Skillstreaming the Elementary School Child is a highly acclaimed, evidence-based program designed by Dr. Arnold P. Goldstein and Dr. Ellen McGinnis. It focuses on teaching 60 prosocial skills to children to help them navigate social, academic, and emotional challenges through a systematic four-part training approach. Core Training Approach
The curriculum uses a specific instructional method to ensure students don't just learn a skill, but can use it in real-life situations:
Modeling: The instructor or a peer demonstrates the correct way to perform a specific social skill.
Role-Playing: Students practice the skill in a safe, guided environment to build confidence.
Performance Feedback: Instructors provide constructive critiques and reinforcement for the student's efforts.
Generalization (Transfer): Students use homework and practice to apply the new skill in their daily lives outside of the training group. Essential Skill Groups Skillstreaming the Elementary School Child - Research Press
Skillstreaming the Elementary School Child is a structured, four-part curriculum (modeling, role-playing, feedback, generalization) designed to teach 60 prosocial skills to students. Developed by Dr. Ellen McGinnis and Dr. Arnold P. Goldstein, the program offers comprehensive materials—including books, skill cards, and workbooks—to help children master social-emotional behaviors. For more details, visit Research Press Research Press Skillstreaming the Elementary School Child - Research Press skillstreaming the elementary school child pdf
Skillstreaming the Elementary School Child is a highly acclaimed, evidence-based program designed to teach essential prosocial skills to children aged 6 to 12. Originally developed by Dr. Arnold P. Goldstein and Dr. Ellen McGinnis, it uses a structured, psychoeducational approach to help students replace unproductive actions with positive social behaviours. Core Training Method
The program relies on a signature four-part training process to ensure children not only learn the skills but can also use them in real-world situations:
Modeling: Teachers or peers demonstrate the desired social skill through live examples or videos.
Role-playing: Children practice the skill in a safe, controlled environment to gain confidence.
Performance Feedback: Instructors provide immediate praise and constructive critiques to reinforce positive actions.
Generalization: Strategies are used to encourage students to apply their new skills in real-life settings outside the classroom, such as at home or during play. 60 Essential Prosocial Skills Skillstreaming the Elementary School Child is a highly
The curriculum breaks down 60 specific skills into five manageable groups:
Classroom Survival Skills: Listening, asking for help, and following instructions.
Friendship-Making Skills: Starting a conversation, joining in, and playing a game.
Dealing with Feelings: Knowing your feelings, expressing feelings, and showing empathy.
Alternatives to Aggression: Using self-control, responding to teasing, and staying out of fights.
Dealing with Stress: Making a complaint, dealing with group pressure, and accepting "no". Resources and PDF Forms Key skill areas (examples)
While the program is primarily delivered through a core Program Book from Research Press, there are extensive digital and printable resources available for implementation: Skillstreaming the Elementary School Child - Research Press
If you obtain the PDF or physical copy, here is how the content is structured:
A. The Skillstreaming Process (The "How-To") The introduction outlines the four-part training method:
B. The Curriculum (The 60 Skills) The heart of the book is the checklist of 60 skills, divided into four main groups. This is incredibly helpful for IEP (Individualized Education Program) goals.
C. The Lesson Plans For each of the 60 skills, the book provides:
Skillstreaming is a structured, step-by-step method for teaching social skills through modeling, role-play, performance feedback, and generalization. It breaks broad social behaviors into teachable steps (e.g., how to greet someone, how to handle teasing) and uses repetition and reinforcement so children internalize those skills.
Authors: Ellen McGinnis & Arnold P. Goldstein Primary Audience: School Counselors, Special Education Teachers, School Psychologists, and Parents.
After the role-play, the group leader and peers provide positive feedback. The Leader praises what the child did right and gently suggests one thing to change. This step relies heavily on checklists found in the PDF printouts.