10+ Think It or Say It Activities for Kids | Social Skills

Think It or Say It activities for kids help children learn an important social skill: not every thought needs to be spoken out loud. These activities support social thinking, emotional control, and respectful communication. They are especially helpful for toddlers, preschoolers, and young children who are still learning social rules.

Parents, caregivers, and speech therapists often use Think It or Say It activities to teach children how words can affect others and when it is better to keep thoughts private.

This guide explains what Think It or Say It means, why it matters, and how you can use simple activities at home or in therapy.

What Are Think It or Say It Activities?

Think It or Say It activities teach children to sort their thoughts into two groups:

• Say it: Kind, helpful, or necessary thoughts that are okay to say out loud
• Think it: Thoughts that may be true but could hurt feelings or are better kept private

For example:

• “Can I play with you?” → Say it
• “I don’t like your shirt” → Think it

These activities do not teach children to hide emotions. They help children learn how and when to express thoughts in a safe and respectful way.

Why Think It or Say It Skills Are Important

Many young children speak whatever comes to their mind. This is normal in early development. Over time, children need support to learn social boundaries.

Think It or Say It activities help children:

• Build self-control
• Improve social awareness
• Understand others’ feelings
• Reduce impulsive or hurtful comments
• Succeed in group settings like preschool or therapy sessions

These skills are especially helpful for children with:

• Speech and language delays
• Social communication difficulties
• Autism or ADHD
• Challenges with emotional regulation

When Should Children Learn Think It or Say It?

Children can start learning basic Think It or Say It concepts as early as 3 to 4 years old, using very simple examples.

By preschool age, many children are ready to:

• Identify kind vs unkind words
• Practice pausing before speaking
• Learn simple social rules through play

The key is to keep activities visual, concrete, and age-appropriate.

Simple Think It or Say It Activities for Kids

1. Picture Sorting Activity

Show a picture or read a short sentence. Ask the child:

• “Is this something we say out loud or think in our head?”

Use clear examples with one idea at a time.

2. Real-Life Scenarios

Use daily situations such as:

• Someone spills water
• A friend has a new haircut
• A child loses a game

Ask:

• “What could you say?”
• “What could you think instead?”

This helps children connect the skill to real life.

3. Role-Play with Toys

Use dolls, animals, or action figures to act out social situations. Pause and ask:

• “Should this character say that or think it?”

Role-play works well for children who learn best through play.

4. Color Code Method

Use two simple colors:

• Green = Say it
• Red = Think it

Children point to the color instead of answering verbally at first. This reduces pressure and supports early learners.

5. Emotion Check-In

Before sorting a thought, ask:

• “How might the other person feel if we say this?”

This builds empathy and emotional understanding.

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How Speech Therapists Use Think It or Say It Activities

Speech therapists often include Think It or Say It activities as part of:

• Social skills therapy
• Pragmatic language sessions
• Group therapy for preschoolers

Therapists may:

• Use visual cards and worksheets
• Practice short conversations
• Combine the activity with emotion labeling and turn-taking

The goal is not perfection, but gradual improvement in social thinking.

Tips for Parents and Caregivers

• Keep language simple and calm
• Avoid saying “Don’t say that” without explanation
• Praise effort, not just correct answers
• Model the skill yourself (“I’ll think that in my head”)
• Practice during calm moments, not only after mistakes

Consistency matters more than long practice sessions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Expecting children to filter thoughts without teaching
• Using shame or punishment for honest comments
• Giving examples that are too complex or abstract
• Practicing only with worksheets and not real situations

Children learn best when lessons feel safe and supportive.

How Think It or Say It Activities Support Long-Term Skills

Over time, these activities help children:

• Communicate more clearly
• Build friendships
• Handle group settings better
• Develop emotional awareness
• Prepare for school and social routines

These are foundational skills that support both language development and social success.

Conclusion

Think It or Say It activities for kids are a simple but powerful way to teach social thinking and self-control. With clear examples, visuals, and gentle guidance, children learn that thoughts and words are different—and both matter.

Used regularly at home, in classrooms, or in speech therapy, these activities help children grow into thoughtful and respectful communicators.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What are Think It or Say It activities for kids?

Think It or Say It activities for kids help children learn which thoughts are okay to say out loud and which thoughts should stay in their head. These activities teach social rules and kind communication.

2. At what age can kids learn Think It or Say It?

Most children can start learning Think It or Say It skills around 3 to 4 years old. Simple examples and pictures work best for toddlers and preschoolers.

3. Why are Think It or Say It activities important for children?

Think It or Say It activities help kids control their words, understand others’ feelings, and improve social behavior. They support better friendships and classroom behavior.

4. Are Think It or Say It activities helpful for speech therapy?

Yes. Speech therapists often use Think It or Say It activities to teach social communication, pragmatic language, and self-control, especially for young children.

5. Can Think It or Say It activities help children with autism?

Think It or Say It activities for kids with autism can support social thinking, emotional awareness, and appropriate communication when used in a clear and visual way.

6. How do I teach Think It or Say It at home?

Parents can teach Think It or Say It by using daily situations, simple questions, role-play, and pictures. Short practice during play or routines works best.

7. What is the difference between “think it” and “say it”?

“Say it” means kind, helpful, or needed words.
“Think it” means thoughts that may hurt feelings or are not needed to say out loud.

8. Do Think It or Say It activities stop kids from sharing feelings?

No. Think It or Say It activities do not stop children from sharing feelings. They help kids learn how to share feelings in a respectful and safe way.

9. Are Think It or Say It worksheets good for preschoolers?

Yes. Think It or Say It worksheets for preschoolers work well when they use clear pictures, simple sentences, and real-life examples.

10. How often should children practice Think It or Say It activities?

Children can practice Think It or Say It activities a few times a week. Short and regular practice is more helpful than long sessions.