A terrific resource guide full of games and activities that will help kids learn important social-emotional skills, written by the Stern Center’s Director of Social Learning and Communication, Julie Erdelyi, M.A.
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.
“Teachers know that if we want students to be able to learn, we have to build a foundation of trust. This book is one of those foundational, handy books that combines research, implementation techniques, and activities that are easy to use. Every new teacher, as well as veteran teachers, need to have this in their hands.”
—Jennifer Harper, Cavendish Town Elementary School
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.
Learn more about the book and order your copy here.
