Unit 1: Social Skills
Lesson 6: Getting Along with Roommates
OBJECTIVES
Make a list of important factors when choosing a roommate.
Explain what problems can arise when living with someone else.
Practice confronting a roommate about one of those problems.
MATERIALS NEEDED
Things to Consider When Selecting a Roommate
Things to Consider When Living with a Roommate
marker board or something to write on
INSTRUCTIONAL FORMAT
This topic will be discussion-based. Much of the skills needed to get along
with roommates are covered in other lessons such as anger management, conflict
resolution, and communication skills. If a person can master these other
skills, he should be able to resolve most issues that come up in a roommate
relationship. This lesson is more about teaching a person to think about
what goes into living with someone else. Remind students that they will not
be compatible with all people. If people can't resolve differences using
good communication and compromising skills, it is OK to go their separate
ways.
Discuss what a person would look for in another person for a roommate. Use
the "Things to Consider when Selecting a Roommate"
handout to help guide the discussion.
Review items that might go into a "Roommate
Agreement." The agreement can be formal or informal, but it is important
that students understand that this is a good initial point of discussion
when deciding on whether to live with someone else. Make a copy for students
to keep.
Discuss things to consider when living with another person. Use
"Things to Consider when Living with a Roommate"
handout.
Discuss what problems may arise once two or more people move in together.
In role-play situations, practice resolving these problems. Use the steps
from the conflict-resolution lesson.
SIGNS OF GENERALIZATION
Students talk to trainers to review the considerations of living with someone
else. The person is going to use a roommate agreement when "interviewing"
a potential roommate. The person is having few roommate problems, or is handling
problems in a functional way.
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