Games are an excellent way to teach social-emotional skills to elementary school children. Through play, kids can learn important lessons about cooperation, empathy, and emotional regulation—all while having fun. Here are three engaging and low-cost games that houseparents can use in their homes to help children develop their social-emotional skills.
Emotion Charades is a simple twist on the classic charades game that encourages children to explore and express their feelings. To play, write down various emotions (like happy, sad, angry, excited, or scared) on slips of paper. One child picks a slip, acts out the emotion, and the others try to guess what feeling is being demonstrated.
What it teaches: This game helps children become more aware of different emotions, both their own and those of others. It also fosters empathy as kids learn to recognize how emotions might look in others.
Bonus tip: After each round, ask the group when they’ve felt that emotion and how they handled it. This opens up discussions on emotional regulation and empathy in a natural, playful way.
In this game, children work together to build a tower using blocks or another stacking material, but there’s a catch—they must follow specific rules, such as only using one hand or taking turns placing blocks. The goal is to build the tallest tower possible while following the rules and communicating effectively.
What it teaches: This game promotes teamwork, patience, and communication. It encourages children to listen to each other, take turns, and remain calm under pressure, all of which are key social-emotional skills.
Bonus tip: Discuss what worked well after the game and highlight how collaboration and respecting each other’s ideas led to success. It’s a great way to reflect on the importance of teamwork.
Feelings Bingo is a fun and interactive way to help children recognize different emotions in themselves and others. Create Bingo cards with various facial expressions or emotional words (like “worried,” “proud,” or “frustrated”). As you call out an emotion, children place markers on their cards. The first one to get Bingo wins!
What it teaches: This game helps children identify and label their emotions, while also learning that emotions come in many forms. It’s especially useful for younger children who are just beginning to learn about emotional vocabulary.
Bonus tip: Encourage discussion after each Bingo call. For example, ask, “Can you tell me about a time when you felt this way?” This helps deepen their understanding of emotions and promotes emotional expression.
The fun and laughter inspired by games might make it seem as if kids aren't taking in lessons, but research shows that the best way kids learn is through play. Acting out their range of emotions and interpersonal joys and challenges through games is a safe and accessible way for children to better understand themselves and those around them.
