• lenny-learning-logoLenny Learning
  • Home
    Home
    • Lessons
    Lessons
  • Curriculum
    Curriculum
  • Surveys
    Surveys
  • Videos
    Videos
  • Support
    Support
  • Log In
lenny

Social Skills

user image

Teresa Snell

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Social Skills

Students will define social skills and growth mindset, identify how a growth mindset enhances social interactions, and practice applying growth mindset strategies to common social challenges.

Developing strong social skills helps students build positive relationships, communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and thrive in various social settings. Integrating a growth mindset empowers them to view social challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement, fostering resilience and self-confidence.

Audience

5th-7th Grade Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Interactive learning, discussion, and practice.

Materials

  • Social Skills Slide Deck, - Social Scenario Cards, - Growth Mindset Reflection Journal, and - Social Skill Practice Worksheet

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Review the Social Skills Slide Deck, Social Scenario Cards, Growth Mindset Reflection Journal, and Social Skill Practice Worksheet. Familiarize yourself with the activities and discussion prompts. Ensure all materials are printed or ready for digital display.

Step 1

Warm-Up: What's Your Social Vibe? (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Display the first slide of the Social Skills Slide Deck.
  • Ask students: "Think about a time you felt really good connecting with someone. What happened? What made it feel good?" (Think-Pair-Share encouraged).
  • Briefly introduce the idea that social skills help us connect and feel good, and that we'll explore how to make these connections even stronger.

Step 2

Introduction: Social Superpowers & Growth Mindset (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Use the Social Skills Slide Deck to introduce the concepts:
    • Social Skills: What are they? (Listening, empathy, communication, conflict resolution).
    • Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: Explain the difference, specifically in social situations. (e.g., "I'm just shy" vs. "I can practice being more outgoing").
  • Facilitate a short discussion: "How might thinking 'I can get better at this' change how you approach making new friends or resolving an argument?"

Step 3

Activity: Social Scenario Cards (15 minutes)

15 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups (3-4 students).
  • Distribute the Social Scenario Cards to each group.
  • Instructions: Each group will pick a card, read the scenario, and discuss:
    • What social skill is needed here?
    • How would someone with a fixed mindset respond?
    • How would someone with a growth mindset respond? (Encourage them to act it out or describe specific actions).
  • Circulate among groups to offer guidance and listen to discussions.
  • Bring the class back together and have a few groups share their scenarios and growth mindset solutions.

Step 4

Reflection: Growth Mindset & Me (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Growth Mindset Reflection Journal.
  • Ask students to complete the journal prompts individually, focusing on how they can apply a growth mindset to their own social interactions.
  • Optionally, have students share one insight they gained (volunteers only).

Step 5

Wrap-Up: Social Skill Practice Worksheet (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Social Skill Practice Worksheet.
  • Explain that this is a quick exit ticket or a homework assignment to reinforce what they learned.
  • Reiterate the main takeaway: "Your social skills are like a muscle – the more you practice with a growth mindset, the stronger they become!"
  • Collect worksheets as students leave.
lenny

Slide Deck

Social Skills: Grow & Connect!

What makes a good friend or teammate?

Think-Pair-Share: Share a time you felt great connecting with someone. What happened?

Welcome students. Begin with a warm-up question to activate prior knowledge about social interactions. Encourage students to think-pair-share. The goal is to get them thinking about positive social experiences.

What Are Social Skills?

Skills we use to interact and communicate with others successfully!

  • Listening actively
  • Communicating clearly
  • Showing empathy
  • Resolving conflicts
  • Working in a team

Introduce the concept of social skills. Provide a few examples. Emphasize that these are skills, meaning they can be learned and improved.

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

Fixed Mindset: "I'm just shy, I can't make new friends."

Growth Mindset: "I can learn strategies to be more confident in social situations!"

Which mindset helps you strengthen your social skills?

Introduce Fixed vs. Growth Mindset. Explain the difference with simple, relatable examples focused on social situations. Use the analogy of a 'social muscle' that can grow.

Activity: Social Scenario Cards

In your groups, you will get a scenario card.

Discuss:

  1. What social skill is needed?
  2. Fixed Mindset response?
  3. Growth Mindset response?

Be ready to share your best 'growth mindset' solution!

Transition to the activity. Explain that they will be working in groups to discuss scenarios and apply a growth mindset. Reinforce the idea of 'practicing' their social muscles.

Let's Share!

What did your group discuss?

How can a growth mindset help us in real-life social challenges?

Conclude the activity by bringing the class back together. Ask a few groups to share their scenarios and their growth mindset approach. Emphasize the creativity and effort in finding solutions.

Time to Reflect

Take a few minutes to complete your Growth Mindset Reflection Journal.

Think about how you can use a growth mindset to improve your own social skills.

Introduce the reflection journal. Give students quiet time to think and write. Remind them that self-reflection is a powerful growth mindset tool.

Practice Makes Progress!

Complete the Social Skill Practice Worksheet.

Remember, your social skills can always grow stronger!

Hand out the worksheet. Explain it's a way to practice what they've learned. Reiterate the main message about continuous improvement in social skills.

lenny

Activity

Social Scenario Cards

Instructions: In your groups, pick a card, read the scenario, and discuss the questions below. Be ready to share your answers with the class.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What social skill is most needed in this situation?
  2. How might someone with a fixed mindset respond to this situation?
  3. How might someone with a growth mindset respond? What specific actions would they take?

Scenario 1: New Kid in Class

You notice a new student sitting alone during lunch. You want to invite them to your table, but you feel a little nervous they might say no or that it might be awkward.

Scenario 2: Group Project Trouble

Your group is working on a project, and one member isn't contributing much. You're getting frustrated, and the deadline is approaching.

Scenario 3: Misunderstanding

You accidentally hurt a friend's feelings without realizing it, and now they're not talking to you. You're not sure why they're upset.

Scenario 4: Wanting to Join In

You see a group of friends playing a game at recess that looks really fun, but you don't know how to ask if you can join without interrupting or feeling awkward.

Scenario 5: Disagreement with a Friend

You and your best friend have a strong disagreement about something important. Neither of you wants to give in, and it's starting to affect your friendship.

lenny
lenny

Journal

Growth Mindset Reflection Journal: My Social Skills

Instructions: Take a few moments to think about these questions and write down your honest reflections. There are no right or wrong answers!

Prompt 1: My Social Strengths

What are two social skills you feel confident in? (For example: listening, sharing, being friendly, introducing yourself, helping others, resolving small arguments.) Describe a time you used one of these skills well.











Prompt 2: A Social Challenge

Think about a social situation where you sometimes feel stuck or want to improve. (For example: meeting new people, speaking up in a group, handling a disagreement, understanding someone else's feelings.) Describe the situation and how you usually react.











Prompt 3: Growth Mindset in Action

Now, how could a growth mindset help you approach the social challenge you described in Prompt 2 differently? What's one small step you could try to improve or learn in that situation?











Prompt 4: Your New Social Superpower Goal

Based on your reflections, what is one

lenny
lenny

Worksheet

Social Skill Practice Worksheet: Grow Your Superpowers!

Instructions: Think about what we discussed today about social skills and growth mindset. Complete the questions below.

1. What is one social skill you want to focus on improving?

(Choose from: listening, clear communication, empathy, conflict resolution, teamwork, making new friends, etc.)




2. Describe one specific social challenge you might face at school or with friends.







3. How would someone with a fixed mindset think about this challenge?

(e.g., "I'm just bad at this," "It's impossible to fix it.")




4. How would someone with a growth mindset approach this challenge? What steps might they take?

(e.g., "I can try a new strategy," "I can ask for help," "I can learn from this.")







5. What is one new thing you learned today about how a growth mindset can help you with your social skills?







lenny
lenny