Social Stencil

Social Stencil: Building Social Skills and Inclusivity

At Mentone Primary School, our mission is to cultivate a supportive and inclusive learning environment that empowers every student to thrive. To this end, we have implemented the Social Stencil program, an evidence-based initiative designed to enhance social skills and promote inclusivity among students in Years 4 and 5.

Program Overview:

Social Stencil is a comprehensive, 16-19 week program aimed at developing practical social skills and fostering a positive school culture. It is delivered in both whole-class and small-group settings to accommodate diverse learning needs. The program is structured to provide students with valuable insights and tools for managing peer relationships and embracing individual differences.

Key Elements of the Social Stencil Program:

Core Objectives:

• Teach practical social skills: Equip students with effective communication strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and methods for building and maintaining friendships.
• Develop shared language: Introduce common vocabulary and visual concepts to help students understand and navigate emotions, relationships, and social interactions.
• Foster respect and empathy: Encourage a culture of care through collaborative activities, peer learning, and discussions, helping students appreciate and respect each other's differences.

Learning Methods:

• Whole-group discussions: Facilitate conversations about social and emotional topics, allowing students to share their experiences and learn from each other.
• Group challenges: Engage students in collaborative problem-solving activities that promote teamwork and mutual understanding.
• Arts-inspired games: Use creative and interactive games to explore social concepts and practise new skills in a fun and engaging way.

Classroom Applications:

• Role-playing scenarios: Students practise navigating social situations and resolving conflicts through structured role-playing activities, which help them apply learned skills in realistic contexts.
• Emotion charts: Visual aids are used to help students identify and articulate their feelings, fostering greater emotional awareness and communication.
• Peer feedback sessions: Regular opportunities for students to give and receive constructive feedback from their peers, enhancing their ability to reflect on and improve their social interactions.

Benefits:

• Enhanced engagement: By addressing social and emotional needs, Social Stencil helps to break down barriers to student engagement and participation.
• Inclusive culture: The program supports the development of a positive and inclusive school culture where all students feel valued and understood.
• Increased confidence: Students gain the skills and confidence to navigate social situations with empathy and respect.
• Safe learning environment: Provides a structured framework for students to explore and understand social dynamics in a safe and supportive setting.