The Play and Learning to Socialise programme (PALS)
The Play and Learning to Socialise programme (PALS) has been designed by educational psychologists for children from 3 to 6 years old.
Children are taught constructive ways to solve problems that arise in social situations. This is done through stories acted out by puppets, videos, probe questions, roleplay and songs.
How is PALS structured?
PALS consists of ten sessions, each focusing on a particular skill. One skill builds on another so that the programme gradually progresses to the more complex skills required for social interactions.
The skills taught each session are:
Greeting others
Taking turns: talking and listening
Taking turns at play
Sharing
Asking for help
Identifying feelings
Empathy
Overcoming fear & anxiety
Managing frustration
Calming down
Each session lasts for 20 to 30 minutes. Puppets are used through the sessions to act out the scenarios. The children enjoy meeting their new friends each week.
Anna the Kangaroo
Kate the Kookabura
Jack the Koala
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