Westmont Elementary teaches and supports students in using the Boys Town Social Skills to communicate well and to employ skills that help them learn and succeed, both in school and in life! Here are the skills that are taught along with the steps for each skill:

Greeting Others

1. Look at the person.
2. Use a pleasant voice.
3. Say “Hi” or “Hello”.

Following Directions

1. Look at the person.
2. Say “Okay.”
3. Do what you have been asked right away.
4. Check back.

Getting the Teacher’s Attention

1. Look at the teacher.
2. Raise your hand and stay calm.
3. Wait until the teacher says your name.
4. Ask your question.

Asking Permission

1. Look at the person.
2. Use and calm and pleasant voice.
3. Say, “May I…?”
4. Accept the answer calmly.

Accepting “No” for an Answer

1. Look at the person.
2. Say “Okay”.
3. Stay calm.
4. If you disagree, ask later.

Accepting Criticism or a Consequence

1. Look at the person.
2. Say “Okay”.
3. Stay calm.

Disagreeing Appropriately

1. Look at the person.
2. Use a pleasant voice.
3. Tell why you feel differently.
4. Give a reason.
5. Listen to the other person.

Making an Apology

1. Look at the person.
2. Use a serious, sincere voice.
3. Say “I’m sorry for…”, or “I want to apologize for…”
4. Explain how you plan to do better in the future.
5. Say “Thanks for listening.”

Having a Conversation

1. Look at the person.
2. Use a pleasant voice.
3. Listen to what the other person says.
4. When there is a break in the conversation, ask a question or share your thoughts.

Asking for Help

1. Look at the person.
2. Ask the person if he or she has time to help you.
3. Clearly explain the kind of help you need.
4. Thank the person for helping.

Staying on Task

1. Look at your task or assignment.
2. Think about the steps needed to complete the task.
3. Focus all of your attention on your task.
4. Stop working only when instructed.
5. Ignore distractions and interruptions from others.

Using an Appropriate Voice Tone

1. Listen to the level of the voices around you.
2. Change your voice to match.
3. Watch and listen for visual or verbal cues, and adjust your voice as needed.

Working with Others (Being a Team)

1. Identify the task to be completed.
2. Assign tasks to each person.
3. Discuss ideas in a calm, quiet voice,  and let everyone share his or her ideas.
4. Work on tasks until completed.

Listening to Others

1. Look at the person who is talking and remain quiet.
2. Wait until the person is finished talking before you speak.
3. Show that you heard the person by nodding your head, saying “Okay” or “That’s interesting,” etc.

Sharing with Others

1. Let the other person use the item first.
2. Ask if you can use it later.
3. When you get to use it, offer it back to the other person after you have used it.

Giving Compliments

1. Look at the person.
2. Speak with a clear and enthusiastic voice.
3. Praise the other person’s quality, activity, or project specifically by telling him or her exactly what you like about it.
4. Use words such as. “That was great,” “Wonderful,” or “That was awesome.”
5. Give the other person time to respond to your compliment.

Accepting Compliments

1. Look at the person.
2. Use a pleasant voice.
3. Say “Thank you!”

In addition to classroom instruction, our school counselor is here to support all students in learning and practicing these important social skills. She works closely with students to help them build positive relationships, manage challenges, and apply the Boys Town Skills in real-life situations. The counselor also provides a safe space for students to talk, problem-solve, and grow both socially and emotionally.

More about our counselor and the resources she provides can be found here: Counselor’s Corner.