News in the Social World
Welcome to News in the Social World!
This page is built around the idea that social learning is a lifelong journey, not a checklist of rules to memorize. We’ve gathered a thoughtful collection of articles from both online and print sources that explore the social world in meaningful, relatable ways. Each offers insights into communication, self-regulation, and social understanding, and is complementary to the Social Thinking Methodology by reinforcing the idea that social competencies are something we all work on over the course of our lives. Whether you’re a therapist, educator, or family member, this page is meant to be a go-to resource for interesting, informative reads about what’s happening in the social world.
Note: Social Thinking Staff did not author any of these articles but recommend them for reading. You will be directed off the Social Thinking website.
3 Easy Ways to Make Feelings Visible in the Classroom
Edutopia, January, 2026
As educators, we often discuss how to “make thinking visible.” It’s a way to empower students to build self-awareness about cognitive processes—and enable us to assess their learning and respond with appropriate instructional moves. Making feeling visible is equally important. When we incorporate consistent practices for surfacing students’ emotions, we support them in building and maintaining the motivation for academic engagement, growth, and success.
The Higher-Order Skills AI Can’t Touch—Yet
Charter, December 2025
Conversations about soft skills are often, well, soft. While most executives believe skills like communication or adaptability will only grow in importance as AI changes the nature of work, the conversation often stops at that high level. David Deming, however, talks about soft skills—which he calls “higher-order skills”—in refreshingly concrete terms. (The term “soft skills” was coined by the U.S. Army to refer to skills unrelated to machinery use; the word “soft” has been criticized for devaluing, misleading, or perpetuating gender stereotypes about these essential skills.) The dean of Harvard College, Deming is an economist who’s published several papers on the growing importance of abilities like decision making and social skills for work.
Why Young People Are Struggling to Communicate
TIME, December 2025
We teach communication skills at Stanford University. We’re also parents, coaches, and consultants in Silicon Valley. We’ve been worried about adolescents’ diminishing writing and speaking skills for years. Lately, we have noticed that these skills are eroding at an accelerating rate, month-over-month. Communication skills are essential for creating healthy relationships, maintaining mental health, fostering civic engagement, and building a successful career. And, while teenagers today are the most connected generation in history, they are also the least prepared to communicate with depth, confidence, and empathy.
I had terrible social skills for years - here are the 8 mistakes I finally learned to stop making
VegOut, December 2025
I wasn't shy, exactly. I could talk. I showed up. But something was consistently off, and I couldn't put my finger on what. It took years and some brutally honest feedback from people who cared enough to tell me the truth to realize I was making the same social mistakes over and over. Not because I was a bad person, but because no one had ever taught me the unspoken rules that seem to come naturally to everyone else. Here are the eight mistakes I finally learned to stop making. Maybe you'll recognize a few of your own
Holiday Conversations: Ten Tips to Manage Your Emotions and Communicate Better
CHADD, December
Adults and children with ADHD may face unique challenges during family gatherings, where lifelong struggles or high-energy environments can lead to misunderstandings. While families often have good intentions, past conflicts and a lack of education about the condition can spark anxiety and lead to familiar arguments. These unresolved issues make it difficult for families who love each other to envision a peaceful holiday season. To help reach that goal, I have ten tips to provide insulation and a clear plan for navigating potential disagreements as unscathed as possible.
Communicating With Parents About the Value of Play in Preschool
Edutopia, August, 2025
In a highly engaged classroom, play is not random, it is intentional. Play is where the brain builds meaningful connections, whereas completing worksheets often builds compliance rather than curiosity. For children to wire the complex cognitive and executive function skills they need later in school, they need movement, interaction, and hands-on learning that leads to discovery. Essential life and learning skills are being built during play that will show up as confident readers, flexible thinkers, and kids who love to learn.
How New Teachers Can Encourage Student Agency
Edutopia May, 2025
True empowerment grows from trust, autonomy, and productive struggle rather than constant guidance. Shifting how we support learners means moving from rescuing to empowering by transforming our presence, creating meaningful contributor roles, and reimagining assessment practices. When we design with care and step in strategically, we create space for learners to take charge and grow. True compassion in teaching is not about solving every problem but believing in learners enough to give them opportunities to solve their own.
“Are You Missing Play in Your Life?”
ADDITUDE, Updated May, 2025
Play is the unsung hero of stress management and wellbeing. Intentional and regular practice of playfulness is vital for busy ADHD brains that field many competing interests at a time – from careers and families to household obligations, symptom management, and more. Play, unfortunately, is often pushed to the bottom of the priority list.
Supporting All Students With Special Needs
Edutopia March, 2025
Creating an equitable classroom for students with special needs requires intentionality, collaboration, and a commitment to fostering each student's growth and independence. Setting high expectations paired with tailored support ensures that students are challenged and equipped to succeed. Teaching self-advocacy and responsibility empowers them to take ownership of their learning, while cultivating a growth mindset helps them see potential in every challenge. Involving families strengthens the connection between home and school, providing students with the consistency and encouragement they need to thrive.
How Schools Can Teach Students to Manage Their Behavior and Emotions
EducationWeek, January, 2025
Elementary school teachers have noticed that their students do not have the coping strategies to self-regulate, or manage their emotions and behaviors, that previous generations had. More than 8 in 10 public schools say they are seeing stunted behavioral and socioemotional development in their students, which is negatively impacting learning as well as teacher and staff morale. Other contributing factors could include the increase in young people's mental health challenges, as well as the increase in their screen time. To assist, a downloadable tip sheet spells out practical strategies from elementary teachers, principals, counselors, and researchers that schools can put in place to teach students how to better manage their emotions and behaviors.
What I Wish My Teachers Knew About Me: A Free Template for Kids
ADDITUDE, Updated January, 2025
Your child is smart, friendly, and loves learning, but sometimes their attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD) gets in the way at school. Your child’s new teacher needs to know this and will want to implement strategies that work best for illuminating your child’s strengths and improving their weaknesses. That is where this letter comes in. Print out this download and work with your child to fill it out before school begins.