to the pediatric patient. Read More
    4 min read | November 1, 2024

    What is a pediatric physical therapist?

    Learn how pediatric physical therapists who work alongside Kelly Pediatric Therapy help children develop movement skills in schools. Read More
    4 min read | July 23, 2024

    A teacher’s guide to improving handwriting

    Learn effective techniques and tools to help students improve handwriting skills with tips from Kelly Pediatric Therapy, including pre-writing activities,... Read More