How can a teacher best support a student with social difficulties in forming friendships?

• A. Encourage participation in extracurricular activities
• B. Monitor social interactions closely
• C. Provide direct instruction on social skills
• D. Teach conflict resolution strategies

Answer: (C)

Providing direct instruction on social skills is the most effective way for a teacher to support a student with social difficulties in forming friendships. This approach involves actively teaching the student the nuances of social interactions, such as initiating conversations, understanding nonverbal cues, recognizing social norms, and practicing empathy. By focusing on social skills development, the teacher can equip the student with the tools necessary to engage positively with peers, which in turn fosters successful friendships.

While other strategies, such as encouraging participation in extracurricular activities or teaching conflict resolution strategies, can also promote social interaction and relationship-building, they may not directly address the specific social skills deficits that the student may have. Monitoring social interactions could provide insights into the social difficulties but does not offer the direct teaching needed for skill development. Thus, direct instruction remains foundational in helping students understand and navigate social situations more effectively.