Positive peer relationships support communication, cooperation, empathy, and social-emotional development. Feeling connected to classmates also helps children feel more comfortable at school.
- Plan activities that encourage children to work together, such as partner games, collaborative art projects, or building challenges.
- Model kind language by using phrases like, "Can I play with you?" and "Would you like to share?"
- Read books about friendship and discuss what it means to be a kind classmate.
Recognize positive social interactions throughout the day by commenting on children's helpfulness, cooperation, and acts of kindness.