5 tips for Teaching Social Skills to Kids Through Play!

Picture this: kids laughing through a game of tag or teaming up to build a tower. That’s play working its magic—helping them connect, share, and grow. Teaching social skills doesn’t need flashcards or drills. With play, kids learn naturally while having a blast.

In this post, we’ll explore why play is perfect for building social skills and share five fun, easy games to try in your classroom. Plus, we’ll point you to resources to level up your teaching. Ready to swap flashcards for playtime? Let’s jump in!

Why Play Works for Social Skills

Social skills—like sharing or listening—don’t always come easy to kids. But play makes it simple. Here’s why play-based learning is a winner for early childhood social development:

• It’s Fun and Safe: Play takes the pressure off. Kids practice tricky stuff like taking turns without feeling judged—they’re too busy enjoying it!

• It Builds Real Bonds: Pretending or passing a ball teaches them to talk and cooperate in the moment.

• It Sticks: Lessons from play feel like adventures, so they last longer than rote practice.

Play lets kids live social skills, not just memorize them. Let’s see how you can make it happen.

5 Play-Based Games to Boost Social Skills

Here are five no-prep games to turn play into a social skills win. They’re simple, fun, and perfect for your playgroup or classroom.

1. Friendship Circle Game

• How It Works: Sit in a circle with a soft ball. One child says something nice about the next person (e.g., “You’re a great friend!”) and passes the ball. Keep going until everyone’s had a turn.

• Social Skill: Complimenting and patience. Kids learn to spot the good in others and wait their turn.

• Why It’s Great: It’s a happy, feel-good game.

  
  

2. Build-It-Together Challenge

• How It Works: Split kids into small teams with blocks or boxes. They build something—like a rocket—in 10 minutes, working together without bossing.

• Social Skill: Teamwork. They share ideas and solve problems as a group.

• Why It’s Great: Kids love creating and showing off their masterpiece.

  
  

3. Storytime Swap

• How It Works: Start a silly story (e.g., “A cat wore a hat…”). Each child adds a sentence, passing it around. Cheer for every idea!

• Social Skill: Cooperation and support. It builds confidence and values everyone’s voice.

• Why It’s Great: The sillier it gets, the more they laugh.

  
  

4. Pass the Smile

• How It Works: Sit in a circle. One child smiles at the next person, who “catches” the smile and passes it on. Keep it going—add giggles or winks for fun!

• Social Skill: Nonverbal communication. Kids practice reading faces and sharing positivity.

• Why It’s Great: It’s quick, sweet, and spreads joy.

  
  

5. Treasure Hunt Teams

• How It Works: Hide a few small treasures (like toys or stickers) around the room. Pair kids up to find them together, sharing clues and the loot.

• Social Skill: Sharing and collaboration. They learn to work as partners and split rewards fairly.

• Why It’s Great: The thrill of the hunt keeps them engaged.

  
  

Boost Your Play-Based Skills

You’re already a pro at using play—why not take it further? At IPPAcademy, our enrichment courses help you make play even more powerful. They’re flexible, self-paced and come with a certificate.

Check these out:

• Certificate in Child-Centred Play Therapy

  Use play to help kids connect and feel supported. It’s perfect for building emotional and social growth.

• Advanced Certificate on Playgroup Instructor Training

  Master group games that teach teamwork and more. Ideal for playgroup pros.

Both are affordable and flexible—great for busy educators like you. Ready to grow?