Activities, Games, and Lessons for Social Learning
Purchase
Description
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.
Contents
List of Tables and Figures
List of Tables and Figures
Foreword by Kari Dunn Buron
Foreword by Kari Dunn Buron
Preface
Preface
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
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
CONCLUSION
Resources
Resources
References
References
Index
Index
Resources
Companion Website
https://resources.corwin.com/ActivitiesGamesLessonsDescription
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.
Contents
List of Tables and Figures
List of Tables and Figures
Foreword by Kari Dunn Buron
Foreword by Kari Dunn Buron
Preface
Preface
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
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
CONCLUSION
Resources
Resources
References
References
Index
Index
Resources
Companion Website
https://resources.corwin.com/ActivitiesGamesLessonsReviews
Activities, Games, and Lessons for Social Learning
A Practical Guide
March 2020 | 168 pages | Corwin
| Format | Published Date | ISBN | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paperback | 01/02/2026 | 9781544362458 | $37.95 |
| Lifetime | 01/02/2026 | 9781544362472 | $35.00 |
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