Active learning ideas
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.
Activity 01
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.
How do we make a new friend?
Activity 02
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.
What does a good friend do?
Activity 03
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.
How can we share our toys and take turns?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Children often think that a 'best friend' means they can't play with anyone else.
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.
Students might believe that being a friend means always getting your own way.
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.
Methods used in this brief
My Family
Children explore the concept of family and recognize that families come in many different forms. They discuss how family members care for and help one another.
8 methodologies
Resolving Conflict
Children explore simple strategies for dealing with disagreements, such as using their words and saying sorry. They learn the importance of forgiveness and making up.
8 methodologies