Using Social Thinking in the Classroom

Using Social Thinking in the Mainstream Classroom | A Way for ALL Kids to Learn Social Concepts Together

Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine

October 2023

Michelle Garcia Winner, MA, CCC-SLP & Dr. Pamela Crooke, CCC-SLP are Featured in Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine

The Social Thinking Methodology originated in schools over 25 years ago in response to a lack of practical ways to explain different aspects of the social-emotional world to both neurotypical and neurodivergent students. Michelle Garcia winner, the founder of the Social Thinking Methodology, continues to update core strategies and tools in response to ongoing and valuable input from individuals with a range of social-emotional learning differences, disabilities and/or difficulties, as well as form mainstream teachers and learning specialists. Dr. Pamela Crooke joined forces with Michelle almost 17 years ago to further evolve components of the methodology. Tools from the Social Thinking Methodology have found their way into inclusion-based or mainstream classrooms since ALL students can benefit from a common vocabulary and understanding of the social and emotional world together.

Read Full Article

Visual Supports for 10 Key Social Thinking Vocabulary Concepts

Visual Supports for 10 Key Social Thinking Vocabulary Concepts Ages: 4+ These colorful visual supports (8.5” x 11”) promote the active use of 10 Social Thinking® Vocabulary concepts that lay the foundation for social emotional learning using the Social Thinking® Methodology. They are a visual way to show abstract elements of the social world in a concrete manner. As you introduce each of the 10 concepts, display the corresponding visual support (mini-poster) as a reminder to think about the concept. Set of 10; not sold individually. Learn more

$24.99

Social Thinking Frameworks Collection | 26 Teaching Frameworks (Sets 1 & 2 Bundle)

Social Thinking Frameworks Collection | 26 Teaching Frameworks (Sets 1 & 2 Bundle) Ages: 4 - adult We’ve got 26 powerful visual tools to help you and your social learners crack open the social emotional world—all in one collection. We’ve distilled 25 years of our core learning and teaching into hands-on, ready-to-use , 8.5” x 11” scaffolds to help both interventionists and social learners organize, talk about, understand, and navigate diverse social landscapes. Learn more

$44.99 $49.98

Social Thinking and Me (two-book set)

Social Thinking and Me (two-book set) Ages: 9-12 Our best-selling curriculum for children ages 9-12, The Kids’ Guidebook introduces select Social Thinking Vocabulary through colorful illustrations and easy-to-understand content. This award-winning two-book set provides the teaching tools to break down complex social concepts to make it easier for interventionists to teach and for students to learn. Thinksheets for Social Emotional Learning includes multiple mini-lessons for in-depth exploration of each chapter of The Kids’ Guidebook to help build social learners’ metacognitive awareness and develop practical strategies. Kids enjoy becoming stronger social observers and problem solvers. A natural fit for school, clinic, and home. Learn more

$69.99

Social Situation Shorts

For Students to Watch

Social Situation Shorts

5 Key Social Thinking Vocabulary Concepts in Action

Get ready to engage social learning with Social Situation Shorts, a set of five video vignettes, featuring real kids in real-world social situations using their social thinking and social skills. These brand new videos are perfect for fostering discussions and engaging young students or clients with relatable social situations. Each video comes with 2 lesson plans to extend the learning, and some shorts feature a visit from Science Guy Brad for a little extra fun. Have fun exploring social concepts and skills for kids between the ages of 5-9+.

Note: This video is not eligible for continuing education credit.

Expires

Unlimited replay access through July 31, 2024

Get Recording

Strategies to Build Social Competencies

The Social Thinking Methodology provides evidence-based strategies to help people ages four through adult develop their social competencies, flexible thinking & social problem solving to meet their own social goals and improve:

Browse Our Resources by Age

What People Are Saying About Social Thinking

Parents & Families

Testimonial Thank you doesn’t seem enough for all that your teachings have done for me and my family! They have been a lifeline for me to re-connect with my 9-year-old. Everything you publish is 100% applicable. Keep up the amazing work!

Parent of 9 year old

Elementary School

Testimonial Social Thinking has completely changed the environment of who we are as a whole. Thank you for providing us with such rich social and emotional resources. The impact that your resources make are life changing and early intervention is key. Your curriculum is truly amazing! I bought into Social Thinking about 9 years ago and will use this as long as I am in education.

Natalie, Resource Teacher

Schools

Testimonial I appreciate how the Social Thinking Methodology links social intent/thinking and the common core or school based standards. This connection, and the understanding that exists, is so crucial to every member of a student's school community.

Peggy, 3rd Grade Teacher

Mental Health & Clinicians

Testimonial The Social Thinking Methodology is the philosophy that I ascribe to professionally. It serves as my guide through assessment and intervention.

Greg, School Psychologist

Speech Language Pathologists

Testimonial I love how realistic the approach is, and doable! Based on real clinical experience adaptable to individual needs/strengths. Great that all the vocabulary is simple, easy to understand, and not full of professional shop talk.

Amy, SLP

Parents & Families

Testimonial Social Thinking’s program has given me the much needed tools to communicate in a meaningful way with my 9-year-old son. Thank you. The stress level in our house has decreased along with the meltdowns. He is able to come out of the meltdowns much more readily.

Tammy, Mom of 9 year-old boy

Adult Clients

Testimonial I am a professional, high-functioning 37 year old woman diagnosed as being on the spectrum two years ago. The Social Thinking Methodology is by far the most helpful resource I have encountered. It would not be an exaggeration to say that it changed my life. Your concrete examples are extremely helpful.

Autistic Adult

Browse Product Catalog