Tier 2 · Targeted
Social skills group
Small-group lessons that directly teach and practice specific social skills.
How to do it
- Use data and teacher input to choose a target skill and 3–6 students.
- Meet 1–2 times a week for 20–30 minutes.
- Follow a simple format: explain the skill, model it, role-play, give feedback.
- Give students a “homework” challenge to use the skill during the week.
- Ask teachers to prompt and praise the skill in class and at recess.
- Track skill use before and after the group.
Why it works
- Many students have never been taught social skills explicitly
- Small groups allow safe practice and feedback
- Skills can be practiced in real settings
When to use it
- Several students share a skill gap (joining play, handling conflict, sharing)
- Peer conflict continues despite Tier 1 supports
- With students who are isolated or rejected by peers
Tips and pitfalls
- Include a positive peer model when possible.
- Keep role-plays short and realistic, using situations from your school.
Templates for this strategy
Intervention plan and progress log
A general plan for any Tier 1 or Tier 2 intervention: target behavior, goal, steps, roles, and a progress log.
Intervention plan and progress log.docxFrequency tally sheet
Count how often a behavior happens each day and period. Good for behaviors with a clear start and end, like calling out or hitting.
Frequency tally sheet.docxHelps with
Not working after a fair trial?
Check that it’s been used consistently for 4–6 weeks and that your data shows the pattern. If so, look at the next tier of support for this behavior.
Tier 3 · Intensive