Enhancing Social Thinking with the Think It or Say It Game

Social thinking plays a crucial role in our social-emotional development and effective communication. It involves understanding and applying social cues, perspective-taking, self-awareness, and self-regulation. For individuals who struggle with social thinking skills, it can be challenging to navigate social interactions and build meaningful relationships.

One valuable tool that can help enhance social thinking skills is the Think It or Say It game. This game provides a fun and interactive way to practice and reinforce important social thinking skills. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of social thinking, discuss the benefits of the Think It or Say It game, and provide strategies for using the game effectively.

I. Understanding Social Thinking

Social thinking refers to our ability to consider the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of others in social situations. It involves understanding social cues, interpreting non-verbal communication, and adapting our behavior accordingly. Social thinking is crucial for effective communication, building relationships, and navigating social interactions.

Many individuals, particularly those with social communication disorders or social-emotional difficulties, may struggle with understanding and applying social thinking skills. This can result in challenges in making and maintaining friendships, resolving conflicts, and participating in group activities. Therefore, it is essential to provide opportunities for individuals to develop and enhance their social thinking skills.

II. Introducing the Think It or Say It Game

The Think It or Say It game is a valuable tool for enhancing social thinking skills. It is a fun and engaging game that can be used in therapy sessions, classrooms, or at home. The game helps individuals practice perspective-taking, self-awareness, and self-regulation in a structured and interactive way.

The Think It or Say It game consists of a deck of cards with various social scenarios. Each card presents a situation, and players must decide whether the character in the scenario should think the thought or say it out loud. The game encourages players to consider the perspective of the character and make appropriate choices based on social norms and expectations.

By playing the Think It or Say It game, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of social thinking skills and apply them in real-life situations. The game provides a safe and supportive environment for practicing and reinforcing these skills, leading to improved social interactions and relationships.

III. How to Play the Think It or Say It Game

To play the Think It or Say It game, you will need the game deck, which can be easily purchased or downloaded online. The game is suitable for individuals of all ages and can be adapted to meet the needs of different skill levels.

Here are the rules and mechanics of the game:

1. Shuffle the deck of cards and place them face-down in a stack.
2. Each player takes turns drawing a card from the stack.
3. Read the scenario on the card aloud.
4. Players must decide whether the character in the scenario should think the thought or say it out loud.
5. Discuss and explain the reasoning behind the chosen response.
6. Continue playing until all the cards have been used or for a designated amount of time.
7. Reflect on the social thinking skills practiced during the game and discuss how they can be applied in real-life situations.

Facilitating engaging and meaningful gameplay is essential for maximizing the benefits of the Think It or Say It game. Here are some tips:

• Create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where players feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions.
• Encourage open and respectful discussions about the scenarios and the choices made by the players.
• Provide positive reinforcement and praise for thoughtful and considerate responses.
• Use the game as an opportunity to teach and reinforce social norms and expectations.

IV. Key Social Thinking Skills Developed through the Game

The Think It or Say It game focuses on developing several key social thinking skills:

1. Perspective-taking: By considering the thoughts and feelings of the character in the scenario, players practice putting themselves in someone else’s shoes and understanding different perspectives.
2. Self-awareness: The game prompts players to reflect on their own thoughts and consider whether they are appropriate to share in a given social situation.
3. Self-regulation: By making choices between thinking or saying a thought, players learn to regulate their behavior and adapt it to social norms and expectations.

These skills are essential for effective social interactions and building positive relationships. By practicing these skills through gameplay, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of social thinking and apply it in various contexts.

V. Strategies for Using the Think It or Say It Game Effectively

Here are some strategies for incorporating the Think It or Say It game into therapy sessions, classrooms, or home settings:

• Introduce the game gradually, starting with simpler scenarios and gradually increasing the complexity as players become more proficient in their social thinking skills.
• Encourage players to discuss their reasoning behind their choices, promoting critical thinking and deeper understanding of social thinking concepts.
• Use the game as a starting point for further discussions and activities related to social thinking, such as role-playing, problem-solving, or creating social stories.
• Adapt the game to meet the needs of different age groups or skill levels by modifying the scenarios or adding additional rules or challenges.
• Consistently reinforce and practice social thinking skills in real-life situations, using the game as a springboard for generalization and application.

VI. Conclusion

The Think It or Say It game is a valuable tool for enhancing social thinking skills. By practicing perspective-taking, self-awareness, and self-regulation through gameplay, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of social thinking and apply it in real-life situations.

Whether you are a therapist, educator, or parent, incorporating the Think It or Say It game into your social-emotional learning activities can have a significant impact on individuals’ social thinking skills. Start your EverydaySpeech free trial today and discover the benefits of the Think It or Say It game for yourself!

For additional resources and references on social thinking and related games, check out the EverydaySpeech website.