Scenario Response 6

The student's social integration benefits most from a focus on vocabulary building to improve their ability to connect with others. Students who develop their vocabulary will experience marked improvements in their communication skills as well as their understanding of social cues which leads to more confident participation in social interactions. Since socialization and vocabulary development are linked—enhanced vocabulary enables better communication leading to improved social integration—building vocabulary skills forms a solid base for both social abilities and language proficiency.

When students expand their vocabulary first they gain confidence and competence in peer interactions which creates more natural social opportunities. The expansion of language abilities in students naturally leads to enhanced social interactions. Following sufficient vocabulary development targeted social-emotional learning and interaction practice can enhance social skills.

Deliberate vocabulary development through strategic pairings and support functions as a foundational step toward academic and social integration which results in lasting language proficiency along with enhanced social skills.