In these games, the prize is success in school—and life. Having good social skills doesn’t just affect classroom behavior—it’s the key to making learning stick. When students improve their self-regulation, social communication, and perspective-taking competencies, they are better prepared to challenge themselves academically, take on tough tasks, and collaborate with teachers and classmates to achieve real, lasting school success. And since these skills also improve life outside school, the benefits come full circle. Designed for both explicit instruction and "learning by doing," this practical guide provides hands-on activities that are easily adapted into any curriculum and can be used in general education, special education, after-school settings, and in the home. The design of each game keeps kids engaged and motivated, while educators benefit from clear, thorough explanations that unpack the complexities of social learning. Other behind-the-scenes features include: Evidence-based, teacher-tested lessons Anecdotes and real-world examples Links to relevant research Expansion ideas for applying learned skills to broader situations Templates and reproducibles for easy implementation This curated collection of activities puts social-learning theory into practice, helping even the most challenging children develop the social skills necessary for real success in school—and beyond.

Table of Contents:
List of Tables and Figures Foreword by Kari Dunn Buron Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors INTRODUCTION: WHY SOCIAL LEARNING? WHY NOW? What Is the Need for Social Learning? What Is the Ideal Approach to Social Learning? What Does Social Learning Look Like for Students? Section 1: Teaching Self-Regulation CHAPTER 1. Self-Regulation: The Basics What Is Self-Regulation? Functions of Behaviors and Interventions Cognitive Skills The Sensory System CHAPTER 2. Lesson Plans for Teaching Self-Regulation Table 2.1 Self-Regulation Lesson Plans Overview Lesson 1: Suspend Lesson 2: Taboo Lesson 3: Tenzi Lesson 4: Chill Out Lesson 5: Flexibility Points Lesson 6: Balloon Release Lesson 7: Uno Lesson 8: Personal Space Role-Play Lesson 9: SKIP-BO Lesson 10: Spit Section 2: Teaching Social Communication CHAPTER 3. Social Communication: The Basics Relationship Types Complexities of Social Communication Nonverbal Communication Teaching Conversation CHAPTER 4. Lesson Plans for Teaching Social Communication Table 4.1 Social Communication Lesson Plans Overview Lesson 1: Hidden Message Lesson 2: I Doubt It Lesson 3: Follow-Up Questions Lesson 4: Hedbanz Lesson 5: Relationship Types Card Sort Lesson 6: 5-Second Rule Lesson 7: Hidden Objects Lesson 8: Ball Toss Communication Lesson 9: Word on the Street Lesson 10: Beanbag Crash Section 3: Teaching Perspective-Taking CHAPTER 5. Perspective-Taking: The Basics Theory of Mind Social Cognitive Theory Informal Assessment Tasks The Intersection of Perspective-Taking and Social Communication Hidden Curriculum Levels of Friendship Listen, Care, Change Comic Strip Conversations and Social Stories CHAPTER 6. Lesson Plans for Teaching Perspective-Taking Table 6.1 Perspective-Taking Lesson Plans Overview Lesson 1: Apples to Apples Personalized Lesson 2: Celebrity Lesson 3: Telephone in Pictures and Words Lesson 4: Spoons Lesson 5: Suspicion Lesson 6: Picture Sequencing Activity Lesson 7: Faceland Lesson 8: Listen, Care, Change Lesson 9: Guess My Gaze Lesson 10: Bubble Talk CONCLUSION Resources References Index