Teaching Social Skills to Children with Autism Using Minecraft (R): A Step by Step Guide

This guide provides information on how to set up and run a Minecraft® Social Group for children with autism spectrum disorders, using the game to support social and emotional concept learning. It includes photocopiable and downloadable session plans, visuals, and handouts, making it an essential resource for professionals working with autism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 21 February 2019
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

This comprehensive and accessible guide contains everything that needs to be known in order to set up and run a Minecraft® Social Group for children with autism spectrum disorders.

Minecraft®, often described as digital Lego®, provides an ideal forum to help children with autism and related conditions to develop social and communication skills. This book offers guidance on how to use the game to support the learning of social and emotional concepts such as having a conversation, showing interest in others, and understanding another person's point of view.

With over 100 pages of photocopiable and downloadable session plans, visuals, and handouts, this manual is essential reading for professionals working with autism who are interested in introducing Minecraft® to support social skill development in their students.

Minecraft® is a popular video game that has gained widespread popularity among children and adults alike. It is a sandbox game that allows players to create their own worlds and explore them in a variety of ways. One of the most interesting aspects of Minecraft® is its ability to foster social interaction and collaboration among players.

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often struggle with social communication and interaction. Minecraft® can provide a safe and supportive environment for these children to practice and develop their social skills. In this guide, we will explore how to set up and run a Minecraft® Social Group for children with ASD.

Setting up a Minecraft® Social Group

The first step in setting up a Minecraft® Social Group is to identify the needs of the children who will be participating. This may include determining their age, skill level, and interests. Once you have a good understanding of the needs of the children, you can begin to plan the structure and logistics of the group.

One of the key aspects of a successful Minecraft® Social Group is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. This may include setting clear rules and guidelines for behavior and ensuring that all children are treated with respect and kindness. You may also want to consider recruiting a team of volunteers or professionals who can assist with the running of the group and provide additional support to the children.

Another important aspect of setting up a Minecraft® Social Group is to provide a variety of activities and challenges that will engage the children and encourage social interaction. This may include building structures, exploring new worlds, and playing games with other players. You may also want to consider incorporating social and emotional learning into the group by teaching children about empathy, communication, and problem-solving.

Running a Minecraft® Social Group

Once you have set up a Minecraft® Social Group, the next step is to run it effectively. This may include scheduling regular meetings and activities, assigning roles and responsibilities to volunteers, and providing ongoing support and training to the children and volunteers.

One of the key challenges of running a Minecraft® Social Group is maintaining the interest and engagement of the children. This may include introducing new activities and challenges, keeping the group organized and structured, and providing positive reinforcement and feedback to the children. You may also want to consider incorporating technology into the group, such as video conferencing or online forums, to allow children to connect with each other outside of the group meetings.

Another important aspect of running a Minecraft® Social Group is monitoring the safety and well-being of the children. This may include ensuring that all children are treated with respect and kindness, and that any inappropriate behavior is addressed promptly and appropriately. You may also want to consider working with parents and other professionals to ensure that the children are receiving appropriate support and treatment outside of the group.

Conclusion

Minecraft® can be a powerful tool for helping children with ASD to develop social and communication skills. By setting up and running a Minecraft® Social Group, professionals can provide a safe and supportive environment for these children to practice and develop their social skills. With over 100 pages of photocopiable and downloadable session plans, visuals, and handouts, this manual is essential reading for professionals working with autism who are interested in introducing Minecraft® to support social skill development in their students.

Weight: 612g
Dimension: 296 x 210 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785924613