Life Span Development II School Age and Adolescence

Life Span Development II: School age and Adolescence 3 (2+1)

Lesson 9 : Development of social interactions in late childhood

Level of social acceptance and their characteristics

Characteristic	Look for	Teacher’s role
Popular Children	Good social and communication skills Sensitivity and responsiveness to others wishes and needs Willingness to assimilate into ongoing activities Signs of leadership potential	Use popular students as leaders when trying to change other student’s behavior. For example when starting a recycling program, ask a well –regarded student to help get the program off the ground.
Rejected Children	For some, high rates of aggression; for others, immature, anxious, or impulsive behavior Disruptive behavior in class Unwillingness of other children to play or work with them.	Help rejected students learn basic social skills, such as how to join a conversation. Place them in cooperative groups with students who are likely to be sensitive and accepting. For aggressive, follow through with appropriate consequences and teach self-regulatory strategies to help students keep their impulses in check. Publicly compliment all students (including those who are rejected) about the things they do well.
Neglected Children	Tendency to be relatively quiet; little or no disruptive behavior Fewer than average interactions with classmates, but possible friendships with one or two peers. For some, anxiety about interacting with others. Possible temporary nature of “neglected” status.	Identity group activities in which neglected students might feel comfortable and be successful. Arrange situations in which shy students with similar interests can get to know one another.
Controversial Children	Acceptance by some peers, rejection by others. Possibly aggressive and disruptive in some situations yet helpful, cooperative, and socially sensitive in others.	They can know in no uncertain terms when their behaviors are in appropriate, but acknowledge their effective social skills as well.
Average Children	Tendency to be liked by some students but disliked by others Average interpersonal skills (e.g. average levels of prosocial behavior and aggression) Ability to find a comfortable social niche.	Help average children refine their emerging social skills. Be sensitive and responsive to the occasional signs of rejection by others.