The trainees at the Transition Academy look forward to the time that they spend with related service personnel. Mrs. Freimuth, a Speech and Language Teacher with the Watertown School District, comes in and spends time weekly working to develop social communication skills. They have recently been working on how to initiate, maintain and end conversations appropriately. There has also been time spent on choosing an appropriate topic for the setting that they are in. In addition to the time the trainees work with Mrs. Freimuth at the WTA, she also visits them on the job to see if they are demonstrating their skills at the work settings. Several trainees have been spotted putting their skills to good use with fellow co-workers.

Dr. Ambrose, the School Psychologist, and his intern, Chloe, are also welcome weekly visitors. They have led the group in discussions on the importance of keeping a positive mental attitude. They have talked about how far a "can do" attitude can take you. The trainees have also worked on communicating appropriately with their peers, coworkers and adults by discussing how much personal space to give and what topics are appropriate to talk to your coworkers or customers when out in the community.

The trainees at the WTA look forward to and enjoy their interactions with Dr. Ambrose, Mrs. Freimuth and Chloe. Everyone has noticed how much our social skills have improved!

Social Skills Development and Communication

How to make a friend

How to maintain a friendship

Determine what is appropriate conversation in different environments

Sharing appropriate information

Develop empathy for others

Develop problem-solving strategies

Learning the value of sharing

Develop patience; waiting to speak without interruption, waiting to take a turn

Develop thoughtfulness to address the needs of others

Learning to care about others ideas, opinions, and feelings

Understand the value of kindness

Learning to extend oneself by considering others and helping when needed

Making eye contact

Using an appropriate tone of voice

Using an appropriate volume of voice