Parents report that children use the language and strategies of social competency outside of school. For example, a third grader about to reclaim ownership of a game from her younger brother stepped back, took several deep breaths, waited and then calmly explained a way the rightful owner could be determined. As an option, she also suggested a method for sharing. The school has held meetings and offered workshops for parents. In these, parents are taught and practice the same or parallel skills for cooperation and mutual problem-solving at home.
Participants report the benefits of sharing with one another.
They also say that implementing social competency techniques makes a positive difference in the quality of relationships with their children. These are, of course, important life lessons. Even the very youngest children use the shared language to capture some very difficult concepts. We're continually finding that academic and social competency go hand in hand. We expect our students to carry these skills with them for life.