Social Competencies
Developing social skills and social thinking is an important piece of independent life. A student’s social and emotional growth precedes all other growth.
CIP staff work on social competencies in multiple areas, including:
Social Mentoring
Research shows that modeling behavior by peer mentors in real-life situations carries the highest degree of learning success. CIP students receive a carefully selected social mentor who serves as a peer and a generational (social) translator. Mentors accompany students on outings to museums, computer stores and other sites, connecting a student’s special interests with opportunities to practice social competencies in a variety of relaxed and real-world settings.
Social Thinking Sessions
CIP offers both individual and small group sessions to discuss topics and practice real-life social situations. Social thinking instructors work on key areas such as perspective taking, reciprocal conversation, body language, eye contact and social awareness.
Coordinated Weekend Activities
An active social life is an important component of CIP’s curriculum. Students have the opportunity to develop lasting friendships through planned weekly recreational activities including musical performances, sporting events, museums and outdoor activities.
Relationship Development
Attitudes and values regarding healthy relationship development are explored along with consideration of issues related to learning differences. Students learn about the dynamics of relationships, sexuality education and communication skills in a multi-sensory classroom environment.
Theory of Mind
Social cognitive learning disability is among the most abstract of all learning disabilities. In CIP’s Theory of Mind class students learn to track what others are thinking and feeling by attempting to take their perspective. Students learn about social inference, whole body listening, and using memory to facilitate friendships.
Mid-Term Trips
All students have the opportunity to participate in an exciting and educational travel experience during the winter mid-term break. These unique adventures provide an excellent opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and learn about other cultures in a safe, supervised environment. Previous destinations have included Italy, Peru, New York, Greece and the Caribbean.
