Let’s talk about social skills group activities!

As a teacher working with autistic students, I have found that incorporating whole group social skills activities into my curriculum has been incredibly beneficial.  I want to share with you some of the activities I use to teach basic social skills such as sharing, turn-taking, and accepting not winning a game. These activities are designed to be engaging, interactive, and inclusive for all students.

The Autism Helper’s Social Skills Curriculum

To start off, I want to mention the valuable resource I use in my classroom – The Autism Helper’s Social Skills Curriculum. This curriculum provides a structured and comprehensive approach to teaching social skills to autistic students. It includes adapted books, visuals, and social narratives that are specifically designed to meet the needs of students on the autism spectrum. I have found these materials to be highly effective in helping my students understand and practice social skills in a meaningful way.  To read more about the social skills curriculum in my classroom, read this post.

Adapted Books and Visuals

One of the key components of The Autism Helper’s Social Skills Curriculum is the use of adapted books and visuals. These resources provide visual supports that help students understand social situations and expectations. I incorporate these materials into my lessons to introduce and reinforce social skills concepts. For example, I use adapted books to teach my students about sharing and turn-taking. The visuals help them understand the steps involved in these skills and provide a visual reminder during practice activities.

Social Narratives

Social narratives are another powerful tool included in The Autism Helper’s Social Skills Curriculum. These narratives are written in a first-person perspective and provide a step-by-step guide to navigating social situations. I use these narratives to help my students understand the importance of accepting not winning a game. By reading and discussing these narratives together, we can explore different perspectives and develop empathy towards others. 

Whole Group Games

1. Tic Tac Toe

Tic Tac Toe is a classic game that can be easily adapted to focus on social skills. I divide the class into pairs and have them take turns playing the game. Before each turn, students are encouraged to discuss and strategize with their partner. This helps them practice turn-taking, sharing, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of good sportsmanship and accepting the outcome of the game, whether they win or lose.  My students and I play Tic Tac Toe here.

2. Musical Chairs

Musical Chairs is another fun and interactive game that promotes social skills development. I set up chairs in a circle, one less than the number of students. As the music plays, students walk around the chairs with their hands on their heads (to avoid temptation of touching the chairs). When the music stops, they must find a chair to sit on. This game encourages sharing, turn-taking, and accepting not winning as students may have to give up their seat.  Once students are out, I sometimes give them the option to control the music.  This helps with any feelings of frustration, anger, or sadness over losing the game. 

3.  Hot Potato

Hot Potato is a fast-paced game that requires students to pass an object (such as a beanbag) around a circle while music plays. When the music stops, the student holding the object must take a seat outside of the circle.  This game helps students practice sharing, turn-taking, quick decision-making, and accepting losing a game.

Thanks for reading! What questions do you have?  Leave them below.  Visit The Autism Helper shop to learn more about the amazing Leveled Daily Curriculum.