About this resource
Joining a group can be hard for many children. Breaking it into simple steps gives them a script to practise. This activity teaches watching first, finding a good moment, asking and what to do if the answer is no.
Purpose
Simple steps for joining a game or group, with a colourful picture and space to practise what to say.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Educators and school support staff. Also relevant for speech pathologists, counsellors and therapists, occupational therapists.
Client or participant group: Children aged about 4 to 10, with a teacher, speech pathologist or counsellor.
Practice setting: Classrooms, playgrounds, therapy rooms.
Suggested uses
- Individual play-based sessions
- Building a relationship with a child
- Talking about feelings without pressure
- Sharing ideas with parents or carers, with the child's agreement
Instructions for practitioners
- Read the steps together.
- Role-play with puppets or toys.
- Practise with a friendly peer.
- Talk about what to do if the answer is no.
Accessibility considerations
Big pictures and few words. Read it aloud, let the child draw or point, and use their own words for feelings. Print in colour if you can, or let the child colour it in.
Scope and limitations
A play-based activity that supports therapy. It is not a stand-alone treatment, a clinical assessment or a validated tool. Follow the child's lead, stop if they become distressed, and follow your child safety procedures if the child discloses harm.
Research basis
School-based social and emotional learning programs improve students' social skills, behaviour and academic results.
- Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The Impact of Enhancing Students’ Social and Emotional Learning: A Meta-Analysis of School-Based Universal Interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405–432. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced. Illustrations and activities were created for Practitioner Plus; no third-party worksheet or image was used.
