As educators, we are always trying to find ways to engage students in academic content that captures their interest and attention. With some kids, it can be simple, and with others, it’s a real art. I love using games to teach SEL skills to bring kids in to learning where they don’t even see it coming. I have noticed with some kids, SEL can be a hard topic to approach. It can feel triggering or personal to talk about emotions and coping skills. When we approach these skills with games, it can open a door.
Types of Games
There are many types of games you can use to teach SEL skills. Cooperative games (I love ones by Peaceable Kingdom) can be really beneficial for kids learning to work together and take turns. Working towards a common goal can be a fun way to introduce games without the heavy burden of competition.
I have made a lot of my own games that use clear clip art, examples, and simple language to teach specific skills. The game Emotion Avenue uses a high interest topic (cars!) to teach and practice emotion identification. It’s so simple and can be played with one student or a small group.
The Conversation Game is a little more advanced, as students can play together by asking each other questions about emotional experiences. This game requires a bit more reading, language, and understanding of the concepts.
File folder games can also be fun as basic turn taking games. This is also a way you can include games to teach SEL into independent centers. This game can be easily played solo!
Ways to use
There are SO many ways to use games to teach SEL. You could try creating a “game day” on a Friday afternoon where these are the available choices for games. Students can choose to play solo or with peers and engage in SEL games. Another idea is to use SEL games as a center. This could be done in any subject – even if you’re doing math centers. Adding in an SEL game can break up the content and give students an opportunity to practice these skills, too. I personally always add these SEL games into our indoor recess and classroom choices activities! You’d be surprised how many times students try out these games over their usuals like blocks or drawing.
You can also use these SEL games as individual activities for early finishers or independent work tasks. All of the games include directions on how students can play them solo. Students will need a place to write down their responses, like a tablet or a journal.
Important features
It’s helpful to know that games don’t require as much prep work as you might think! Print, laminate (only if you want!), and grab the necessary tools (which usually are no more than a dice and some game pieces). I put my games in big Ziplock bags to keep the materials together and – voila! Simple as that.
For game pieces, I often use mini-erasers or unifix cubes. No need for anything fancy, just the ability to differentiate if students are playing in a group!
What do you think? How will you be using games to teach SEL skills with your students?