Making Friends
Children learn the qualities of a good friend, such as sharing, taking turns, and using kind words. They practice initiating play and including others in their games.
TL;DR:Making friends is a fundamental social skill that Junior Infants practice daily. Under the 'Relating to others' strand, children learn the mechanics of friendship: how to ask to join a game, how to share resources, and how to use kind words. This unit helps transition children from parallel play to more collaborative interactions.
About This Topic
Making friends is a fundamental social skill that Junior Infants practice daily. Under the 'Relating to others' strand, children learn the mechanics of friendship: how to ask to join a game, how to share resources, and how to use kind words. This unit helps transition children from parallel play to more collaborative interactions.
Teachers emphasize the qualities of a 'good friend,' such as being a good listener and taking turns. These skills are essential for a harmonious classroom and for the children's overall social development. Students grasp this concept faster through structured social simulations and peer-modeling of positive behaviors.
Key Questions
- How do we make a new friend?
- What does a good friend do?
- How can we share our toys and take turns?
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionChildren often think that a 'best friend' means they can't play with anyone else.
What to Teach Instead
Use role-play to show how a group can grow. Practice 'including' a third person into a two-person game to show that friendship isn't a limited resource.
Common MisconceptionStudents might believe that being a friend means always getting your own way.
What to Teach Instead
Through turn-taking simulations, children experience the 'give and take' of friendship. Peer discussion helps them realize that making a friend happy makes the game more fun for everyone.
Active Learning Ideas
See all activities→Simulation Game
The 'Can I Play?' Practice
In pairs, children practice the specific words and body language needed to join a group. One child is playing with blocks, and the other practices asking to join politely.
Inquiry Circle
The Friendship Recipe
In small groups, children choose 'ingredients' for a good friend (e.g., kindness, sharing, listening) from a set of picture cards and 'mix' them into a paper bowl.
Stations Rotation
Taking Turns Games
Set up simple games (like a 2-player puzzle or a ball toss) where taking turns is mandatory. A 'friendship observer' at each station gives a thumbs-up when they see good turn-taking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I help a child who is consistently left out?
What are the best hands-on strategies for teaching sharing?
How can active learning help students understand friendship?
How do I handle 'friendship breakups' in Junior Infants?
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