Supporting Friendship Skills
Ways to support young children as they learn how to make and maintain friendships
Young children may be starting to show interest in their peers. But sometimes, sharing, taking turns, or connecting with others can be hard. As they start to play together or begin friendships, children will need our ongoing support with these tricky interactions. It’s our role to teach children social skills and provide opportunity and support as they try them out.
Hallmarks of This Strategy
Create a Safe Space
A cooperative and accepting classroom environment provides a safe and nurturing space for children to practice social interactions.
Teach Social Skills
Intentionally teaching children social skills through books, puppets, and songs will help them understand what is expected in social situations.
Join in the Play
Modeling, prompting interactions, and providing support can help children learn how to navigate interactions with their peers.
VIDEO 1
Teaching Friendship Skills
In this lesson, we cover tips for explicitly teaching social skills in engaging and meaningful ways, such as using books, puppets, and songs.
VIDEO 2
Supporting Friendship Skills in the Moment
In this lesson, we see explore ways to support friendship skills in the moment when they occur during play.
IMPLEMENT THIS STRATEGY
Additional Resources
Guide to Supporting Friendship Skills (Español)
Learn more about this strategy and its importance, and learn tips for trying it in your classroom
Family Guide to Supporting Friendship Skills (Español)
Share this guide with families to communicate the strategies you're using at school. Take time to make connections between how children are supported at home and in the classroom.
Additional Resources
More ways you can support children's social and friendship skills
An Inclusive Classroom
Create an inclusive classroom where inter-ability friendships thrive.
Build Social Skills
Eleven activities to build social & communication skills for a wide range of learners, including children with autism.
Be A Super Friend
Use social stories like this one to help children engage in ‘Super Friend’ behaviors.
Paired Learning
Learn about strategies you can use to foster social skills in dual language classrooms.
