Special Needs Homeschooling: Building Social Skills at Home
Homeschooling special needs kids is all about customizing their learning, and social skills are no exception. You might think social skills only develop in big groups or school settings, but we can totally work on them at home in a way that feels natural and comfortable for our kids. Here’s how to weave social skills into everyday homeschooling life.
2 min read
1. Build Social Skills into Everyday Interactions
Social skills don’t need a crowd; you can work on them in the simplest day-to-day activities! Little things like taking turns, sharing, and saying “please” and “thank you” are all great starting points.
Try:
Turn-taking games: Simple board games or something like “I Spy” are perfect for practicing patience and taking turns.
Polite role-play: Set up a mini “coffee shop” or “store” at home and practice saying “thank you,” “please,” and “hello” in a fun setting.
2. Use Visuals and Social Stories
For kids who benefit from visuals, social stories are a big help. They break down situations, like introducing yourself or asking to play, into small steps, so kids know what to expect.
Create your own social story, or grab one online, to show what different interactions look like. You can personalize it based on what your child finds challenging — and throw in some favorite characters or themes to make it extra engaging!
3. Get Siblings or Family Involved
If siblings or family are around, they can help build social skills too. Siblings are great for practicing negotiation, cooperation, and just general “being together” skills.
Try:
Cooking together: Have everyone pitch in to cook or bake something. Each person gets a role, which helps with teamwork and sharing the experience.
Collaborative art projects: Work on a big art piece together where each person adds their own flair. It’s a low-stress way to practice working side-by-side.
4. Real-World Practice in Small Doses
Getting out of the house (even just to a local park or library) gives kids a chance to practice skills in real-world settings. Saying “hi” to someone, interacting with store staff, or waiting their turn in line can help them ease into social situations.
If you can, set up playdates with friends or other homeschoolers for a little extra practice. It doesn’t have to be often or for long stretches, just a comfortable setting where they can try out socializing.
5. Use Video Modeling for Extra Tricky Situations
Video modeling is a great tool for social skills that feel a bit tricky. Watching videos of people interacting can show kids the cues and responses they might encounter. You can even record your own little role-play videos at home to make it feel familiar!
6. Celebrate Every Little Success
Learning social skills takes time, so celebrate those small wins! If your child shares a toy, says “please” without being asked, or tries a new social skill, give them lots of encouragement. Every step, no matter how small, is worth a high five!
Teaching social skills at home can be a relaxed and natural part of homeschooling. With some creativity and a lot of patience, you’ll see those skills start to grow. And remember, progress is progress, however it looks!