This document provides presenter notes for a faculty meeting on developing social competence in students. The presentation will include: 1. An introduction where the presenter defines social competence and discusses the implications of children not developing these skills. 2. A group activity where teachers discuss characteristics of socially competent and non-socially competent students. 3. A discussion of strategies teachers can use to foster social skills like confidence, curiosity, self-control, cooperation, and communication. Suggestions include reading books on themes like confidence, asking questions to spark curiosity, modeling calm behavior, and giving opportunities for problem-solving.

1. PRESENTER NOTES
Title Slide:
Developing Social Competence in our Students
Amanda M. Cowen
Highlands Elementary Faculty Meeting
February 9, 2011
2:30-3:30
MATERIALS:
Chart paper, markers
T-charts created on chart paper for 8-10 tables
Laptop, projector, screen for powerpoint
PowerPoint for audience printed in “handout” format
Introduction - 15 minutes
1. Introduce myself
• Introduce myself and my background in child development, why I am interested in
child development
2. Defining Social Competence -
• Ask faculty what they think social competence is, while I take notes on chart
paper. Once a decent-sized list has been created:
• What is social competence? Social interactions, being in-sync with the behavior
of others, understanding and responding to others – changes as the child gets
older
3. What are the implications of children not developing social competence?
• Discuss key points on powerpoint
• What other implications can you think of from your own experience, or the
experience you have had with students?
Group Work – 20 minutes
4. Table Discussions
• Each table will work together on the following questions.
1. Think of a child you work with that you feel has a high level of social
competence. What characteristics do you notice?
2. Think of a child you work with that you feel has a low level of social
competence. What characteristics do you notice?
3. Put your table thoughts onto the T-chart provided.

2. Share out – 10 minutes
5. Share Your Thoughts
• Have each group share out their T-chart
• Bridge to next slide by explaining that because we know from research and our
own personal experience that social competence and social skills are important
for success in life, we need strategies we can use in the classroom to foster this
type of development.
Strategies for Teachers – 15 minutes
6. Teacher Strategies
Fostering social skills in the classroom:
•Confidence
•Curiosity
•Self-control
•Cooperation
•Communication
• After each topic, ask what other ways we can help in that particular area
CONFIDENCE
Model confidence by discussing some of your challenges
Encourage students to try new things & acknowledge their successes
Read books with themes related to confidence
“Self confident children understand that life is full of ups and downs… confident people
have a deep, realistic faith in their capabilities that is not deterred by setbacks.”
(NAEYC, 2011, p.43)
CURIOSITY
Ask questions such as “I wonder what would happen if we…?” or “How can we…?”
SELF-CONTROL
“When children learn self-control they make better choices and they are more likely to
respond appropriately during stressful situations” (NAEYC, 2011, p. 44).
Model self-control by staying calm and describing what you do when you stay under
control
Share your emotions with your students
Discuss ways to handle strong emotions
COOPERATION
Use photographs to jumpstart a discussion on how people can work together
With students, brainstorm a list of ways cooperation can help your classroom
COMMUNICATION

3. Use complete sentences and expect the child to do the same
Be fully present in conversations!
Use vocabulary that expresses compassion and empathy
Make the environment conducive to communication by giving children lots of
opportunities to solve problems together, and experience new things
“Children who express themselves are likely to feel a sense of self-worth and build social
and emotional skills… Effective communication builds relationships” (NAEYC, 2011, p.
46).