Supporting non-verbal students in developing their social skills is essential for fostering meaningful interactions and promoting inclusion in various settings. Here are ten social skills goals that can be included in an Individualized Education Program (IEP), along with explanations of their benefits. Remember that you will need to adjust the goals to make them measurable and appropriate for your students!
Goal: The student will increase engagement in social interactions with peers by turning their body towards individuals and responding to greetings with minimal adult support.
Benefit: This goal encourages students to become more aware of their social surroundings and promotes positive peer relationships. Engaging in social interactions helps develop communication skills and can lead to improved confidence in social settings.
Goal: The student will follow verbal directions to place objects in designated areas during play activities.
Benefit: Following directions helps students learn to cooperate and work collaboratively in group settings. This skill is crucial for classroom participation and supports the ability to engage in structured activities with peers.
Goal: The student will engage in parallel play alongside peers for a minimum of three minutes without disrupting their activities.
Benefit: Parallel play allows students to interact socially while engaging in similar activities. This form of play fosters social awareness and can lead to more complex interactions as students become comfortable being near their peers.
Goal: The student will communicate wants and needs using gestures or an alternative communication device during playtime.
Benefit: Encouraging the use of gestures or communication devices empowers non-verbal students to express themselves. This goal enhances their ability to advocate for their needs and promotes interaction with peers.
Goal: The student will respond to greetings or social gestures from peers by waving or using a communication device.
Benefit: Responding to social gestures strengthens connections between students. It reinforces the importance of acknowledging others, which is fundamental for building friendships and social networks.
Goal: The student will participate in adult-led games or activities that involve turn-taking, such as matching games.
Benefit: Turn-taking activities teach patience, cooperation, and the understanding of social rules. These skills are vital for successful interactions in both academic and recreational settings.
Goal: The student will tolerate others’ participation in constructive play for three or more additions.
Benefit: Tolerating peer participation promotes a sense of community and teamwork. It helps students learn to share space and materials, which is essential for collaborative learning experiences.
Goal: The student will produce vocalizations during play while interacting with peers.
Benefit: Vocalizations enhance communication efforts, even if they are not verbal words. This goal encourages students to express themselves and can facilitate engagement with peers, leading to richer social interactions.
Goal: The student will use visual supports, such as greeting tiles or symbols, to say hello or goodbye to peers.
Benefit: Using visual supports can help non-verbal students navigate social situations by providing clear cues for interaction. This goal helps reduce anxiety around greetings and fosters a welcoming environment.
Goal: The student will recognize familiar peers by making sounds or gestures when approached by them during group activities.
Benefit: Recognizing familiar peers is essential for forming connections. This goal nurtures social awareness and encourages students to engage actively with their classmates, enhancing their overall classroom experience.
Not sure about goal writing and if you’re doing it right? Here is a short snippet from one of the trainings inside of TII membership about IEP goals and objectives:
The membership also provides guidance on what to do when a child masters an IEP goal. Plus, the membership provides access to thousands of pre-written goals that you can use with your students!
By joining the membership, individuals also gain access to an extensive library of over 13,000 pre-written IEP goals, empowering them with a wealth of options to support their students’ unique needs.
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These goals can serve as a foundation for developing essential social skills in non-verbal students, promoting their ability to interact meaningfully with peers, and fostering a more inclusive learning environment. Each goal is designed to build upon existing skills while encouraging growth and development in social communication. However, all of the goals above should be adjusted so that they are measurable and can be effectively monitored in the classroom. Make them individualized for your student’s IEP!
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