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Teaching Social Skills can be challenging, but also can be greatly rewarding when you see your efforts start to pay off. Gone are the days when we can think that kids will naturally learn social skills to get them through life. Yes, they will learn some. Meanwhile, with teaching and modeling, kids can get the hang of it a lot faster! Also, a positive side to teaching social skills is that students will begin to develop healthy relationship patterns with their family and friends. Social Skills can be taught in the classroom, small-group, and even individually. Here’s a list of books I highly recommend when it comes to helping kids navigate their social world. Needing to check out more book lists? Head over to my post about books for Back-to-School Anxiety.
Rulers of the Playground by Joseph Kuefler
This picture book is about sharing, friendship, and kindness. On a positive note, the kids begin to realize that it’s more fun to share and play than it is to be “rulers” of the playground.
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
This is such a sweet book to teach inclusion and show kids that one small act of kindness can go a long way.
Home is In Between by Mitali Perkins
This wonderful book shows students what it’s like to navigate multiple cultures and learn a new set of social skills along the way.
Pass It On by Sophy Henn
Share joy and laughter! Inside this book, kids will learn to share the good things in life and “pass it on”.
Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale
Full of energy and excitement, Clark the Shark teaches kids important school-ready social skills.
A Friend for Henry by Jennifer Bailey
A story told by a boy on the autism spectrum. While he is on the lookout for a friend… will a friend find him instead?
Social Skills Matter!, Grades PK – 2: Social Narrative Mini-Books by Christine Schwab and Kassandra Flora
Counselors can use these 80 reproducible mini-books to help teach kids social skills. Topics cover: Feelings, Communication, School Routines, Manners, and Behavior Management
The Survival Guide for Kids With Behavior Challenges: How to Make Good Choices and Stay Out of Trouble by
This book helps kids learn new strategies to overcome behavior challenges and learn to change daily habits.
The Teen’s Guide to Social Skills: Practical Advice for Building Empathy, Self-Esteem, and Confidence by
This ones for teens! This book helps them break through the awkwardness and anxiety of social situations through the use of strategies, skill building, and real examples.
Anti-Bullying Book for Girls by Yours truly, Jessica Woody
This book is another one for slightly older girls, ages 8-10. One of the toughest issues girls face is bullying. This standout among bullying books for kids will help girls find their voice and put a stop to bullying, whether it’s happening to them or to their friends. They’ll find supportive advice that addresses the unique challenges of girl-on-girl bullying and shows them how to boost their confidence, deal with bullying in the moment, and be more empathetic toward others.
I hope this booklist helps build your counselor toolbox with the needed tools to help students grow within their social worlds!
Thanks for reading!
