ASUA Summer Social Skills Series: Building Confidence, Communication, and Connection

ASUA students socializing outside in the sun.

This summer, A Step Up Academy is excited to expand our programming opportunities with a new summer Social Skills Series designed to support students in building confidence, communication, independence, and meaningful peer connections in a fun and supportive environment. Rooted in our summer theme, Growing Together, these programs are available to all students and thoughtfully designed to meet them where they are developmentally while encouraging personal growth through engaging, hands-on experiences.

Our four-week Summer Social Skills Series will take place on Friday mornings beginning July 10th and will provide students with opportunities to practice important life and social skills through games, movement activities, role play, collaborative projects, sensory experiences, and structured peer interaction. Each age group will focus on developmentally appropriate goals while creating a welcoming space where students can build friendships, celebrate individuality, and strengthen confidence in themselves and others.

Students ages 4-9 will focus on foundational social-emotional learning and self-regulation skills. Through play-based activities, music, movement, storytelling, crafts, and cooperative games, students will practice identifying emotions, expressing feelings appropriately, following routines, taking turns, and navigating everyday social interactions. Sessions will also incorporate calming strategies and sensory supports to help students better understand and manage their emotions in a positive and supportive setting.

Students ages 10-14 will focus on developing problem-solving and flexible thinking skills through teamwork activities and real-life social scenarios. Participants will practice conversation skills, perspective-taking, collaboration, conflict resolution, coping strategies, and navigating unexpected situations with peers. Activities will encourage students to work together, think creatively, and build stronger social confidence both inside and outside the classroom setting.

For students ages 15-22, programming will center around self-advocacy, independence, and preparing for future school, community, and workplace experiences. Students will engage in activities focused on expressing wants and needs, making choices, understanding personal strengths, building confidence in communication, and practicing independence skills in supportive social settings. Sessions may also include collaborative discussions, community-based scenarios, and opportunities to strengthen leadership and decision-making skills.

These sessions are community events designed for everyone to participate, learn, and grow together! For every child, one caregiver or parent is welcome. Please note that a parent or guardian must serve as your child’s primary 1:1 support during the sessions. Learn more and sign up here.

We look forward to helping students build friendships, strengthen communication skills, grow in confidence, and create meaningful connections throughout a fun and supportive summer at ASUA.

Alyssa Gerold (she/her) & Amanda Supplee (she/her)

Auxiliary Programs Co-Coordinators