Active learning ideas
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.
Activity 01
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.
How can I be a good friend?
Activity 02
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.
Why is it important to share?
Activity 03
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.
What should I do if a friend is sad?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
A 'best friend' means you can't play with anyone else.
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.
Being a friend means always doing what the other person wants.
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.
Methods used in this brief