101 Games for Social Skills

An interesting book that provides a wide range of games and explores their importance and role in the development of personal and social skills for young children. All of the games have been tested in schools and ideas are based on research and consultation. The book is divided into two main sections. The first part includes games that teach children to develop social skills: looking, listening, speaking, thinking and concentration skills. The second part consolidates these abilities and provides opportunities for children to apply them in different social contexts. Each game has a specific learning outcome, a section for resources, guidance and comments with ideas for further activities at the end of each section. Games involve children using signals and reacting to cues, chanting songs, drawing shapes, guessing identities, playing hide and seek, taking turns and much more. There are opportunities to act out different roles and scenarios, reflect on and discuss themes such as conflict and differences, celebrations and inclusion, anger, co-operation and tolerance. Although some reference is made to global issues through the factcards and activity ideas additional resources may need to be incorporated to provide information about different cultures and environments. The games can be adapted for specific teaching needs with the range of themes that are covered and the basic structure. A useful book to dip into for inspiration and ideas.