Preschool is the age when children start to make friends and build relationships with their peers. We know that friendship is important during the early years because this is the time they learn about the ‘give and take’ of relationships. By sharing experiences, feelings, and interacting with one another, children learn how to meet the social needs of others and of their own.

In preschool, children start to play more with others and begin to form friendships. They learn how to take turns, share, and include others at home or in their classrooms. Doing what other children may want to do, understanding the way others may feel, and playing group games and participating in group activities, are some of the first things children do when learning how to build and develop friendships.

Friendship Skills Children are Learning

Patience: When children wait for their turn, take turns and share with others.

Communication: Talk and listen to others.

Empathy: Respond to others' feelings with understanding and take the perspective of others.

Consideration: Say please and thank you, and are helpful to those around them.

Play Skills: Make suggestions for play and roles and ideas

Social Skills: Learn cooperation, communication, empathy, responsibility, and emotional control.

This week some of our classrooms focused on friends. We made friendship bracelets and friendship wreaths. Check out some of our pictures below of our kiddos being GREAT friends!