Introduction
Meeting new people can be a daunting experience for kindergarten students, often causing feelings of nervousness or fear. However, there are strategies that can help students feel more at ease during these encounters. This blog post discusses some of the techniques educators can use to help their students overcome the anxiety of meeting new people, including slow breathing, positive thinking, and practicing conversations. By integrating these methods into their teaching, educators can help students develop essential social skills and facilitate more positive interactions with their peers.
No-Prep Activity: The Name Game
An excellent way to help students feel more comfortable meeting new people is by engaging them in a no-prep activity called “The Name Game.” This fun and simple game requires no preparation or materials from the educator and can be conducted in a classroom setting.
To play “The Name Game,” have students sit in a circle. The first student will introduce themselves by saying their name, followed by an adjective that starts with the same letter as their name (e.g., “I am Kind Katie”). The next student will then introduce themselves in the same manner, but they must also repeat the name and adjective of the previous student. This continues around the circle until all students have introduced themselves and repeated the names and adjectives of their classmates.
This activity not only helps students practice introducing themselves but also encourages them to listen carefully and remember the names of their peers. As a result, students will feel more at ease when meeting new people and be better equipped to form connections with their classmates.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think some students might feel nervous when meeting new people?
- How can practicing introducing ourselves help us feel more comfortable in social situations?
- What are some other strategies we can use to make meeting new people less scary?
- How did you feel during the “Name Game” activity? Did it help you feel more comfortable with your classmates?
- Why is it important to listen carefully and remember the names of our classmates?
Related Skills
In addition to the strategies discussed in this blog post, there are several other skills that can help students feel more comfortable in social situations and foster positive relationships with their peers. These related skills include active listening, empathy, clear communication, and problem-solving. By incorporating these skills into their teaching, educators can further support their students’ social-emotional development and empower them to navigate a variety of social situations with confidence.
Next Steps
If you’re interested in learning more about these strategies and other valuable social-emotional learning resources, we encourage you to sign up for free sample materials from Everyday Speech. These resources can help you incorporate these essential skills into your teaching and support your students as they develop the confidence and abilities they need to form meaningful connections with others.
