Children enjoy arts and crafts as part of the programming for The Social Players!. Courtesy: Shalom Austin

Since the 2020 pandemic lockdowns, parents have worried about the impact that isolation and Zoom classrooms would have on their children. In a recent Gallup poll, 45% of parents of school-aged children responded that COVID had a negative impact on their child’s social skills development.

In the Greater Austin local community, parents shared with Shalom Austin staff that they, too, are concerned about their children’s social skills development. Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service heard this need and responded by creating The Social Players!, a social skills development program disguised as theatre, improv, arts, and cooperative play.

“Many adults have come to us asking for programming to strengthen their social skills, and I’m thrilled to be able to offer similar skill development for our younger community members, particularly those who spent some of their formative years in COVID lockdowns and didn’t have as much opportunity for interactive and group play,” Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service Disability and Inclusion Manager Whitney Emmons said.

Through The Social Players!, parents and children explore artistic play together and in groups, practicing essential skills like turn-taking, conversation, cooperation, and friendship-building. Children whose most formative years were spent social distancing will now get a chance to practice the group play they missed in their early years. For those headed to summer camp, it’s a great transition into the fun-packed, raucous and rowdy community experience they’ll experience this summer.

“The Social Players! is an excellent and fun opportunity for campers and their families to shine bright by celebrating their unique abilities in a warm and welcoming environment,” Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service Disability and Inclusion Youth Manager Joshua Levy said. “This is a great opportunity for campers to learn social skills and get ready for an amazing summer at JCamps!” JCamps Director Ethan Lane-Miller added.

For more information, visit shalomaustin.org/social-players.