Learning how to connect.
Joining a conversation. Working through a disagreement. Asking for help when the words are hard to find.
These everyday moments can take practice.
At The Craig School, students have a class to learn and practice these skills every day. Social Skills for grades 3-6 and Communications for grades 7-8 are part of the daily schedule, alongside reading and math.
We help students build connections, work with others, and speak up for what they need while being themselves.
A class of its own.
Students receive dedicated instruction with opportunities to practice, ask questions, and try again with support.
Social Skills · Grades 3–6
Students learn to recognize feelings, manage reactions, build friendships, and work with others.
Practice includes joining conversations and activities taking turns asking for help, and working through disagreements.
Communications · Grades 7–8
Students build on those skills through listening, expressing ideas, understanding another point of view, and advocating for themselves.
Practice includes contributing to discussions, working through conflict, collaborating with classmates, and communicating needs clearly and respectfully.
Learn it. Practice it. Use it.
Knowing what to do and doing it in the moment are different skills. Students need opportunities to practice both.
Clear instruction
Guided practice
Coaching throughout the day
Small moments. Meaningful progress.
Join.
Find a way into a conversation, game, or group activity.
Listen.
Make room for another person's ideas and ask questions to understand.
Adjust.
Work through a change or disagreement and consider another approach.
Repair.
Recognize the impact of an action, take responsibility, and work toward making things right.
A shared approach at school and home.
Families bring valuable insight into what their child finds difficult and what helps.
Daily reports give parents a snapshot of the school day. Conversations with staff provide context, help families recognize progress, and create opportunities to discuss challenges.
Family Education and optional Multi-Family Groups give families opportunities to learn and practice shared approaches.
The goal is to help students use their skills in more places, with continued practice and support.
Frequently asked questions
No. Social Skills for grades 3-6 and Communications for grades 7-8 are part of the regular day schedule.
These are educational classes focused on teaching and practicing social and communication skills. They are distinct from individually arranged clinical services.
Yes. Social Skills and Communications are included in the school program. Individually arranged clinical services are billed separately.
Yes. Staff reinforce skills during everyday school activities, including group work, lunch, and transitions.
Using a skill in a new setting takes practice. Families and staff can discuss ways to support that practice at home and in the community.
Daily reports provide a snapshot of your child's day. Family conferences and communication with staff offer opportunities to discuss progress, challenges, and next steps.
Let's talk about your child.
Tell us where connecting with others feels difficult and what you hope will become easier. We can talk about how social learning works at The Craig School and whether our approach may fit your child.
