Including Others & Playing Fair | Printable Social Skills Lesson for Ages 8–10

Does your child struggle to include others fairly, welcome someone new, or recognize when another child is being left out?

Including someone means more than simply allowing them to join. Children also need to practice explaining the rules, sharing opportunities, and making sure everyone has a fair chance to participate.

Through the relatable story “Wait—That’s a Rule?” children explore what happens when Mateo is invited to play, but the rules continue changing and prevent him from fully participating. They will learn how their words and actions can help someone feel either welcomed or excluded.

Your child will practice how to:

• Recognize when someone is being left out
• Invite others to join an activity
• Explain rules and expectations clearly
• Give everyone a fair opportunity to participate
• Avoid changing the rules to exclude someone
• Show kindness to someone who is new or unsure
• Help others feel welcomed and included

Inside this lesson:

• A relatable, age-appropriate social story
• Guided comprehension and discussion questions
• A visual teaching page that explains true inclusion
• Practice activities and real-life social scenarios
• Personal reflection and skill-building pages

How to use this lesson

This lesson supports approximately one week of learning and practice. Read the story, complete a few pages at a time, and look for opportunities to practice including others during games, group activities, and everyday social situations.

No teaching experience is required. Simply download, print, and work through the lesson together.

Perfect for:

• Homeschool learning
• Parent-guided practice at home
• Classroom SEL instruction
• Small-group learning
• Counseling or behavior-support sessions
• After-school programs

Please note:

✓ Designed for ages 8–10; may also suit younger children depending on their maturity level and support needs
✓ One complete printable lesson
✓ Instant digital download
✓ Delivered in printable PDF format
✓ Nothing will be shipped
✓ Also included in the complete 8-lesson Friendship & Social Skills Unit

Help your child understand that inviting someone to play is only the beginning—true inclusion means helping them feel welcomed, respected, and involved.