52 Essential Social Dilemmas: Life Skills for Kids & Teens to Thrive in Middle School - Conversation Cards Created by Teachers & Counselors for Family, Classroom, Counseling, Therapy Game (6-8 Grade)

The pandemic increased isolation and loneliness, turning normal face to face school to virtual learning for children. This resulted in regressed communication skills and under-developed social skills. Studies have found that social-emotional competence has a significant influence on school performance and mental health. Benefits of these social skill cards interactive games for elementary school students & preschool children: ? enhances social skills ? boosts self-esteem and confidence ? promotes positive and open communication ? provides insight into children's present social skills ? encourages decision-making in children ? empowers kids in problem-solving When to use the social skills games for elementary students: ? during homeroom morning meeting ? during small group dynamics in the language classroom ? counseling games and social skills groups ? counseling games for elementary ? speech therapy assessments and exercises ? during playgroups for kindergarten circle time ? at home during dinnertime, table topics discussion ? car rides to/from school ? PTA meeting and family workshops ? family picnic, holiday gathering ? anytime, anywhere! Ways to play: ?? randomly draw a card for daily check-in before and/or after school ?? ice breaker “what would you do” and “would you rather” activities to help students get to know each other ?? think, pair, and share activity at school to help peers bond and connect ?? family meeting agenda topic or whole classroom discussion ?? work on specific skills (ex: Spade cards for Awareness of social norms, rules, and manners; Club cards for making and keeping friends; Heart cards for dealing with big emotions with other people; Diamond cards for impulse control and setting goals)