Making and Keeping Friends
Understanding what makes a good friend and how to build positive relationships. Learning to share, take turns, and include others.
TL;DR:Making and Keeping Friends is a central theme in the 'Myself and others' strand. For Senior Infants, social dynamics are becoming more complex, and they need explicit guidance on how to share, take turns, and include others. This topic focuses on the qualities of a good friend and the practical skills needed to build and maintain positive relationships.
About This Topic
Making and Keeping Friends is a central theme in the 'Myself and others' strand. For Senior Infants, social dynamics are becoming more complex, and they need explicit guidance on how to share, take turns, and include others. This topic focuses on the qualities of a good friend and the practical skills needed to build and maintain positive relationships.
In the Irish classroom, fostering a culture of 'fáilte' (welcome) and kindness is essential for a positive learning environment. This topic connects to the 'Relating to others' strand of the NCCA framework. Students grasp these social concepts faster through structured role plays and collaborative games, where they can practice the 'give and take' of friendship in real-time.
Key Questions
- How can I be a good friend?
- Why is it important to share?
- What should I do if a friend is sad?
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionA 'best friend' means you can't play with anyone else.
What to Teach Instead
Children can become possessive. Active 'station rotations' where they must work with different partners help them understand that we can have many friends and be kind to everyone.
Common MisconceptionBeing a friend means always doing what the other person wants.
What to Teach Instead
Students may struggle with boundaries. Role playing how to say 'no' politely or suggest a different game helps them learn that friendship involves compromise, not just following.
Active Learning Ideas
See all activities→Role Play
The Inclusion Game
Two students play with blocks while a third student asks to join. They practice different ways to say 'yes' and how to find a way for everyone to play together fairly.
Inquiry Circle
The Friendship Recipe
In small groups, students decide on the 'ingredients' for a good friend (e.g., 2 cups of kindness, a spoonful of sharing). They draw these ingredients into a giant 'friendship pot' on a poster.
Think-Pair-Share
Solving a Sad Moment
The teacher gives a scenario where a friend is sad because they fell. Students think of one way to help, share it with a partner, and then act it out for the class.