Lesson 5: Social Activities

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Name(s) of student(s):

Age and grade level:

Goal from IEP connected to lesson:

Objective from IEP connected to lesson:

Purpose of lesson: To examine social needs and determine enjoyable group activities.

Materials needed: Internet access

Introduction

“Our current unit topic is learning to manage stress levels. We’ve discussed spending time alone on personal interests and today we will consider participating in group recreational activities.”

Discussion: Need for Socialization

“As we previously discussed, some people’s energy is recharged by time spent alone. Alternatively, spending time in a social setting is recharging for others.

Regardless of whether you draw your energy from spending time alone or with others, you are a social being. You have a need and desire to connect with and relate to others. Spending all of your time alone or with others isn’t emotionally healthy or balanced. An important part of managing stress levels is acknowledging how much time you spend with others and how much time is ideal for you to spend alone.

How much time per week do you currently spend by yourself? How much time do you spend with friends? Have you found a good balance of the two? How much alone time and social time do you feel you require?

This self-awareness is important. Suppose you need a great deal of time alone and are currently spending time with others every evening. You will be exhausted and stressed. Conversely, if you need a lot of social time and aren’t taking the initiative to make friendships and schedule activities, you will feel isolated and possibly depressed.”

Discussion: Social Activities

“We have already devised leisure activities you can participate in independently. Today we will talk about enjoying activities with others in your peer group. For example, besides cooking to relax and unwind, you can invite a few friends to your home and cook for them, enjoying the meal and social time together.

Based on your interests, what activities might you enjoy with others?”

Exercise: Planning a Social Activity

Have your student plan an activity, such as going to the movies with a small group of friends. She should consider who to invite, the date and time, activity, cost involved, and transportation.

Discussion: Peer Groups

“How can you find close friends if you move to a new town?” (meeting neighbors; joining a social club such as a book club, a recreational sports team, or a meet-up group that explores your new city; at church; through volunteering, etc.)

Exercise: Locating Peer Groups

Have your student pretend she is a young adult who recently moved to her current city. Have her use the Internet to locate possible peer groups to consider joining.

Review

“Today we discussed your specific need for social and alone time. We also determined social activities you may enjoy and you researched groups you could join in your local area.”

Progress notes, data collection, comments, and modifications: