How to Make Friends
Building Resilience and Supportive Peer Groups
- Ruth MacConville - Head of Special Educational Needs Service, London Borough of Ealing
Pupils are rarely taught the principles of effective co-operation although being able to work effectively as part of a group is critical in all contexts; school, life and work.
The book is based on the author's practical experience of running the programme in schools and is underpinned by research into the development of pro-social behaviour and friendship skills.
The 26 sessions are arranged in the sequence of the alphabet from Attitude to the Zest for life. In each session there is a poster and a 'take away' activity as well as full facilitators' notes for whole class introduction, pair and share tasks and a plenary. A unique feature of the programme is that it addresses the development of non-verbal communication, the ability to read social cues.
The sessions raise awareness and understanding of the interpersonal skills necessary for friendships, including communication and co-operation.
The teaching sessions cover topics such as:
- Reciprocity
- Commitment
- Giving and sharing
- Trust
- Specific thinking skills.
The programme is intended for whole class work but would also be suitable for small groups.
This is a really useful book to help trainee professional practitioners understand the importance of building resilience in the lives of children and young people.
