Ep. 62: How to Run Social Skills Groups in Schools and Clinics

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

Running social skills groups can be tricky—especially when you’re balancing different student needs, group sizes, and settings. In this episode, we unpack how to structure and differentiate social skills groups for learners at every level—whether you’re in a school, clinic, or classroom. From dyads to full-blown community outings, we’re breaking down what works (and what really doesn’t).
👥 Whether you're supporting early learners or advanced social thinkers, you'll walk away with practical strategies, game ideas, and real-talk about flexibility, planning, and data collection.
🗝️ Key Takeaways
• 3 Types of Social Groups: Understand the difference between social behavior groups, early dyads, and advanced cognition groups—and when to use each.
• Who Goes Where? Learn how to match learners thoughtfully (and realistically) in group settings.
• Structure Matters: Tips for creating predictable routines and flexible lesson plans that work in both schools and clinics.
• Simple Game Ideas: From UNO to Play-Doh, get low-prep group game ideas for every skill level.
• Realistic Data Collection: How to track goals without losing your mind—or the moment.
🧰 Resources & Links
🎯 Free Group visuals, lesson plans, and data AND Group Data Sheet Template
🧠 Episode Mention: Michelle Garcia Winner – Social Thinking®
🧩 Related Episode: Reverse Inclusion (Ep. 46) and Naturalistic Teaching (Ep. 5)
💥 Beat the Teacher Game: Shop It Here
📥 Grab our Favorite Low-Prep Group Games! Add to the list in our Facebook community:
• Pop! the Pig
• Pop-up Pirate
• Don't Break the Ice
• Animal Ring Toss
• Kerplunk
• Uno
• Qwirkle
• Blokus
🤝 Join Us
💬 Let us know your favorite low-prep group activity in the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group
🌟 Subscribe: Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support!
📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis!
💬 Let us know how YOU connect with staff in our Facebook group @TheMisfitBehaviorists
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