Help students understand empathy with these interactive games.
Kids who are in tune with others' emotions are off to a great start. They earn the trust of their peers. They can help mediate when tempers flare. They might even use their perspective-taking skills one day to become organization or world leaders.
To see the most updated version of this list as well as the rating of each app, game, or website, visit the Top Picks List:
Games That Build Social and Emotional Skills
Encourage your students to see others' points of view.
Who Am I?Who Am I? Race Awareness Game helps kids think about different ways people self-identify race and cultural identity, and gives adults tips for talking about diversity with kids. The two-person game promotes social interaction, and extension questions prompt discussion between kids and parents or teachers. Read full review. |
Cool School: Where Peace RulesCool School teaches empathy in a way that's sure to be more effective than the occasional adult lecture that can either confuse kids or make them feel singled out. In this game, kids learn conflict-resolution skills by watching animations of realistic situations and seeing the effects of both good and bad choices. Read full review. |
Wee You ThingsThe story in this interactive rhyming book, in which kids meet a variety of unique characters, is short but powerful. It could work beautifully at the beginning of the school year to help kids get to know and appreciate one another and share more about themselves in a positive environment. Read full review. |
Middle School ConfidentialThrough a discussion-rich narrative and some action, this graphic novel app helps kids learn to identify emotions, reflect on personal strengths and weaknesses, respect peer viewpoints, build friendships, persevere through difficulties, and put their troubles in perspective. Read full review. |
Re-Mission 2Re-Mission 2 is a suite of six games produced by the nonprofit HopeLab with two goals in mind: to help young cancer patients cope with the stress of treatment and to help all kids learn more about the medical science related to the disease in several of its forms. Read full review. |
SpentSpent, a text-based choose-your-own-adventure game, offers a compelling introduction to an important social issue. Players assume the life of someone living on the poverty line and must make choices -- such as whether to buy food or medication -- based on their income and on the events that occur. Read full review. |
Darfur is DyingDarfur is Dying is a Web-based simulation that puts students in the shoes of ordinary non-Arab citizens of western Sudan in the midst of the ongoing conflict that began in 2003. Be prepared to discuss with students very difficult topics, including kidnapping, genocide, and rape. Read full review. |
Papers, PleaseThe plot of this video simulation game unfolds around developing political events, terrorist activities (including attacks), an anti-government radical group, and mini-stories involving potential immigrants or visitors. Players encounter many ethical problems with no good-for-everyone solutions. Read full review. |
The Time TribeIn this point-and-click adventure game, players interact with characters who are facing real-world problems like hunger and poverty. Although the game spans different time periods, mostly in the past, the stark depictions of children in terrible conditions are sure to strike a nerve. Read full review. |
Avokiddo EmotionsKids can learn about identifying emotions through facial expressions and reaction to stimuli in this creative play app. They're encouraged to use their imaginations to make new creative scenes by using props to dress up and interact with animal characters. Read full review. |
3rd World FarmerPlayers in this simulation game learn not only about the costs of doing business, but also about the risks of doing business, in a developing country where simple errands can cost family members their lives. Although almost entirely text-based, the game doesn't sugarcoat death, disease, and some unsettling violence. Read full review. |
