STOP THINK DO - Social Skills Training For Ages 8-12 Years

STOP THINK DO is a social skills programme for use in schools with children who have emotional–social–behavioural difficulties that affect their ability to make friends. It is designed as a classroom curriculum for children to prevent such difficulties arising.

Originally designed for Australian schools, it is now internationally recognised as an invaluable social skills programme and is being used by many schools and CPD groups around the world.

STOP THINK DO develops a positive social culture in classrooms, particularly because teachers are modelling the same skills they teach students. The academic progress of children is also facilitated by a co-operative classroom.

STOP THINK DO develops emotional and social intelligence in children as they learn how to understand and control their feelings at STOP, how to think about their options and likely consequences at THINK, how to behave appropriately at DO, and how to be motivated to use these skills in all social situations in their lives.

This revised and extended edition modernises this best-selling programme, incorporating current research trends, visual resources, simplified lesson formats and practical suggestions for applying the programme in regular classrooms, in small groups, for special needs students, for peer mediators, or as a whole school. Parental involvement is also encouraged.

NB: Three free colourful posters that trace the Stop Think Do problem solving sequence using a traffic light motif are included with this manual.

STOP THINK DO aims to:

• Prevent adverse consequences resulting from poor social skills and peer friendships
• Improve the social skills and peer friendships of children who already have problems
• Develop cooperative classrooms and school
• Develop emotional intelligence, self-esteem and confidence through increased awareness, skills training and goal achievement
• Empower students by teaching self-control, decision making and positive actions
• Develop group skills including active participation, cooperation, organisation and leadership
• Improve relationships through the use of a common language, problem-solving process, shared goals and regular feedback