Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable: Developing Students' Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are an imperative part of a child’s development. Strategies can be developed by educators to help students build these skills in a productive and positive manner. Based on an analysis of the program director and teacher interview data, students’ interpersonal skills can be enhanced by creating Social Development lessons, creating an interactive learning environment, and exemplifying the importance of properly developed communication skills. It is important for educators to understand how to help their students find the right way to convey their emotions. It is not our job, as teachers, to solve the issue for the students, but, instead, we must guide them to a better understanding of how to reach a solution. By developing these interpersonal skills, students can perform better in social situations, as well as in an academic environment.