Teaching Social skills Through Sketch Comedy and Improv Games: A Social Theatre Approach for Kids and Teens including those with ASD, ADHD, and Anxiety

Introducing a Social Theatre, this book provides guidance on how to deliver fun and transformative activities to develop social skills in teenagers and children.

Drawing on ideas from Social Thinking, CBT, mindfulness and assertiveness training this book develops games, skits and short plays which can be adapted to suit children and teenagers including those who are gifted, typical, and those with mild to moderate cognitive abilities. These activities will help participants become more assertive and flexible as well as improving confidence, focus and self-esteem.

Social Theatre can be used in small groups, in class or throughout the school, as well as in group therapy sessions. It provides a new and inclusive way to teach social skills and collaborative learning and is especially useful for those with anxiety, ADHD and ASD.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Breakdown chart by Social Thinking Profile Level and target skills

1. History of Social Theatre; The Creation of Groups;

3. Collaborative Writing Process;

4. Activities/Skits to Teach Joint Attention and Focus;

5. Practicing Recognition of Social Cues;

6. Practicing Self-Regulation Skills;

7. Practicing Perspective Taking;

8. Performing when Anxious and Shy...and Clowning!;

9. Being Confident to Defeat Bullying;

10. Social Theatre: How Can I Use It?'

Appendices.

Appendix A - Common Core Standards and Social Theatre.

Appendix B - Feeling or Action?

Appendix C - Assertiveness Training Cards