Here are some great activities for recess to help children build those important social skills.
These days, many parents worry if their children are building the social skills they need in life. Childhood is a crucial time for learning how to interact with peers, which is why school and especially recess will give your child the perfect opportunity. Here are some great activities for recess to help children build those important social skills.
Setting Rules
Too-often valuable playtime is wasted because of children arguing over how to play certain games. Everybody seems to have their own variation of house rules which is why it is important to have rules set beforehand that everybody can agree on. It’s especially helpful to put these rules down in writing, so there is no room for debate. Learning to set and follow rules teaches children how to collaborate and compromise in a peaceful manner. For example, the best rule to have is that no child can be excluded from participating because this will prevent bullying. When children are encouraged to interact with those they might not choose to play with on their own they will make unexpected friends.
Positive Behavior
Recess is a great time to continue teaching children valuable life skills. Something as simple as practicing good sportsmanship by saying “good game” can have a powerful impact on the rest of their lives. When children learn to exercise positive behavior while playing, such as learning that gloating or being a sore loser takes the fun out of a game, then they will apply that to other parts of their lives. Playtime offers so many opportunities to practice building a good work ethic and a humble and caring attitude.
Group Games
One of the keys to building social skills is knowing how to interact with others in a group. There are many group games and sports that can teach children about cooperation. Whether it is capture the flag, kickball, or even jump rope, children can learn to have fun playing together even if they don’t always get their way. They can build relationships while cheering for their teammates, and put their heads together and problem solve as they strategize as a team.
The Connections Therapy Center
The Connections Therapy Center serves families of children and adolescents with disabilities and special needs. We are a team of experts in the fields of pediatric speech, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and behavioral sciences. As a team, we offer intensive hands-on therapy for children and adolescents, as well as informative and useful resources for families. If you are interested in learning more about what we can do to help your family, visit us online or give us a call at (202) 561-1110 (Washington, D.C. office) or (301) 577-4333 (Lanham office). Want to get more information on how to help your child thrive? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.