Clear, Visual Instruction:
Neurotypical learners also benefit from seeing skills modeled visually rather than just hearing about them. Video modeling taps into visual learning, which is powerful for almost all students, not just those with special needs.

Concrete Examples of Abstract Concepts:
Many social-emotional concepts (like empathy, boundaries, perspective-taking) are hard to teach with just words. Neurotypical students can also struggle to fully grasp these without real-life examples. Watching relatable peer models makes the concepts concrete.

Universal SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) Alignment:
Model Me Kids videos and materials line up beautifully with Tier 1 SEL goals like relationship skills, self-awareness, responsible decision-making — which are part of almost every mainstream curriculum today.

Short, Focused Lessons:
The short, targeted nature of each video clip makes it easy to use in whole-group instruction without losing neurotypical learners’ attention spans.

Inclusive Teaching Practice:
Using Model Me Kids universally sends a message that everyone can learn and practice social skills — reducing stigma around receiving extra help.

Built-in Differentiation:
The second half of each video lesson is presented without narration. This allows customization for each student. In addition, teacher’s guides and student workbooks allow you to easily adapt depth and discussion level — offering open-ended questions for neurotypical learners to extend thinking, and more structured questions for students who need it.

Watch:

The videos demonstrate social rules both visually and with narration. Stay near the student so that you can explain and answer questions. Facilitate pausing and rewinding as needed to reinforce the lessons. In addition, take an active role in explaining the skills, using the videos as support. 

Target One Skill:

The video is divided into chapters; each chapter is a unique skill. Chapters make it easy to target one skill at a time. Target a unique skill and teach it to mastery. Once mastered, practice in a variety of settings. Continue maintaining skills already learned.

Social Skills Training Visuals:

Each scene lasts between 30 seconds and 3 minutes, depending on the chapter. At the end of each chapter is a storyboard summarizing the rules demonstrated and photos illustrating the rule laid out in story form.

Practice & Generalization:

Due to the difficulty that students with Autism Spectrum Disorder have in generalizing skills, once a skill or rule is understood, it is important to practice it in a “real world” environment.

Manuals & Workbooks:

Printable teaching manuals and student workbooks are include for 9 of our curricula. The teaching manuals contain lesson plans that help extend the lessons taught in the videos.

Data Tracker:

The included Model Me Tracker™ Data Tracker is a digital tool that helps educators and therapists measure student progress on social skills in real time. Record data quickly and generate reports to share with parents, administrators, and IEP teams. Works alongside the Model Me Kids® videos and printable materials, giving you one streamlined system for both teaching and tracking outcomes.