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Having friends is such fun at any age! We get to share things and experiences and make memories.
Sometimes we have new friends and we get a bit shy. This little circle game is perfect to talk to your preschooler about how we play with new friends. It can also be used in other ways as a game when there are no friends able to play.
Making new friends seems to be easy for young children. They have common interests or their moms already hang out together so they get to know each other faster.
The main places we meet new friends is at the park and in play groups. As I have 4 children they have come to appreciate the common courtesy expected of being in the company of another child. Our friends have feelings too.
Things we like to talk about:
Sharing but being firm about a favorite toy. If you have a friend over and your child is sensitive about another touching certain toys, do pack those toys away. I involve the child in this putting away activity else he will be searching for the toy the entire playdate.
Taking turns. This speaks for itself. Although I find my children are not very assertive over other children some children can be.
Below is a lovely game to play and a reference guide to open the way to talk to your child about making friends and treating them well.
Let the dress up begin!
Download the friendship game circles here.
Ways to play:
- Simply talk about the pictures and how fun the ideas will be
- Play memory match
- Each card has a color circle. match up the colors
- Print 2 copies and match up the cut out circles to the circles on the full sheet of paper
If you have a few children you can even use these circles as a kind of bored jar!
More articles on How to Make Friends from the Teach ECE Education Blogger Team:
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Role Playing How to Be a Good Friend by Mom Inspired Life
Songs About Friendship for Kinder and Pre-K by Capri +3
Teaching Kids About Friendship and Being a Good Friend by Raising Lifelong Learners
Making Friends: Teaching Kids to Learn and Respect Different Names by Munchkins and Moms
How to Play with Friends a Preschoolers Visual Guide and Game by Powerful Mothering
Helping Your Homeschooler Socialize by Still Playing School
Making Friends Even When You Are Homeschooled by Learning 2 Walk
Making Friends: Qualities We Look For in Friends by Tiny Tots Adventures
Book Friends by Growing Book by Book
Tips for Helping Preschoolers BE a Good Friend! #TeachECE by The Preschool Toolbox BlogFree Friends Play Dough Printable by Life Over C’s
Working Together to Create a Classroom Community by Fun-A-Day!
Teaching Kids How to Make Friends by The Educators’ Spin On It
Kim says
What a great idea! I love that you put pictures with each activity. Little learners often need more than just a verbal instruction to understand!
Jodie @ Growing Book by Book says
I love the visual tools to help kids learn about being a good friend.
Mary Catherine says
Great printable game – thank you for sharing it. We try to remember to only keep out toys my son is ok with letting others play with during friends’ visits!
Theresa says
The friendship game is really cute. I love that there are so many ways to play it. I like your suggestion to put away certain toys.
Danielle says
Love this printable! There are so many great ways to use it!
Still Playing School says
What a fantastic printable for visual learners! I love it!
The Preschool Toolbox says
Love this friendship game! What a great way to encourage discussions about how to play with friends!
Clarissa H says
What a great idea to use them in an “I’m bored” jar! Love the multiple ways they can be used, too!
Amanda says
What a fun little printable game to reinforce how to make friends!