Selection of TUS activities (Social Skills Training) can be a challenge for parents. Especially now that there are so many offerings available on the market. As a parent, you are surely keen to choose a course that is not only tailored to your child's needs, but also delivered in a professional and effective manner. To help you with this decision, here are the key points to look out for when choosing a TUS class.
Qualification of the instructor - professionalism is key
The most important criterion for choosing TUS classes is the qualifications of the instructor. The instructor should have a degree in a field such as psychology, pedagogy or sociotherapy. Why is this so important?
Social skills training is a therapy that requires not only an understanding of child development, but also experience of working with a variety of social problems, such as hyperactivity, shyness whether disorders with autism spectrum.
Instructors without the right training may not be able to support your child effectively. This can lead to frustration and lack of progress. Before enrolling your child, it is a good idea to make sure that the instructor not only has formal educationbut also practical experience of working with childrenwho have social difficulties.
Experience in working with children - practice makes perfect
In addition to formal qualifications, the instructor's experience of working with children is equally important. A TUS trainer should have knowledge of group mechanisms and the ability to work with children with different needs. Children may have difficulties in different areas: some will need support in establishing relationships, others in expressing emotions. They are managed differently TUS for children having an aggression problem, and differently for shy children.
A good instructor understands how individual difficulties can affect group dynamics and how to adapt working methods to the specific needs of each child.
Classroom methodology - structure and purpose
Another important aspect is the structure of the classes. TUS activities should be based on proven therapeutic methods that clearly define the goals at each stage of training. The child should be given the opportunity not only to understand the theory, but above all to practise the skills in practice.
Why is it important? Children learn through experience and TUS aims to teach them how to deal with social situations. So it's worth making sure that classes are run in a practical way and that each child has the opportunity to actively participate and practice theory in practice.
Duration of TUS activities
One of the key factors affecting the effectiveness of classes is their length. Children, especially younger ones, have a limited ability to concentrate. Optimal TUS class time is 45 - 50 minutes. Why not longer? After this time, most children lose their ability to focus, which means that it may be ineffective to continue teaching.
If courses last much longer, the child may become discouraged and not benefit from the class. Remember that shorter but intensive sessions produce better results than long ones, during which the child's attention may falter. Classes must also not be too short.
Is 30 minutes enough time for effective TUS? Not really, because the first 15 minutes are about greeting, getting used to the group and the leader, getting to know the subject of the class and creating a climate in which the child feels confident and safe.
Adapting to your child's needs
Every child is different, so it is important to activities were tailored to his individual needs. A programme that is too general and does not take into account the child's specific difficulties may not be effective. Before starting the course, it is also worth asking whether the tutor carries out an initial consultation with the parents and the child to better understand the child's needs.
The instructor should be flexible in adapting the class programme to the progress of the group and their interests.
The psychologist qualifying the child for TUS activities usually has a variety of groups to choose from. These vary in terms of age, problems, children's interests and facilitators. This enables him to select the ideal group for your child. As a result, it significantly increases the chances of quick and effective results. On the other hand, if the group is random because there is no choice, the classes may be less effective.
A well-chosen group, where children share similar social challenges, promotes learning and relationship building and is key to therapeutic success.
Parental support and involvement
Effective TUS activities for children are those in which parents are involved in the therapeutic process. Good Social Skills Training offers regular consultations and information meetings. During these meetings, parents can find out what progress their child is making and how to support them in their daily life.
Open communication between the instructor and parents is the key to ensuring that the child can successfully implement the acquired skills in everyday situations.
Price versus quality - an investment in the future
Price of TUS classes may vary, but it is worth remembering that the cheapest offer is not always the best. When choosing a course for your child, invest in one that is run by qualified professionals who offer a personalised approach.
Check what exactly is included in the price - is it regular parent consultations or maybe extra classes? Investing in a well-run course will bring long-term benefits for your child.
TUS activities - choose wisely
Let us remember that Choosing the right TUS activities is key to developing your child's social skillscka. On this topic, we also recommend our article "Why is social skills training (TUS) key to children's success? „.
Pay attention to the qualifications and experience of the instructor, the methodology of the class, the length of the session and the adaptation of the programme to the individual needs of the participants. Keep in mind that a class of about 45 minutes is the optimum time for a child to fully concentrate and work effectively on their skills.
Deciding on the right TUS classes is an investment in your child's future, so make sure you make it wisely.
