Communication activities for kids are fun, interactive ways to help them express thoughts and feelings. This blog lists seven engaging communication games for kids that boost listening, speaking, and teamwork skills.
Key Takeaways:
- Communication games for kids improve social and emotional development.
- Each activity in this blog supports a different aspect of communication—like listening, turn-taking, or using descriptive language.
- You’ll get a free, printable PDF to try these at home or in a learning setting.
Table of Contents
1. Feelings Charades
This game works just like regular charades—but instead of movies or animals, kids act out different emotions. One child picks an emotion card (like “excited,” “confused,” or “angry”) and acts it out without speaking. The others guess the emotion based on body language and facial expressions.
I’ve seen this work wonders with kids who don’t always have the words to describe what they’re feeling. It’s low-pressure, fun, and helps kids begin to connect body language with emotional vocabulary. For kids with learning differences, it opens the door to understanding nonverbal cues.
2. Story Circle
Story Circle is a group storytelling game. One child starts a story with just one or two sentences. Then the next kid adds a line, and so on, until you’ve got a full story. You can even throw in props or pictures to inspire ideas.
This game builds turn-taking skills and narrative thinking. Plus, it teaches kids to listen carefully so they can follow the story’s thread. I’ve used it with groups of both verbal and minimally verbal kids—with slight modifications—and they loved it.
3. Barrier Drawing
In this activity, two kids sit back to back. One has a picture of a simple object (like a house or rocket) and must describe it without showing it. The other child listens and draws what they think it looks like.
This is one of the best games for practicing clarity in verbal communication. Kids learn that others don’t always see what they see, so they have to give specific instructions. I once used this game with a student who had trouble using complete sentences. After a few rounds, he was using full directions with adjectives like “tall,” “next to,” and “curved.”
4. Emotion Card Pick
This is a quick, visual game for teaching emotion vocabulary. Use a deck of cards with faces and labels showing feelings like “happy,” “jealous,” or “nervous.” A child picks a card and shares a time they felt that way—or tells a short story about someone else who might feel that way.
Some kids need help labeling emotions before they can talk about them. That’s where this activity shines. You can play it as a warm-up in speech sessions or use it during transitions to check in. Kids start to recognize emotions in themselves and others, which is key for building empathy.
5. Describe the Object
Grab a mystery object, hide it in a bag, and have one child feel it and describe it using texture, shape, and size—without saying what it is. The others try to guess based on those clues.
This is one of my favorite games for helping kids build vocabulary. You’d be surprised how often kids go from saying “It’s squishy” to “It feels like soft foam, and it’s round.” That kind of descriptive language helps kids in everyday conversation and writing.
6. Conversation Cubes
These are soft dice with different prompts on each side like “What’s your favorite food?” or “Tell me about a time you felt proud.” Roll one and answer the question. You can also use blank cubes and write your own ideas based on your child’s age or developmental needs.
This game teaches conversational turn-taking, asking and answering questions, and staying on topic. I once rolled the cube during snack time, and the entire group of five-year-olds ended up sharing stories about their pets. It was loud—but full of connection.
7. Talking Stick
Use a stick, ball, or any object to signal whose turn it is to talk. Whoever holds the object gets to speak, and everyone else listens. Once they’re done, they pass it along.
I’ve used this in circle time and during group work to create structure and respect. It gives quieter kids a chance to speak up and reminds the more talkative ones to wait. For neurodivergent kids who thrive on routine, the physical act of passing the stick helps reinforce turn-taking.
Tips for Playing Communication Games with Neurodivergent Kids
- Use visuals: Many kids benefit from picture cues or emotion cards.
- Keep the rules simple: One or two rules are enough. Modify games if needed.
- Celebrate effort: Praise your child for trying to express themselves, even if it’s imperfect.
- Repeat often: Routine builds comfort. Play the same game a few times a week.
- Model communication: Narrate your thinking or describe your feelings to give examples.
When to Ask for More Support
If your child struggles to respond to questions, avoids group activities, or rarely uses words to communicate, it might be time to talk to a speech therapist. In my experience, early support can make a big difference. There’s no harm in checking. You’re just gathering info to better help your kid.
And while games are helpful, sometimes they’re just the spark. Kids need space, support, and trusted adults to walk with them through the tricky parts of learning to speak and be heard.
Goally | Fun Games that Build Motor Skills & Manage Screen Time
Looking for ways to improve your child’s finger dexterity skills while also keeping screen time manageable? Try Goally’s skill building tablet for kids— it has a bunch of fun & motor planning games!
Our “Balloons” & Graffiti Street Apps are all about building motor skills in a fun, interactive way. Kids learn to “pop the balloons” or draw dozens of digital art designs while simultaneously developing the essential skills needed to use AAC and other communication tools. It’s a blast for them and a win for you!
Communication games for kids are more than play—they’re tools to build confidence, expression, and connection. Whether your child is chatty or hesitant, these activities meet them where they are. You’ll be surprised what opens up when a kid finally finds their voice. Use the printable, start small, and keep it fun. That’s where the real learning happens.
Resources:
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Understood.org
FAQs about Communication Games for Kids
What are the benefits of communication games for kids?
Communication games help children develop essential skills such as active listening, expressing thoughts and feelings, and interpreting nonverbal cues. These skills are crucial for building strong relationships, succeeding in school, and navigating social situations.
What age range are communication games best suited for?
Communication games can be beneficial for children of all ages, but they are particularly valuable for kids between the ages of 2 and 10. However, many games can be adapted to suit different age groups and skill levels.
Can communication games help children with special needs or language delays?
Yes, communication games can be especially helpful for children with special needs, language delays, or social challenges. These games provide a fun, low-pressure way for children to practice and develop their communication skills at their own pace.
How often should I play communication games with my child?
Ideally, you should aim to play communication games with your child on a regular basis, such as a few times a week. Consistency is key when it comes to developing communication skills, but it's also important to keep the activities fun and engaging for your child.
Can I make up my own communication games?
Absolutely! You can create your own communication games based on your child's interests, abilities, and learning goals. The most important thing is to focus on activities that encourage active listening, expression, and interaction in a playful, supportive environment.
Hennah is an experienced writer and researcher, helping children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions. As a blog contributor for Goally, she combines her deep understanding of neurodiversity with practical advice, offering valuable insights to parents and educators.
