Use the classic game of "Telephone" to introduce children to the concept of misunderstandings and how a story can get turned around. Have the kids sit or stand in a circle. Start the game by whispering a phrase like, "Mary went to the park with her dog last Tuesday" into the first child's ear. The kids then go around the circle whispering the phrase, and are only allowed to ask for a repeat once. The last child announces what he thinks he heard, usually with comedic results.
"Tied in Knots" builds communication skills and teamwork, since kids must work together to solve the puzzle. Split the children into even-numbered groups of eight to 10, and have everyone stand in a circle. Instruct each child to cross her right hand over her left at the wrists and grab hands with two different people. The kids must then work together to untangle the human knot without letting go of each others' hands; this process usually involves a lot of twisting, stepping over each other and ducking under people's arms. Afterward, discuss what worked and what didn't, and have the kids brainstorm ideas for solving the knot by communicating more efficiently.
This game helps build verbal communication skills and teaches kids the importance of precise directions. Set up a simple obstacle course using chairs, shoe boxes and other things that would require stepping around and over. Put the children into pairs and blindfold one member of each team. The other child must then guide his partner through the maze using only verbal commands like "Turn to your right and take two steps" or "Duck down and walk forward." Rearrange the maze and have the partners switch after everyone has tried the maze.
The classic party game of "Charades" can teach kids about non-verbal communication. Have students come up one at a time and give them something to act out. For younger kids, try emotions like happy or scared, or have them act like various animals. Older children can try harder concepts like "getting the mail" or "baking cookies." After the game, discuss how different body language cues imply different emotions and actions.