FACS: Social Skills (Independence)

Summary

Students will identify unacceptable social behaviors and then describe how to replace those behaviors with acceptable behaviors.

Materials

Paper and markers for picture game.

Posters or transparencies defining Acceptable Behaviors and Unacceptable Behaviors.

Mirror

Transparency of personality traits

Copies of student worksheets

Background for Teachers

SOCIAL SKILLS

ACCEPTABLE VS. UNACCEPTABLE

Concept

There are two types of social skills—those that are acceptable to others and those that are not (unacceptable). Acceptable social skills are assets in our lives, while unacceptable skills are liabilities.

Explain to the students that there are two types of social skills—those that are acceptable to others and those that are not. There are some standards set by our society, and there are standards set by individuals or other groups as to what is acceptable and what is not. While some social skills are acceptable to some people and not to others, there are some mannerisms and behaviors that are generally more accepted than others. Discuss the definitions of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors using small posters or transparencies of the following definitions.

ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIORS

MANNERISMS OR BEHAVIORS THAT SHOW CONSIDERATION FOR THE FEELINGS OF OTHERS.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIORS

MANNERISMS OR BEHAVIORS THAT DO NOT SHOW CONSIDERATION FOR THE FEELINGS OF OTHERS.

Acceptable behaviors are generally not offensive to others, while unacceptable behaviors are often those that are offensive to others.

Continue to explain that for every unacceptable behavior or mannerism there is an acceptable counterpart and it is important to identify these.

ACTIVITY

Have the students fold a piece of paper in half (hot dog). Have them write the term Unacceptable on one half of the paper and Acceptable on the other half. The class should then brainstorm unacceptable social behaviors and list them on their paper. They should then list an acceptable behavior on the other side of the paper that would offset the unacceptable behavior.

Explain that as individuals we are in charge of our bodies and minds, and therefore we choose our mannerisms and/or behaviors. Explain that no one does everything right, and no one does everything wrong, but when a person has more unacceptable behaviors than acceptable behaviors, he/she has difficulty making and maintaining friendships and getting along socially.

Most people have some of both kinds of behaviors, but it is the unacceptable ones that cause us trouble in friendships, work, families, etc. while the acceptable ones generally help us down the road to more successful experiences.

It is up to us which type of social behaviors we choose to practice. While it is true that what is right for one person is not necessarily always right for everybody, it is also true that some behaviors and mannerisms are more acceptable than others in our society. Our social skills do affect the way we are perceived by others, and that makes a big difference in how others treat us.

Student Prior Knowledge

A prior discussion of basic communication skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will improve their communication skills and friendship qualities.

Instructional Procedures