Social Thinking
When targeting Pragmatic Language in the speech room, we apply concepts and methodology developed by Michelle Garcia Winner. More information can be found at SocialThinking (R).
In addition to her resources and methods, here are some useful ideas for teaching about the following concepts described by Michelle Winner:
In addition to her resources and methods, here are some useful ideas for teaching about the following concepts described by Michelle Winner:
- I have thoughts about you, you have thoughts about me. The idea that people are always thinking about one another whether consciously or subconsciously. We want others to have good thoughts about us as that affects how they regard us and treat us.
- Expected vs. Unexpected Behaviors. Expected behaviors are what they sound like. Actions that are expected in a given situation such as staying seated in your desk at school, eating your food with your fork, covering your mouth when coughing. Unexpected behaviors are the opposite such as sitting under your desk, eating with your fingers or playing with your food, burping noisily with no consideration for those around you. (These are obvious examples, the behaviors can also be more subtle).
- Uncomfortable or "Weird" thoughts: when we commit unexpected behaviors, people feel uncomfortable and form "weird" thoughts about us; not necessarily bad thoughts, nor thinking WE are weird, but uncomfortable feelings or ideas that may cause others to avoid us.
- Comfortable or Good thoughts are formed when we behave appropriately. People generally want to hang out with those they feel comfortable around
- My actions can affect the feelings of others: My behaviors (expected or unexpected) can have an influence on how others feel.
- Think with our eyes: Learning to determine what others are looking out, inferring what their eye gaze may tell us about their thoughts, and to make "smart guesses" or predictions about their plans or intentions.