Introduction
Friendship is an essential part of a child’s social and emotional development. It helps them learn empathy, trust, and communication skills. This post will explore the concept of friendship for PreK students and provide a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related skills to help educators encourage the growth of friendship among their students.
No-Prep Activity: Friendship Circle
This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator. Simply have the students sit in a circle. The teacher will start by sharing a fun fact about themselves, such as their favorite color or a hobby they enjoy. The student to the left will then share a fun fact about themselves and ask the student to their left a question like, “What do you like to do for fun?” or “Do you have any pets?” This chain of sharing and asking questions continues around the circle until it comes back to the teacher. This activity promotes open communication and helps students learn about their classmates’ interests, building the foundation for friendship.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to ask questions when getting to know someone?
- What are some ways we can show kindness to our friends?
- How does spending time with friends help us grow closer?
- How can we be a good friend to someone who is feeling sad or upset?
- What are some common interests you have with your friends?
Related Skills
As students develop friendships, they will also learn and practice other essential social skills, including:
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
- Active Listening: Paying close attention to what someone is saying and responding thoughtfully.
- Conflict Resolution: Addressing disagreements and finding solutions that work for everyone involved.
- Cooperation: Working together with others to achieve a common goal.
Next Steps
As an educator, you play a crucial role in fostering strong friendships among your PreK students. Incorporating activities and discussions focused on friendship and social skills will help your students develop meaningful connections with their peers. To access free sample materials that can assist you in teaching these essential skills, visit Everyday Speech and sign up today.
