25+ Video Modeling Activities for Building Social Skills

Get no-prep video modeling lessons that make it easy to teach social skills through realistic examples your students can see and imitate.

Who This Collection Is For

This collection was created for anyone supporting students’ social development through visual learning: SLPs, special educators, school counselors, behavior specialists, paraprofessionals, and classroom teachers.

It is designed to help professionals use video modeling to teach real-world communication, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills. Each activity gives students a clear example to observe, practice, and apply, making social learning concrete and accessible for all ages.

How to use this collection

  • Scroll and skim to find video modeling activities that match your goals.
  • Click any title to open the full video or accompanying lesson.
  • Adapt as needed for your setting since everything is flexible and ready to use.
  • Check back often as new video modeling activities are added to the collection.

Tip: If you want the best video modeling activities all in one place, grab the free downloadable pack at the top of the page.

Example Video Modeling Lessons for Social Skills

Below are examples of video modeling lessons that support social skills development across age levels. Each video shows students what a skill looks like in action, helping them connect language, behavior, and outcomes in real-world situations.

Pre-K / Kindergarten Video Modeling Examples

Taking a Break When You Need It
This video models how young learners can recognize when they need a break and use appropriate language or actions to step away and reset.

Getting Rid of Worries
Students watch a simple, age-appropriate example of identifying worries and using calming strategies to feel more at ease.

Staying Calm When I’m Angry
This lesson models basic anger-management strategies, such as pausing, breathing, and choosing a calm response instead of reacting impulsively.

How Do I Know I Feel Upset?
Learners observe clear visual cues, facial expressions, and body signals to help them identify when they are feeling upset.

Thinking About Others’ Feelings
This evidence-based video models how young learners can notice others’ emotions and begin responding with empathy and care.

Entering a Classroom
This lesson models expected classroom entry routines, including following directions, transitioning calmly, and preparing to learn.

Learning to Try My Best
Learners watch examples of persistence, effort, and positive self-talk when tasks feel challenging.

Elementary Video Modeling Examples

Keeping an Open Mind – Introduction
Students learn what it means to keep an open mind and why flexibility matters in social and learning situations.

Self-Controller Scanner – Introduction
This video models how students can check in with themselves to notice emotions, body signals, and readiness to learn.

Checking In With Yourself
Learners see how to pause and reflect on how they are feeling before responding or making a decision.

Ways to End a Conversation
This lesson models appropriate and polite ways to wrap up a conversation, helping students exit interactions smoothly.

We All Have Feelings
Students observe scenarios that highlight different emotions and learn that everyone experiences feelings differently.

We All Have Feelings (Evidence-Based Video Modeling)
This evidence-based lesson reinforces emotional awareness and understanding through structured modeling and discussion.

Bus Behavior Basics
This video models expected behavior in a shared space, including listening to adults, respecting others, and following routines.

I Can Do It Myself
Learners watch examples of using independence, persistence, and problem-solving instead of immediately seeking help.

Balloon Breathing
This lesson models a simple breathing strategy students can use to calm their bodies and regulate emotions.

Finding Strategies That Work for You
Students learn that different strategies work for different people and see examples of choosing tools that fit their needs.

Advocating in the Classroom
This video models how students can respectfully ask for help, clarification, or support during learning activities.

Compromising With Others
Learners observe how to share ideas, listen to others, and find a fair solution during disagreements.

Middle & High School Video Modeling Examples

Advocate for Your Learning Accommodations
This lesson models how students can self-advocate by understanding their needs and communicating accommodations appropriately in academic settings.

Evidence-Based Video Modeling: Self-Advocacy
Students see clear, structured examples of self-advocacy skills supported by evidence-based instruction.

Being an Employee
Students watch examples of workplace expectations, including professionalism, following directions, and interacting respectfully with supervisors and peers.

Standing Up to Bullying
This lesson models assertive, appropriate responses to bullying while prioritizing safety and self-respect.

When the Little Things Feel Big
Students observe strategies for managing strong emotions and stress when small challenges feel overwhelming.

Showing Empathy
This video models how to recognize others’ perspectives and respond with empathy in social situations.

Listening to Others’ Ideas
Students learn how to listen respectfully, consider different viewpoints, and respond appropriately in group settings.

Ready to Use These Video Modeling Activities?

Whether you’re helping students learn how to communicate, manage emotions, or solve problems, the videos in this collection make it simple to model real-world social skills. They’re engaging, age-appropriate, and ready to use in any setting.

We continue to add new video modeling resources, so this page will grow over time. If you want the best examples all in one place, you can download the free lesson pack at the top of the page.

Pick a topic above and dive in!

Your next great video modeling activity is already waiting.

FAQs

What is video modeling for social skills?

Video modeling is an evidence-based approach where students watch short videos that demonstrate specific social skills, such as starting a conversation, staying calm, or resolving a problem. By observing others, students learn what the behavior looks like and how to use it in real life.

 

How do you teach social skills with video modeling?

Start by choosing a video that matches the skill you want to teach. Watch it with your students, discuss what they noticed, and then practice the same behavior through role-play or real-life scenarios. Reinforcing the skill regularly helps it stick.

What makes video modeling effective?

Students learn best when they can see behaviors modeled clearly and consistently. Video modeling helps them connect visual examples with real emotions, language, and body cues, making social learning concrete and memorable.

 

Who can use video modeling?

These activities are ideal for SLPs, special educators, counselors, behavior specialists, and classroom teachers. They work well in therapy sessions, small groups, or classroom settings for students of all ages and ability levels.

How often should I use video modeling?

Short, frequent practice works best. Watching one or two videos per week and pairing them with quick discussions or follow-up activities can lead to meaningful progress over time.