Students in the Family Psychology program at Hardin-Simmons University are looking for third, fourth, fifth, and sixth graders to participate in the HSU Friendship Academy. Students will learn strategies on how to make friends and learn how to keep and enjoy friends.
“Many kids want to develop their ability to relate to others,” says Dr. Lori Copeland, associate professor of psychology at HSU. “A group setting is a fun and effective way to help them improve these social skills.”
This is the second year for HSU to offer the program. Graduate intern students in the Family Psychology Center will conduct the Friendship Academy using games and activities as a vehicle to teach and practice social skills to the children. Some of the sources that will be used in the program include:
•Superflex: A Superhero Social Thinking Curriculum by Stephanie Madrigal and Michelle G. Winner
•Making & Keeping Friends by John Schmidt
•Let’s Be Friends by Lawrence Shapiro & Julia Holmes
•You are a Social Detective by Michelle G. Winner
“The program is designed to help kids become more aware of their thinking patterns and social behaviors. We will be leading the participants in fun activities that will teach strategies for handling social situations and building relationships,” says Copeland.
“Any child can benefit from this program, but it will be particularly good for kids who need a comfortable setting to learn and practice effective social skills,” she says.
The Friendship Club will meet Thursdays, February 14 through March 28, 2013, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the on-campus psychology center. (No meeting March 14, 2013, due to spring break.)
This free program is sponsored by the Family Psychology Center at Hardin-Simmons University. Donations will be accepted if parents would like to help with the cost of supplies.
The HSU students will be working under the supervision of Lori Copeland, Ph.D., LPC
To register or to get more information call (325) 670-1531 or go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/hsufriendshipacademySP13
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Note about coverage of the Friendship Club:
Due to the nature of the group, photos or video of the children in the club are not allowed since the program will be treated with the same type of confidentiality as a counseling setting. However you may get on-camera, in-person, phone, or email interviews with Dr. Lori Copeland, or with any HSU students involved in the program. We will be happy to set those interviews up for you.
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The HSU Family Psychology Center also offers affordable counseling services to the community during the academic school year.
For families: http://www.hsutx.edu/offices/family-psych-center
For prospective students: http://www.hsutx.edu/academics/cap/graduate/fampsych