Whiteboard games are perfect for reinforcing concepts, fostering teamwork, and sparking creativity. And the best part? They're loads of fun!
These indoor and outdoor group games for preschoolers are simple, fun and educational. Build social skills while having fun.
12 interactive and fun games to teach self-control and build self-regulation skills for kids and teens. Strong skills for self-control are the foundation for success in and outside of the classroom.
Interactive books for preschoolers are a great way to get them involved in a book in meaningful ways. Since social emotional learning in preschool is key, I created this wonderful "I Can" interactive book. Preschool children will learn important concepts about what it means to be responsible. This colorful interactive book for kids gets them reflecting on how they can and do contribute each day to their own homes and families. All you need to do to prep the interactive preschool book is print, cut out the cards, and laminate for durability. Your child will likely want to go through it again and again!
A list of 20 fun and easy waiting games for kids that you can play anywhere without screens. Stretch your brains while in line, on trips or in restaurants.
Conversation games for kids can help them break the ice with strangers and improve their social skills, regardless of their personality type.
Looking for a fun and interactive way to engage your students during class? Look no further than whiteboard games! These games are not only entertaining, but
Introduce cardinal directions, map skills, compass orienteering, & even intermediate and ordinate points with this interactive game for young kids to enjoy.
Here is a silly drawing games that is a lot of fun for kids to play. In this drawing game, you use dice to decide what parts of the drawing you will draw. We have included a face drawing game and a landscape drawing game. This is a lot of fun and it helps children who might not be able to draw freely and creatively...this will help them draw more freely and creatively. This will also increase silliness.
Read about FREE interactive games, a virtual sandtray, art tools, and other resources to use in virtual counseling and TeleHealth sessions.
Vocabulary instruction is so critical in today’s classroom! A vast vocabulary will help students to become better readers and writers. Vocabulary is also essential to their performance on standardized tests. Helping kids to develop their vocabulary is time that is well spent in a busy classroom. I have developed a routine to teach new vocabulary
Read about FREE interactive games, a virtual sandtray, art tools, and other resources to use in virtual counseling and TeleHealth sessions.
Escape rooms are not only the latest craze, but a tool that can help kids work towards their learning goals. An escape room is a challenge that allows kids to work together solving a variety of puzzles in order to "break out" of a room. There are different "reasons" for why kids are locked it. Somet
Are you on the lookout for engaging and fun ways to foster social-emotional learning (SEL) skills in your students? Well, you're in the right place! Whether you're a seasoned teacher or a fresh-faced educator, I've included a treasure trove of games that will transform your classroom into a hub of self-awareness, self-management, relationship building, social awareness, and responsible decision-making. These games are not only a breeze to implement, but are sure to have your students begging for more. These activities aren't just about learning; they're about making SEL skills an integral part of your classroom culture. So, let the games begin! Self-Awareness: Game 1: Empathy Chairs This game is similar to musical chairs, but it has a social-emotional learning twist. Start the music as students rotate around a circle of chairs with emotion cards on the seats. When the music stops, they'll need to grab a seat. Based on the card at their seats, students will share experiences that they have had related to that emotion. For ready-made cards and detailed directions, click here. Game 2: Feelings Charades Get ready to break the ice with a classic game of charades, but with a twist! Instead of acting out movie titles or animals, students will express various emotions using only their facial expressions and body language. This not only hones their emotional awareness but also creates a safe space for open communication about feelings. Game 3: Emotion Journaling Equip your students with journals and encourage them to express their daily emotions through words, drawings, or a combination of both. This simple yet effective exercise fosters self-awareness by helping students identify and reflect on their emotions. Bonus: It's a fantastic tool for tracking emotional trends over time. Find my favorite journal prompts for building self-awareness here. Self-Management: Game 4: Mindful Minute Challenge Kick off each class or session with a mindful minute challenge. Set a timer for 60 seconds and guide students through a brief mindfulness exercise, such as deep breathing or visualization. This routine cultivates self-management skills by teaching students to center themselves, promoting focus and emotional regulation. You can also practice mindfulness with these FREE finger labyrinths. Game 5: Goal-Setting Bingo Turn goal-setting into a game! Create bingo cards with various self-management goals (e.g., completing homework on time, staying organized, managing time effectively). As students achieve each goal, they mark it off their bingo card. The first to get a bingo enjoys a small reward. It's a playful way to instill discipline and responsibility. Or turn goal-setting into a group bulletin board. Grab the FREE goal-setting materials here. Game 6: Popcorn Game Play a game called "Popcorn." Have students get into a circle. Explain that the goal is for them to each take a turn popping into the air and clapping at the same time. The only catch is that they must go in a random order. If they "pop" up at the same time as a classmate, they should all start again. This is great way to promote impulse control. Grab detailed directions to play this game and four others here. Relationship Skills: Game 7: Collaborative Storytelling Fuel creativity and teamwork by having students work together to create a story. Each student contributes a sentence, building on the narrative created by their peers. This not only strengthens relationships but also enhances communication and cooperation skills. Plus, it's a blast to see where the story takes unexpected twists and turns! (These reading passages based on SEL learning skills are fun, too!) Game 8: Group Challenges Help students develop their relationship skills as they complete a series of fun challenges as a team. Have teams of students work together to solve 5 different challenges that focus on teamwork, collaboration, and leveraging individual strengths to emphasize the power of working together. Make planning these challenges easy with these ready-made stations. Game 9: Peer Appreciation Circle Form a circle and have students take turns expressing appreciation for the person on their right. This simple yet powerful exercise builds positive relationships within the class and reinforces the importance of acknowledging each other's strengths and contributions. Social Awareness: Game 10: Perspective Puzzles Print or draw pictures of various situations and scenarios. Have students work in pairs to discuss and understand the emotions and perspectives of the people in the pictures. This game sharpens social awareness by encouraging students to consider different viewpoints and practice empathy. I've created a set of cards for this game here. Game 11: Community Connections Scavenger Hunt Create a list of community-related items or tasks that students can complete outside of the classroom, fostering a sense of connection to the broader community. This activity enhances social awareness by encouraging students to explore and appreciate the world beyond their immediate surroundings. Responsible Decision-Making: Game 12: Decision Dilemmas Present students with real-life scenarios that require responsible decision-making. Engage them in thoughtful discussions about the potential outcomes of each choice. This game equips students with the skills to analyze situations, consider consequences, and make informed decisions—a crucial aspect of responsible decision-making. Need some scenario cards to share with students? Grab them here. Game 13: Consequence Connect Four Create a Connect Four game board with spaces featuring different consequences of actions. As students play, discuss the potential outcomes associated with each move. This visually engaging activity reinforces the concept that every decision has consequences and helps students develop a sense of responsibility. Game 14: Decision Making Prompts Get students thinking about how they might respond to situations with targeted writing prompts. Share prompts that challenges students to make a decision. Then, give them opportunity to write how they might respond. Let students share their responses with peers or small groups. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- And there you have it, a bunch of games designed to infuse your classroom with social-emotional learning! These activities are not just about learning; they're about creating an environment where students flourish emotionally, socially, and academically. So, why wait? Dive into the world of SEL games and watch your students grow into self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and socially adept individuals. Your classroom is about to become the epicenter of SEL success—game on! Wishing you lots of fun in your classroom, Mary Beth P.S. Find 15 MORE social-emotional learning activities HERE.
Try these 15 awesome language activities with your preschool kids and build their expressive and receptive language while having fun.
Octopus Tag Rules If you’ve never played Octopus Tag, now is the time to try this fun outdoor game. It can be played by all ages and even the adults can have fun. A great family game for all ages. It’s a great game for family get-togethers or for a party game. For additional fun, […] Read more...
Want a fun, no-prep multiplication facts game to use in your math centers tomorrow? Read about how we've "mathified" the popular squares game to practice multiplication facts!
It’s my first day of school! I love this time of year, all fresh starts and possiblities! Team builder games are one of my favorite things to do in the classroom during the first few weeks …
We all want our kids to make smart choices, especially when it comes to friendships. But how will they know what to do when they're faced with issues of right vs. wrong? Well, hopefully, they'll
This collection of 9 free, online geography games will put your knowledge of Planet Earth to the test! Suitable for all ages. Great for school and home.
15 empathy books and videos for the classroom to teach kids about empathy, compassion, inclusion, and community. Use these social awareness books and videos during social-emotional learning lessons.
Escape room activities are a fun and interactive way to work on the skills kids need. My favorite part about escape room activities is that they really encourage cooperation and critical thinking skills. Kids work together and use their collective brain power to solve a variety of puzzles and challe
Today, I am sharing our family’s favorite geography games. When you are finished reading, I’d love for you to share your current favorites! Psst! This post has been updated and exanded.…
20 Fun perspective-taking activities for kids: Teach an essential social skill that fosters while empathy and improves social interactions.
Get your kids excited about learning about finances! These 6 fun games will help your children understand money, establish a savings goal, and develop solid financial habits.
Interactive Bible lesson for Gideon and the Midianites story, Judges 7. Uses DIY ram's horns, torches and pitchers.
20 Fun perspective-taking activities for kids: Teach an essential social skill that fosters while empathy and improves social interactions.
Try these 15 awesome language activities with your preschool kids and build their expressive and receptive language while having fun.
An interactive worksheet designed to captivate students in crafting artwork inspired by Matisse. Through exploration of organic shapes and collage composition, students will delve into creating a piece of art they can truly take pride in. Included: Information Sheet Activity Page and Instructions
Help your child learn their letters with these easy alphabet activities that combine learning and play. You'll all have fun without the work.
Try these 15 awesome language activities with your preschool kids and build their expressive and receptive language while having fun.
Are you looking for some fun and educational activities to do with your kids? Look no further! In this article, we will explore some exciting experiments kids