Answer to Question 1
Following are examples of strategies described in Chapter 15 (the response should describe and illustrate at least three of them or reasonable alternatives):
- Help Alyssa ease into an ongoing social group (e.g., ask other children if Alyssa can join their game or sociodramatic play).
- Conduct small-group activities in which Alyssa must work closely with one or two other children.
- Ask Alyssa to assist a peer who has a physical disability.
- Identify and address any physical and linguistic barriers to interaction (e.g., if Alyssa is in a wheelchair, she may have difficulty joining groups in the cafeteria, or if she is deaf, her peers may not understand ASL).
- Explicitly teach social skills (e.g., through role-playing activities).
- If Alyssa has a bad reputation as a result of previously inappropriate behavior, put her in situations where her new social skills will be readily apparent to her peers.
- Advocate a general attitude of respect and inclusiveness in the overall social group.
- Be a backup system that provides companionship and emotional support until Alyssa has established friendly, supportive relationships with one or more peers.
Note: Some students may also draw on Chapters 12, 13, and 14 in answering this question. Strategies consistent with recommendations in those chapters should also be given credit.
Answer to Question 2
A