Chapter 10
Social skills
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When people get along well with others, it
means they have good ‘social skills’. People
develop social skills as they relate to each
other, learn about themselves, and consider
other people’s feelings.
Having good social skills is important for
everyone. To be part of any group — whether
a family, a group of friends, or even a class at
school — it is necessary to have social skills.
Social skills are more than just good manners. Good social skills
let people:
• give and receive attention, affection, or help.
• express their needs, feelings, and rights in an acceptable way.
• communicate effectively.
It is important for children who are
deaf or cannot hear well to develop
good social skills. Their ability to
get along with other people will
help them be less isolated.
Like hearing children, deaf
children must develop social skills
by watching and interacting with
the people around them. This
helps them learn to do things like
treating older people with respect,
asking permission to use things
that belong to someone else, or
waiting for their turn to participate
in an activity.
Good social skills will help children
make friends and relate to others in
the community.