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Building Confident Communicators

Social skills are not assumed. They are taught, practiced, and reinforced every day.

At The Craig School, students build communication, flexibility, and peer confidence within a structured environment where expectations are clear and support is consistent.

Social growth here is intentional.

Student Presentation

A Daily Class, Not an Occasional Lesson

Social learning is built into the schedule.

Grades 3–6 participate in a daily Social Skills class focused on foundational communication, emotional awareness, and problem-solving.

Grades 7–8 participate in a daily Communications class focused on perspective-taking, collaboration, self-advocacy, and navigating complex peer dynamics.

Instruction is led by licensed professionals and reinforced throughout the school day.

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Social Growth, Built Step by Step

Social growth at TCS follows a clear progression:

Understand

Students learn to recognize emotions, social cues, and patterns in their own behavior and in others.

Communicate

Students practice language for joining groups, expressing frustration appropriately, advocating respectfully, and resolving conflict.

Connect

Students apply these skills in real time during group work, transitions, lunch, and shared activities

This progression moves students from awareness to independence.

 

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Real-Time Coaching, Not Removal

When social challenges arise, support happens calmly and thoughtfully within the learning environment.

Staff may:

  • Prompt language choices
  • Help students reflect
  • Facilitate repair conversations
  • Coach students through frustration
  • Reinforce successful attempts

Students remain connected to their classroom community while building skills.

Over time, they begin to internalize these strategies and rely less on adult prompting.

Student talking with specialist

Belonging Builds Confidence

Many students arrive feeling unsure in peer settings.

In small, structured classrooms, students experience:

  • Predictable peer groups
  • Clear expectations
  • Adult support during challenges
  • Opportunities for leadership
  • Positive peer reinforcement

Belonging strengthens participation. Participation builds confidence.

Helping. Social

What This Means for Students

Over time, students develop:

  • Stronger peer relationships
  • Greater emotional awareness
  • Improved communication skills
  • Increased flexibility
  • The ability to repair after mistakes
  • Confidence in social settings

Social skills are not about changing who a student is.

They are about helping each student navigate relationships with clarity and confidence.

 
Students Walking Together

Continue the Conversation

If you would like to learn more about daily Social Skills and Communications classes at The Craig School, we invite you to begin a conversation with our admissions team.

Start a Conversation

Social Skills Frequent Questions

Do students receive social skills instruction every day?

Yes. Social Skills (Grades 3–6) and Communications (Grades 7–8) are daily classes built into the school schedule. Skills are also reinforced throughout the day within classroom instruction and peer interactions.

Who leads the Social Skills and Communications classes?

Classes are led by licensed professionals with expertise in child development and social-emotional learning, supported by trained classroom staff.

How is this different from behavioral support?

Behavioral support focuses on regulation, attention, and classroom readiness. Social Skills and Communications classes focus specifically on peer interaction, communication, perspective-taking, and relationship-building. Both work together but serve different purposes.

What if my child struggles socially?

Challenges are treated as opportunities for learning. Staff provide calm, structured coaching to help students reflect, repair, and try again while remaining part of their classroom community.

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