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.