Social Skills

Social skills games and resources for kids

Social skills are the everyday skills children use to get along with others: taking turns, starting and keeping a conversation going, reading facial expressions and body language, managing feelings and working out what to do when things go wrong.

Many children learn these skills best through play. Games give them a reason to practise, and a safe space to try again. This range includes board and card games, conversation games, picture scenes and activity sheets for use at home, in the classroom or in therapy sessions.

Read more: how to choose and FAQs

How to choose a social skills game

• Younger children: picture-based resources such as Say & Do Social Scenes help children talk about what is happening and how people feel.
• Turn-taking and conversation: games like Social Skills Chipper Chat and Topic Talk build practice into each turn.
• Problem solving and choices: Making Good Social Choices Skill Strips work well one-to-one or in small groups.

Looking for more? Browse social skills and pragmatics resources and social skills Fun Decks, or read our guide to pragmatic language skills in the classroom.

Frequently asked questions

What are social skills games?
They are games and activities designed to give children structured practice with skills such as turn-taking, listening, asking questions, sharing ideas and understanding other people's feelings.

Who uses social skills games?
Parents, teachers, speech pathologists, psychologists and counsellors use them with individual children and small groups, at home, at school and in therapy.