Need some suggestions of great, fun games for teaching skills?
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In my work experience of teaching skills to families, I have learned the importance of fun games that also teach those crucial skills for social development, coping skills, and life skills!
I learned quickly that fun games can build rapport, promote family-bonding, teach skills, and allow people to enjoy the process!
As a parent, you already know that teaching skills for your child’s development socially and emotionally is part of the job. Wouldn’t you like to make that job more enjoyable? That would definitely be a win!
For some parents, teaching skills is a painful process. Therefore, I thought it might be helpful to share a list of games that can make teaching those crucial skills for social development, coping, and life more enjoyable.
So, listed below, you will find a list of games that many families I have worked with found most enjoyable as they were learning skills together.
You may have similar games on hand. However, to teach the social, coping, and life skills that families really need, you will need to make some minor additions.
Other game suggestions are ones you can easily purchase through the Amazon links provided, or you might find them elsewhere as well.
I hope you find these suggestions helpful!
My first game choice for teaching skills is Mad Dragon
Mad Dragon is my favorite game to play with families for teaching skills!
It is the most requested game, and the one that families often ask where they can buy it for themselves.
Mad Dragon plays a lot like UNO. This game teaches social and coping skills for anger management. It also includes other life skills as well such as healthy habits, communication tips, and so forth.
I highly recommend this game!
Candyland – with Discussion Topics
This game is for young children and requires that cards be made for discussion. You can easily write questions on colored index cards.
Hasbro Gaming Candy Land Kingdom Of Sweet Adventures Board Game For Kids Ages 3 & Up (Amazon Exclusive)
$12.99 $12.29 (as of April 21, 2024 03:15 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Here are a few suggestions for question cards:
- What are some things you can do to calm down when feeling upset?
- What are the rules when you are at school? On the playground? At a friend’s house?
- Sing a song that makes you feel happy. Do you feel afraid/mad/sad when you are singing that song?
- Pretend that you cannot do something and ask another player for help.
Totika
This game is for youths and plays like Jenga – with the addition of discussion topics on each person’s turn.
YEHUA! Totika Cube & Plunktika Game – Five Card Set
8% Off $64.95 $59.95 (as of April 21, 2024 03:15 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The link provided here for Totika has 10 decks of cards for various issues – Anger, Life Skills, Bullying, Ice Breaker, Resilience, Self Esteem, Junior, Teen-Adult, Divorce, and Blank Deck.
In playing this game with families, I’ve found that it can promote good discussion – all while being enjoyable!
Note: The card decks can be purchased individually instead if needed.
Consequences
First, this game is for young children. Also, I acknowledge that this game does not sound fun – at all! However, I was pleasantly surprised at how well young children responded to this game!
In a nutshell, good choices move a child’s pawn forward and poor choices moves the child’s pawn backward.
Consequences – The Ultimate Behavior Game
$34.95 $32.95 (as of April 21, 2024 03:15 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
As you can imagine, a child needs to learn self-control and good sportsmanship in this game! Luckily, some rewards are built in as well, or you could always incorporate some of your own!
Fishing – for Feelings
In this fishing game for young children, the board rotates while players try to catch the fish as their mouths open and close.
My suggestion for this is to assign a feeling to each color of fish. After all the fish are caught, have the player discuss times they felt a certain way for each fish they caught.
For example, green might be for jealous or disgusted. Blue or purple could be sad. Red or orange could be angry, and so forth.
Awkward Moment Card Game
Admittedly, I don’t have this game, but it is on my wish list!
I’ve heard good things about its usefulness with youths and teens for discussing awkward situations, social interactions, problem solving, and so forth.
Awkward Moment Card Game
$22.95 (as of April 21, 2024 03:15 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Youths and teens can often use a means to discuss such issues in a safe and playful way.
By the way, the reviews on Amazon give it a score of 4 out of 5 stars! Check it out!
You Know
This is another game on my wish list for ages 7 and up.
Friends have told me that it is very fun, prompts good discussion, is thought-provoking, helps break the ice and build rapport, promotes confidence, and includes topics on personal values and goals.
You Know Social Skills Games and Therapy Games, A Fun Game That Opens Communication and Encourages Meaningful Conversations to Establish Relationships
$23.95 (as of April 21, 2024 03:15 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Kiddos need a safe place and a safe way to discuss such things!
Of note, on Amazon, this game receives a score of 4 out of 5 stars.
Conclusion
Games are important for everyone when it comes to teaching and learning skills of all kinds. We all enjoy learning much more when the process is fun.
Therefore, in my humble opinion, the above listed games could be a great addition to your family game night for the purpose of family bonding, communication, teaching important life skills, and to make the process of teaching and learning skills much more enjoyable!
If you liked these suggestions, please comment below, and remember – “Sharing is Caring”!
