Social skills can and should be taught. It’s possible that some students simply don’t know how to say something nice to a friend or give a sincere compliment. I think the Care Wash is a good way to practice the skill of giving and receiving compliments. Furthermore it builds community in the classroom and can give a boost to a student who is feeling low.
How do we teach children to sincerely say something nice to someone else?
1. Give them a little time to think
2. Focus on the inside, not about appearance
3. Give them examples
You are – kind, nice, happy,
You- care about others, ask people how they are, play with me at recess
4. model it in your own sincere interactions with others.
I wonder how students who go through the care wash might feel:
Predictions: very happy, included, slightly embarrassed, warm, appreciated