How can paraeducators help students develop social skills?

Paraeducators play a crucial role in helping students develop social skills, and one of the most effective ways to achieve this is through modeling appropriate interactions and facilitating peer engagement. By demonstrating positive social behaviors, such as effective communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution, paraeducators provide students with a live example of how to interact with their peers in a constructive manner.

Facilitating peer engagement allows students to practice these social skills in real-time, encouraging them to connect with one another in meaningful ways during group activities. This hands-on experience helps students learn not just the mechanics of socialization but also the emotional intelligence needed to navigate social contexts.

The other methods such as encouraging isolation, discouraging group work, or focusing solely on academic tasks do not foster social skills. Instead, they can hinder students' opportunities for interaction and connection, which are vital for developing those important interpersonal skills. Ultimately, the approach of modeling and facilitating engagement directly supports the growth of social abilities in students.