Running head: PLAY AND FRIENDSHIP

Final Group Project

Play and Friendship

Darla Cooper, Dorinda Cappasola,

Cathy Green, Paula Baskette,

Sanyian Bhoothalingom, and Yvonne Randall

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

ESP 728 – Summer 2003

Dr. Gelfer

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgments……………………………………………………………………….4

Research Section………………………………………………………………………...5

Goals…………………………………………………………………………………….7

Building Classroom Community Activities
	Kindness in a Jar………………………………………………………………...9
	Getting to Know You…………………………………………………………...10
	Friend Pictures………………………………………………………………….11
            Friendship………………………………………………………………………12
	Getting to Know You Box……………………………………………………...13

Fine and Gross Motor Activities That Promote Friendship
	Friendship Bracelet……………………………………………………………..15
	Paper Dolls……………………………………………………………………. .16
	Balloon Volleyball………………………………………………………………17
	Nature Walk……………………………………………………………………..18
	Friendship Bean Bag Toss………………………………………………………19
	Shadow Partners…………………………………………………………………20
	Block Bowling…………………………………………………………………..21
	Body Doubles……………………………………………………………………22
	Musical Shares…………………………………………………………………..23
	Musical Hugs……………………………………………………………………24
	Block, Ramps, and Small Vehicles……………………………………………...25

Sand, Water and Sensory Table Activities That Promote Friendship
	Backyard Beach Party…………………………………………………………..27
	Shaving Cream Color Experience………………………………………………28
	Fossil Exploration………………………………………………………………29
	The Great Sandbox……………………………………………………………..30
	Playdough (Birthday Time) ……………………………………………………31
	Ocean Sensory Center…………………………………………………………..32

Friendship Games
	The Wolf Game…………………………………………………………………34
	In an Out The Window………………………………………………………….35
	Pick a Pair……………………………………………………………………….36
	What’s on The Seashore? ………………………………………………………37

Friendship Songs
	If Your Happy and You Know It………………………………………………..39
	Friend of Mine…………………………………………………………………..40
	Let’s Find a Friend………………………………………………………………41
	Special Song…………………………………………………………………..42
	Introduction Song…………………………………………………………….43
	Bilingual Friendship Song……………………………………………………44
	The Friendship Song………………………………………………………….45

Science and Cooking Activities That Promote Friendship
	Body Shape Outlines…………………………………………………………47
	Friendly Measurement Experiment…………………………………………..48
	Friendship Sandwich…………………………………………………………49
	Building a Terrarium…………………………………………………………50
	Friendship Recipe…………………………………………………………….51
	How Are You Peeling? ………………………………………………………52
	Friendship Salad……………………………………………………………...53

Dramatic Play Experiences
	Acting Lessons……………………………………………………………….55
	Clothing Store………………………………………………………………..56
	Classroom Post Office……………………………………………………….57

Art Activities
	Build a Friend………………………………………………………………..59
	I Am a Friend Mobile………………………………………………………..60
	Balls and Paint……………………………………………………………….61
	Friendship Creations…………………………………………………………62
	Friendship Painting…………………………………………………………..63
	Friendship Wreath……………………………………………………………64
	Friendship Quilts……………………………………………………………..65
	Classroom Friendship Quilt………………………………………………….66
	Finding Nemo in the Ocean………………………………………………….67
	Friendship Art………………………………………………………………..68

Circle Time Activities
	Friendships……………………………………………………………………70
	We All Think You’re Wonderful……………………………………………..71
	Show and Tell and Then Some………………………………………………..72
	Howdy Neighbor……………………………………………………………...73
	Friendship Circle……………………………………………………………...74
	Matching Socks……………………………………………………………….75
	The Rainbow Fish……………………………………………………………..76

Writing and Literacy Activities That Promote Friendship
	Friendship Postcard……………………………………………………………78
	My Best Friend………………………………………………………………...79

References for Play and Friendship Unit
	References……………………………………………………………………..81
Acknowledgments

Darla Cooper- Darla completed 10 activities, responsible for project graphics, sorting all activities into sections, proofreading, and was very creative.  She also supplied many of the items needed for the activities.

Dorinda Cappasola- Dorinda completed 10 activities, coordinated all activities into group format, worked on references, assisted with proofreading, provided activities handout for class members, and compiled all project components for final editing. 

Cathy Green- Cathy completed 10 activities, researched and compiled introduction section related to play and friendship. 

Paula Baskette- Paula completed 10 activities, researched and compiled introduction section related to play and friendship, provided class handout on research section, and supplied many items required for presentation activities.

Sanyian Bhoothalingom- Sanyian completed 10 activities. 

Yvonne Randall- Yvonne completed 10 activities, proof read project throughout group process to maintain grammar and APA format, printed final project, and provided many items required for presentation activities.

Friendship and Play

     Friendship and peer acceptance has been identified as an integral part to the successful maturation of all children.  According to Ledger (2000) in her study of friendships over transition, friendships were an important aspect of children’s experience that contributed to their feelings of well-being.  Communication and social skills have been considered as a predictor of adult success.  Research has indicated that early social withdrawal is a strong predictor of peer rejection, social anxiety, loneliness, depression and negative self-esteem in later childhood and adolescence.  Berge ( 2001) also stated that non-social behaviors appeared to have a negative impact on academic success.  Based on these facts, children who were successful with peer interactions participated in play activities that enhanced friendship skills. 
     Play activities that promote opportunities for social and emotional growth assist the maturing child with social skills and peer interactions.  Strickland (2003) in his article discussed the importance of outdoor play to enhance the child’s physical skills, which in turn develops self and social confidence.  Bergen (2001) stated that there was a strong correlation between enhanced play skills and enhanced cognitive, social, and language development.  All of these have assisted children in developing friendships.  
     Elias and Berk (2002) in their study regarding the correlations between sociodramatic play and self-regulation in young children found there is a positive correlation. Sociodramatic play assisted the young child with the development of self-regulation skills, which was another factor identified to develop friendships among peers.  A stronger correlation was found between sociodramatic play and self-regulation with highly impulsive children.  Sociodramatic play has impacted the maintenance of peer relationships among children.  Studies have shown that sociable children who were cooperative in pre-school were liked more by their peers, and exhibited a positive attitude towards Kindergarten.  Students who entered school with friends were found to make better gains in academic performance (Ladd and Price, 1987; Ladd 1990).  Faulkner and Miell (1993) discovered that children who had well-established friendships upon entering school had better social and communication skills.  They concluded that the ability to make friends influenced children’s performance in a range of learning activities, particularly those involving collaboration and cooperation.  According to Bredenkamp and Copple (1997), children’s play affords adults the ability to have insight into children’s development, which supports the development of new strategies for learning.  Play also enhances development with written language.   Play provides a context for children to practice newly acquired skills, and to practice generalizing the skills in all aspects of their lives that promotes the ability to problem solve.  This leads to greater self-confidence and encourages children to take risks.  Through play children can express imagination and creativity.  Therefore, according to Fein (1986), teacher supported play is an essential component of developmentally appropriate practice.  
	In conclusion, according to Schweinhart and Weikert (1996), academic gains from non-play activities are not lasting.  Optimal development of young children is made possible through play, and gives children a chance to learn, consolidate, and practice the skills necessary for further growth and learning.

GOALS

1.	Students will develop a community
   of mutual respect and admiration
   through friendship building
   activities.

2.	Classroom peers will demonstrate a
   community of mutual respect and
   admiration through friendship
   building activities.

3.	Students will discover similarities and differences among their peers that help to foster friendships.

Building Classroom Community Activities

KINDNESS IN A JAR

This is an activity that encourages friendship within the classroom community. It also puts a focus not only on the positive things occurring in the environment, but on literacy development as well.

Materials/Preparation:

•	A large, clear plastic jar
•	Small index cards
•	Pencils

Activity:

1.	While children are playing, make observations of children who are being kind to their friends. Draw a simple drawing on the small index cards of the kind things you observe (i.e. children waiting and taking turns). Place the drawings in the clear, plastic jar.
2.	During the next large group time, introduce the “Kindness Jar” to the children. Read the kind acts out loud and inform the children that they will be responsible for adding additional acts of kindness to the jar.
3.	Show the children where the index cards and pencils will be. Let them know that they can ask a teacher for help if needed.
4.	Establish a time of day for reading the kind acts on a daily basis. 

Additional Comments:

Be on the look out for children who might have a particularly hard time with behavior. Make sure that they are represented in the kindness jar.

Whitin, P.  (2001). Kindness in a jar. Young Children, 56(5), 18-21.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU 

This is a get to know one another activity for the beginning of the year.  It teaches them how to introduce themselves to another person.

Materials/Preparation:

•	3 x 5 cards with matching statements, symbols or pictures on each pair.

Activity:

1.	Discuss with students the importance of introducing yourself when meeting a new person.  Also discuss tips on how to remember names of new friends.
2.	Pass out a card to each student.
3.	Students are to mingle to try and find the other person with their matching card.
4.	Before they can see if their cards match, they would have to say, “Hello, My name is Paula.”  The other person would say, “Hello Paula, my name is Barry.  It’s nice to meet you.”
5.	Then they can see if their cards match.  The first group to find their partner wins a small prize.
6.	Once students find their partner, have them ask their partner a few simple questions.  Name, age, favorite color, etc.
7.	Have students take their seats and then have them introduce their new friend.

Additional Comments:

Other pro-social concepts can be introduced in the same fashion.

FRIEND PICTURES

This activity is a good icebreaker for the first day of school.  It can be used through the year.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Digital Camera
•	Laminator & plastic laminator sheets

Activity: 

1.	Take a picture of each child and make two copies of each picture.
2.	Laminate each picture.
3.	Have students work in groups of three, and alternate each group.  The other students can work in other centers during this time.
4.	Have students play a game of concentration with pictures.
5.	Have students sort pictures by boys and girls, color of hair, color of eyes, etc.

Additional Comments:

Sorting and matching are pre-math skills.

This activity was modified from the Getting To Know You website.   
http://www.mrsballingall.homestead.com/gettingtknowyou~ns4.html

FRIENDSHIP

This activity would be a good way to begin the new school year.  The purpose of this activity is to teach social skills and how to develop friendships.

Materials:

•	Eric Carle’s book: Do You Want to Be My Friend? 
•	Large piece of butcher block paper
•	Paints (yellow, orange, blue, green, purple, pink)

Activity:

1.	Read the story during circle time.
2.	Discuss the meaning of being a friend and what good qualities are in a friend.
3.	Discuss the mouse’s search for the perfect friend.
4.	What good qualities were in each friend he found?
5.	Make a friendship rainbow to hang over the entranceway to your door.
6.	 Use the kids’ handprints in each color.
7.	Talk about what friends the children have made since they have been in school.
8.	What is a good quality about that friend?  Why do they like that friend and what activities do they do together?
9.	After the rainbow dries, hang it over your door with the saying- A Rainbow of Friendship hand in Hand.

Additional Comments:

Submitted by Amy.  (June 17, 2003).  Friendship.  In Online resource from a to z teacher 
     stuff network.  http://atozteacherstuff.com/lessons/Friendship.shtml

Carle, E. (1995).  Do you want to be my friend?  HarperCollins Juvenile Books.  
     ISBN: 0694007099

GETTING TO KNOW YOU BOX

Friendship activities can help young children begin to understand the uniqueness of one another, and build individual self-esteem while creating a classroom community of mutual respect and admiration.  When children feel valued as individuals, they can go outside themselves and find joy in discovering the similarities and differences among other children in their class—the beginning of friendship.  You can help children in your class to learn to value themselves and others by creating the “Getting To Know You Box”.  This activity can be completed over a period of two weeks.

Materials/Preparation:
•	One shoe box per child (with lid)
•	Box of crayons per child
•	Glue
•	Stickers
•	Markers
•	Craft sticks
•	Scissors
•	Photograph of each child
•	Photograph of each child doing a favorite activity
•	Construction paper
•	Magazines

Activity:
1.	Give each child a box with his or her name on it.  Include a photo of the child on the box for those children that cannot read.
2.	Explain to the children that being a friend means getting to know each other first. Explain how each child has a special box they can fill with all neat stuff to help other children in the class learn more about them.
3.	Have children draw a picture of their favorite thing to do at school.
4.	Have children cut a picture of their favorite food out of a magazine.
5.	Have children find or make an object in their favorite color.
6.	Have children make family puppets with craft sticks and construction paper to represent different people in their family.
7.	After children have filled their boxes, have a sharing circle in which each child discusses the contents of his/her individual box.  
8.	Invite the children to talk about the similarities and differences you find from child to child.

Additional Comments:
Ask families to provide you with children’s baby pictures to show how they’ve grown and changed.  These boxes can remain in the classroom, and can be utilized to extend different areas of development.  Children can add other favorite objects to their boxes.      

This activity was adapted from the Nick Jr. website.   http://www.nickjr.com/grownups/parenting/lesson_plans/general/friendship.jhtml

Fine and Gross Motor Activities that Promote Friendship

FRIENDSHIP BRACELET

Materials/Preparation:

•	Fruit Loop type cereal
•	String or yarn

Activity:

1.	Give each child a piece of string and some fruit loops.  
2.	Have the children string the fruit loops onto the string to make a bracelet. 
3.	Then have the children trade with a friend.  
4.	Explain that you make the bracelets because you care for your friends.

Additional Comments:

Each color can be coded to promote a different quality of friendship (i.e. blue=kindness).

PAPER DOLLS 

Discuss with the students the meaning of friendship and how they will make many friends this school year.

Materials/Preparation:

•	White construction paper folded and cut out to make a pair of paper dolls 
•	Crayons
•	Tape

Activity:

1.	Discuss  with the students what a friend is and what it takes to be a good friend.
2.	Tell  the students that we will be making friendship paper dolls.
3.	Have the students chose a partner.
4.	Give each pair a set of paper dolls and instruct each student to draw their partner (being careful not to break the doll pairs apart).
5.	Once the students are done, have them write their partner’s name on the doll and hang them on the bulletin board.
6.	This may be done twice  having  the children choose a different partner.  If there is an odd number of students, tape a third doll to a pair and have a group of three.

Additional Comments:

This is also a great fine motor activity.

BALLOON VOLLEYBALL 

A variety of games can be implemented with the use of balloons. When children are placed into paired teams an opportunity for friendship building and cooperative behaviors can be developed. 

Materials/Preparation:

•	Balloons
•	Net

Activity:

1.  A pair of children are located on either side of the volleyball net.
2.  One child is the server and hits the balloon over the net to the other team. 
3.  The object of the game is to work as a team to keep the balloon off the floor when it is
     on your teams side of the net.
4.  Friendship behaviors are to be emphasized during play. The children should be  
     encouraged to identify friendly behaviors in their peers.

Additional Comments:

Balloons can be utilized in a variety of games involving two or more children. The teachers and children’s imagination are the only limiting factors when implementing balloon games into friendship building activities.

NATURE WALK 

This activity involves pairs of students working together to complete a final project. As a large group, students will walk around the schoolyard to obtain “nature” materials. The paired groupings will each complete a picture of items they located on their nature walk. Working in the paired groups enhances communication and friendship skills.
 
Materials/Preparation:

•	Paper
•	Glue
•	Markers

Activity:

1.	The teacher will discuss what happens when the weather begins to change (e.g., winter to spring).
2.	The teacher will direct the class to pair up with a friend for an observation walk around the schoolyard.
3.	Students will pick items found during their walk. Some may return with leaves, sand, rocks, etc.
4.	Each paired group will create a project with their findings.
5.	The teacher will ask open-ended questions about the nature walk and the group process of completing the final project. The teacher will note identification of friendship behaviors.
6.	Students will describe using language.

Additional Comments:

This activity can be utilized at any time of the school year. Changes in seasons would be ideal time frames to implement the activity for additional discussion in the classroom.

FRIENDSHIP BEANBAG TOSS

Explain to the children that we are going to learn a friendship song and play a game with the beanbag while singing the song.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Beanbag

Activity:

1.	Have the children sit in a circle.
2.	Using a beanbag, toss it from hand to hand while singing this tune; I have a good friend a good friend a good friend, I have a good friend and their name is _________. 
3.	Have the children practice the song.
4.	Then toss the beanbag to the child whose name you call.  Have the child toss it back to you.  Do this until every child has had their name called.
5.	Then toss the beanbag to one of the children and have them sing the song and toss it to a friend.  Continue allowing all children to name a friend.

Additional Comments:

This game is also good for language skills and hand and eye coordination

Adapted from www.perpetualpreschool.com

SHADOW PARTNERS

This is an activity that students can do in pairs.  It is not only fun, it will help develop social skills, and eye/hand coordination.

Materials/Preparation:

N/A

Activity:

1.	Have students choose a friend to be a partner.  The teacher can facilitate this by assigning partners if necessary.
2.	Students face each other, then place their hands palm to palm and pretend they are in front of a large mirror.
3.	One student makes a face or gesture, or a movement, and the other student mimics what he/she sees.
4.	Students should take turns being the leader for the other student to mimic.

Additional Comments:

Activity adapted from Friendship Unit developed by Wellborn Elementary School through grants provided by University of Kansas, Department of Special Education and University Affiliated Programs.  

Donnell, W., Gilstarp, C., & Livers, M.  (1995).  Friendship.  Wellborn Elementary.

BLOCK BOWLING

This activity will help children develop cooperative play skills, thinking skills, and eye-hand coordination.

Materials/Preparation:

•	3 large cardboard (not wooden) blocks
•	1 small rubber playground ball 

Activity:

1.	Children form a line and sit down.
2.	The teacher can be the first “pinsetter”.
3.	Teacher arranges the 3 cardboard blocks in any configuration, and then first child in   line rolls the ball to knock down the blocks.
4.	The “pinsetter” collects the ball and takes it to the next person in line.
5.	The child who rolled the ball then becomes the “pinsetter”.
6.	Repeat process so each child is able to be both the bowler and the pinsetter.

Additional Comments:

Number of blocks can be increased as the children become more proficient at this game.

Diekhoff, P.  (April 15, 2003).  Block Bowling.  In Online resource from a to z teacher 
     stuff network.  http://atozteacherstuff.com/lessons.BlockBowling.shtml 

BODY DOUBLES

This activity will help students develop cooperative learning skills and body awareness skills.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Have students bring in a complete extra set of clothes from home
•	Newspaper
•	Construction paper
•	Markers
•	Crayons
•	Scissors
•	Stapler

Activity:

1.	Have students work with partners in helping each other to make their body doubles.
2.	Students will crumble newspaper to stuff their clothes.
3.	Students will make head, hands, and feet, and staple them to their body doubles.
4.	Students will place the “new” students around the school.

Additional Comments:

Activity adapted from Friendship Unit developed by Wellborn Elementary School through grants provided by University of Kansas, Department of Special Education and University Affiliated Programs.  

Donnell, W., Gilstarp, C., & Livers, M.  (1995).  Friendship.  Wellborn Elementary

MUSICAL SHARES 

Materials/Preparation:  

•	To start one chair for each child.  
•	A small group of children 
•	Music.

Activity:  

1.	Play this game just like musical chairs, but with a twist.  Each time the music stops and take a chair out, do not have any of the children sit out. They have to share a chair with a friend.

Additional Comments:

This activity can be varied by taking out two chairs instead of one.

MUSICAL HUGS 

Materials/Preparation:  

•	Music
•	CD Player

Activity: 

1.	Put on music and encourage children to move the way the music makes them feel.  
2.	Tell them when the music stops, they need to look for a friend to hug. 
3.	Continue with music, stop, hug another friend, etc.

Additional Comments:

Some children may not feel comfortable hugging.  Allow them to “hi five” instead.
BLOCKS, RAMPS, AND SMALL VEHICLES

This is a structured play time where peer interaction can be encouraged by directing children’s attention to other’s actions in activity, prompts to imitate a particular action of a peer, and having children plan together roads they will lay out on the floor.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Variety of small vehicles (e.g., cars. trucks, busses, vans)
•	Variety of sizes and shapes of wood blocks
•	Two to four long, sanded wood boards for ramps
•	One long, rectangular, child-size table
•	Buckets with picture labels of small vehicles
•	Variety of road sign displays
•	Table placed in block area with long sanded boards propped against table to create ramps.

Activity:

1.	Introduce activity by showing children the buckets containing a variety of vehicles.
2.	The children name a vehicle they would like to play with and go to that bucket.
3.	The teacher shows the children blocks and road signs and asks how they could use these materials to make roads and garages for the cars.
4.	Children are allowed to use all of the toys available to create and are encouraged to interact with each other in planning and building.
5.	After cleaning up, children are asked to recall one thing they did during the activity.

Additional Comments:

Variations of this play can be planned depending on the targeted goals and objectives of the teacher.

Bricker, D.  (2000).   An Activity-Based Approach to Early Intervention. Paul H. Brooke	 
     Publishing  Co.  

Sand, Water and Sensory Table Activities that Promote Friendship

Backyard Beach Party

This is a dramatic play and sensory table activity that encourages cooperation and follow-through.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Two sand and water tables
•	Sand
•	Seashells
•	Plastic sea animals
•	Water
•	Toy boats
•	Multicultural people figures
•	Beach umbrellas
•	Beach towels
•	Sunglasses and hats
•	Beach balls

Activity:

1.	Set up two sand and water tables outside. In one of the sand and water tables, add sand and seashells. In the other, add water, sea animals, and boats. Set up the beach umbrella and beach towels next to the sensory table.
2.	Have children come to the sensory area with a friend, encourage them to have a beach party.

Additional Comments:

Beach/Surfing music can be added to the center to capitalize on the theme. Have an adult nearby to help facilitate pro-social interaction.

West, S., Cox, A. (2001). Sand and water play: Simple, creative activities for young children. Beltsville, MD: Gryphon House.

Shaving Cream Color Experience

This activity is done at the sensory table or water table and teaches color awareness, color mixing and pro-social skills.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Shaving Cream
•	Food coloring in primary colors
•	Trays with edges or
•	Sensory Table/Water table

Activity:

1.	During center time, have children go to the sensory table with a friend.
2.	Have each child choose a primary color to color their shaving cream
3.	Have the children work together to mix the shaving cream together and discover the new color
4.	Have friendship pairs work with other friendship pairs to continue the discovery process.

Additional Comments:

The shaving cream can also be mixed with tempera paint and then be used for an art experience.  Construction paper can be placed on top and can be used to make a print to be taken home.

FOSSIL EXPLORATION 

This activity can be located inside the classroom or outdoors. The development of cooperative play behaviors while involved in a fine motor activity is the goal of this particular activity.

Materials:

•	Wet and dry sand
•	Containers
•	Various sizes of plastic dinosaurs
•	Plastic bones
•	Water
•	Smock
•	Sand/water table
•	Aliki’s books: Digging Up Dinosaurs and Dinosaur Bones

Activity:

1.	The activity can begin during circle time with a reading of the books Digging Up Dinosaurs and Dinosaur Bones.
2.	Following the readings, the teacher will have all materials ready for students to choose. The sand will be in flat containers (one wet sand, one dry sand).
3.	When students choose the center the teacher will ask students to put a water smock on and find a place around the sand.
4.	Students will freely explore the materials and be encouraged by the teacher to push the dinosaurs into the sand and make fossil imprints.
5.	The teacher will ask open-ended questions and facilitate interactions to develop friendship behaviors.
6.	As students play the teacher will ask questions about the wet and dry sand and the different materials. The teacher can discuss different qualities of dinosaurs during this activity.
7.	When students are finished the teacher will ask them to help clean up their area, wipe their hands, and put away their water smock.
8.	The teacher will note cooperative cleanup behaviors.

Additional Comments:

A variety of books for children can be located at the library on the topic of fossils and dinosaurs. 

Aliki (1988). Digging up dinosaurs. Harper Trophy.
     ISBN: 0064450783

Aliki (1990). Dinosaur bones. Harper Trophy.
     ISBN: 0064450775

THE GREAT SANDBOX 

This activity involves cooperative play while building gross motor skills and strength to complete the task of filling a new sandbox. 

Materials/Preparation:

•	Sand
•	Sandbox
•	Shovels
•	Buckets with handles
•	Camera

Activity:

1.	Throughout the activity the tune, “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” will be utilized. 
2.	The teacher can state something like this: “For large group time we’re going outside to move the sand from the sand pile into the sandbox. Here are some buckets and shovels we can use.” Respond to the children’s comments and questions. Distribute buckets and shovels and go outside.
3.	Initially, the children can sing, “Fill, Fill, Fill Your Buckets, Fill Your Buckets with Sand.” The buckets are filled with sand during this song.
4.	As the children move the filled buckets to the sandbox, they can sing, “Carry, Carry Carry Your Buckets.”
5.	As the sand is added to the sandbox, they can sing, “Dump, Dump, Dump Your Buckets.” 
6.	Ask the children for additional ideas for verses to the song.
7.	Watch to see how children fill the buckets, what they do when they find that a full bucket is too heavy for one person to carry, and if they think of using other containers or ask the assistance of another classmate. Support children’s problem solving and observations about this task.
8.	Throughout the activity the teacher will remark on positive friendship and cooperative behaviors displayed. 
9.	Remark on specifics when children are cooperatively working with each other. Take pictures so, later, the children can see themselves at work, and they can see the sand pile growing smaller and the pile in the sandbox getting bigger.
10.	When all the sand is in the sandbox, go to the sandbox and start singing (to the tune of “Row, row, row Your Boat”), “We moved all the sand, we moved all the sand.” Ask children for additional verses and sing them. Conclude with a statement such as “Now it’s outside time and we can play in the sand.”
11.	Discuss the importance of working with others to accomplish a task and cooperative behaviors demonstrated during the activity. 

Additional Comments:
This activity was modified from the High/Scope Curriculum Website.
http://www.highscope.org/EducationalPrograms/EarlyChildhood/largegrouptimes.htm

PLAYDOUGH (BIRTHDAY TIME) 

Discuss with the children that we all have birthdays and today we are going to help with a Birthday Party for a friend.  The party will be for a puppet friend so be sure to select a puppet of high interest to the children.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Playdough of different colors
•	Birthday candles
•	Small plastic plates
•	Butter knives
•	Birthday Crown
•	Large, round cookie cutters
•	Vinyl place mats for each child
•	Puppet
•	Long rectangular table
•	Rolling pins

Activity:

1.	Teacher announces, “I have a puppet friend who is 4 years old today.  Who would like to help give my friend a birthday party?  What do children like to eat on their birthdays?”
2.	Teacher then asks which kind of cake they like, and tells them the art table has playdough and utensils for making a pretend cake for the puppet.
3.	Each child is given a place mat to define their area at the table.
4.	The children select the color of playdough that they want to use for making the cake.
5.	The children use utensils as desired by requesting them from peer/teachers.
6.	The children place candles on the cake.
7.	The children sing “Happy Birthday” to the puppet.
8.	The teacher encourages the children to cut their cakes and serve to their peers/friends.
9.	The teacher gives 5-minute warning to signal closing of the activity.	
10.	The children clean up with direction from teacher.

Additional Comments:

The children could do a variation of this activity by making playdough cookies for a cookie monster puppet and/or friends. 

Bricker, D.  (2000).  An Activity-Based Approach to Early Intervention.  Paul H. Brookes  
     Publishing Co.

OCEAN SENSORY CENTER

This is an extension of an ocean thematic unit.  The center can be present over the course of several weeks in order to address a variety of topics regarding the ocean.  

Materials/Preparation:

•	Sand/water table
•	Sand
•	Water
•	Blue food coloring
•	Salt
•	Shells
•	Shovels
•	Buckets
•	Strainers
•	Plastic ocean animals

Activity:

1.	Put sand, water, salt, food color, shells, buckets, and ocean animals in table.
2.	Allow the students to explore the color, texture of the water, and dig for shells and fish.

Additional Comments:

Allow students to work in small groups of three.  Encourage them to talk about what they are doing, and describe how it feels.  Encourage students to share with each other.

Submitted by Chris.  (June 24, 2002).  Ocean Sensory Center.  In Online resource from a 
     to z teacher stuff network. 
     http://atozteacherstuff.com/lessons/OceanSensoryCenter.shtml

Friendship Games

THE WOLF GAME

This is an outside game that uses two children to be “it.”

Materials/Preparation:

•	A large grassy area is needed for running
•	Children must be able to rote count to 12

Activity:

1.	Have children line up horizontally across the field (if a fence or wall is available, have them put their backs against the wall)
2.	Choose one child to be “it” and have them choose a friend to join them
3.	Have the friend pair go about 10-20 yards in front of the group
4.	The friendship pair is now “Mr. Wolf and his brother or sister Mr./Ms. Wolf”
5.	The children lined up against the fence now say, “Mr. Wolf,  Ms. Wolf, What time is it?”
6.	The wolf pair then decide on a number together and yell out the time (i.e. Three O’Clock)
7.	The children then as a group count to that number while taking that number of spaces.
8.	Steps 5-8 are then repeated until the children get close enough to almost touch the “wolves”
9.	The wolf pair then answers the question “What time is it?” by responding “Lunchtime!” and chasing the children back to the fence.
10.	The teacher then chooses a new person to be “it” and the process starts over.

Additional Comments:

This activity can be a nice catalyst into a discussion on kindness and friendship. The wolves say “lunchtime” and the assumption is that the wolves are chasing the children to eat them, but what if they really wanted to invite the children to lunch? 

IN AND OUT THE WINDOW

This is a game, done as a large group activity, that promotes friendship and turn taking.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Have the children form a circle, holding hands
•	Review the importance of safety while holding hands (i.e. it is not safe to pull each other)

Activity:

1.	Choose a child from the group to be “it.”
2.	Have the children, while holding hands, raise their hands in the air to form “windows.”
3.	The child that is “it” goes in and out of the windows while the class sings this song: Go in and out the windows, go in and out the windows, go in and out the windows as you have done before. 
4.	The children then drop their hands, trapping the “it” inside the circle. Then the class sings: Go in and find a friend, go in and find a friend, go in and find a friend as you have done before.
5.	The class the raises their hands again and the “it” and the friend he/she has chosen, now hold hands and together go in and out of the windows together while the class sings the song again.

Additional Comments:

There are several variations of this game. The children who are “it” can both go in the circle and find new friends allowing two new pairs to be formed, or the partner team can choose one new child to join them forming a trio.

PICK A PAIR 

In this game children find a friend to line up or play with.  This game enhances visual discrimination and friendships.  

Materials/Preparation:

•	Poster board
•	Scissors
•	Stickers or matching pictures
•	Glue
•	Cut poster board into 4 x 6 rectangles. (One for each child)
•	Glue similar pictures or stickers on two cards so that you have pairs of matching cards.

Activity:

1.	Shuffle the cards.
2.	Let each child choose one.
3.	Tell the children to find the person who has the matching card.
4.	When they find their partner, they can both line up, go to a center, sit down at the table for lunch, etc.

Additional Comments:

As a variation, students can play a memory game with the cards.

WHAT’S ON THE SEASHORE? 

This is an extension of an ocean thematic unit. The center can be present over the course of several weeks in order to address a variety of topics regarding the ocean.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Megan McDonnell’s book: Is This a House for Hermit Crab?
•	Eric Carle’s book:  A House for Hermit Crab  
•	Ocean Life Memory Game (teacher produced)

Activity:

1.	The teacher will read the books identified during circle time and the class will discuss aspects of the books. 
2.	Friendship and cooperative behaviors will be identified during the group activity (e.g., speaking when called upon).
3.	Following the readings, one of the centers will contain an Ocean Life Memory game. The game will allow students the opportunity to build cooperative play behaviors (e.g., turn taking). The teacher will identify acceptable qualities of cooperative play while students are engaged in the game.

Additional Comments:

The Ocean Life Memory game cards can be teacher produced and laminated from magazines or the Internet. The books can be obtained from the school library or purchased from a bookstore or through the Internet.

McDonnell, M. (1993). Is this a house for hermit crab? Orchard Books.
     ISBN: 0531070417
Carle, E. (2002). A house for hermit crab. Aladdin Library.
     ISBN: 0689848943

Friendship Songs 

IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT

This is an adaptation of the familiar song, “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” It is an excellent activity for large group time and reinforces friendship-building, pro-social behaviors during play times.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Sing the traditional version of  “If You’re Happy and You Know It” with the children several times before introducing the new activity.

Activity:

1.	During a large group time, sing, “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” Tell the children that you would like to sing a new version of this song, but you will need their help.
2.	Have them tell you things that good friends do for each other. Write down what they say and then sing the new verse together having the children act out the suggestion (i.e. if a child said, “good friends give you high-fives,” write down their idea and then have the class sing the song like this: “If You’re Happy and You Know It, Give a High-five,” having the children hug the friend sitting next to them).
3.	Post the list somewhere in the classroom where the children can see it.

Additional Comments:

Other familiar songs can be adapted in a similar fashion. 

Cooper, C., McEvoy, M.  (1996). Group Friendship Activities. Teaching Exceptional Children, 67-69. 

FRIEND OF MINE 

The circle time song helps young children introduce their friends to others.

Materials/Preparation:

•	None

Activity:

1.	Children gets in circle and two children get in the center.  One introduces the other using the song and then they reverse roles.  

Sung to Mary had a little lamb.

	Will you meet a friend of mine?
Friend of mine?
	Friend of mine?
	Will you meet a friend of mine?
	This is my friend ___________.  (fill in name)

Additional Comments:

LETS’ FIND A FRIEND 

This is a circle and song activity that provides opportunity for children to find new friends.

Materials/Preparation:

•	None

Activity:

1.	Have children get in a circle.
2.	Have one child get in the center and begin singing the following song.

	Sung to “The Farmer in the Dell”
	Let’s find a friend.
	Oh let’s find a friend
	Heigh Ho the Derry-O
	Let’s find a friend.

	(________) find a friend 		(Insert the name of  the child in the center)
	(________) find a friend
	Heigh Ho the derry-O
	(________) find a friend.

3.	Have the child in the center pick another child.  Each child goes to the center and picks someone who hasn’t been in the center yet.
4.   At the end have all the children get in the center and sing the following:
	We all found a friend.
	We all found a friend.
	Heigh Ho the Derry-O,
	We all found a friend.

Additional Comments:

SPECIAL SONG

This is a singing activity that also introduces each child to everyone in the class.

Materials/Preparation:

•	There are no materials involved in this activity.  Practice singing “Where is Thumbkin?”

Activity:

1.	Have children sit in a circle.
2.	As a child is named in the song (substitute the child’s name for Thumbkin) have that child stand or dance in the middle of the circle.
3.	The other children sing and clap to the song.

Additional Comments:

INTRODUCTION SONG

This song helps children to understand friendship and also to learn the social skill of introducing themselves.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Practice song

Activity:

     1. Teach the song to the children:  
I like you, I like you
Yes, I do, Yes, I do
Friends are for sharing
Friends are for caring
I like you, I like you!
     2. Sing the song a couple of times .
3. Have the children sit in pairs looking at one another.
4. After singing the song to each other, the paired children shake each others hands 
      and say:  My  name is__________.  What can I call you?

Additional Comments:

This song helps the kids learn to know their new school friends and to introduce themselves.

BILINGUAL FRIENDSHIP SONG

This song teaches children about friendship and name recognition and after the greeting song class discussion about what friends do.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Practice song and look at body movement to go along with the song

Activity:

1.	Greeting song during circle time.
2.	Teacher models song:  (child’s name) is me amigo, (child’s name) is me amigo, (child’s name) is me amigo, (child’s name) is my FRIEND!
3.	Go around the circle so that all children greet each other.
4.	To extend this song to movement each child called can jump or clap while the entire group sings their name.
5.	After greeting song, lead discussion about what do friends do:  Children may respond, We don’t fight, we share toys, we talk about things etc.
	
Additional Comments:

This is a good social introduction to many friendship based activities.

Adapted from www.perpetualpreschool.com

THE FRIENDSHIP SONG

Explain to the children that we are going to learn a Friendship Song and hand movements to do together, and then make a friendship book.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Pictures of children together (attached)
•	Decide on hand movements to go with the song
•	Adequate copies of pictures so that each child can make a personal book

Activity:

1.	Discuss how making friends and playing with friends can be fun and we are going     
To learn a new song about being with our friends and then make a friendship book.
2.	Sing the song for the children while showing the pictures of the children being   
      together.
3.	Place the pictures on the board and begin teaching the song with the hand gestures  
      decided upon.
4. Have the children join in singing and gesturing until the song is learned.
5. Pass out the pictures and assist the children in making their friendship book.

Additional Comments:

This may be a good song to sing before group play or special friendship activities.

Pictures taken from Let’s Find Out MiniBook, Scholastic

Science and Cooking Activities that Promote Friendship

BODY SHAPE OUTLINES

This activity will help students develop social skills, language skills, and body awareness.  This activity can be done during morning circle time each day for two weeks.

Material/Preparation:

•	White bulletin board paper roll
•	Marker
•	Crayons
•	Scissors

Activity:

1.	Have students lay on piece of paper long enough to be able to trace their body. Do one student at a time. While one student’s body is being traced, the other students will have free playtime.  Teacher will call each student one by one until all have been traced.
2.	Students will cut out their bodies and color them as they want.
3.	Teacher will discuss compliments, what they are, and how to give them.
4.	Each day during morning circle time, students will brainstorm compliments for each other.  Teacher will write the compliments on the body outline.
5.	Bodies will be prominently displayed in the classroom. 

Additional Comments:

Activity adapted from Friendship Unit developed by Wellborn Elementary School through grants provided by University of Kansas, Department of Special Education and University Affiliated Programs.  

Donnell, W., Gilstarp, C., & Livers, M.  (1995).  Friendship.  Wellborn Elementary.

FRIENDLY MEASUREMENT EXPERIENMENT 

By doing this activity, children will learn that there are many similarities and differences between them and their friends.

Materials/Preparation:

•	rulers
•	measuring tapes
•	watches

Activity:

1.	Have students hypothesize whether or not they are similar or different from their friends in various ways. 
2.	After that, have the students’ measure their arms, legs, feet, and hands.
3.	Finally students will use the collected information to determine the similarities and differences among themselves and friends.

Additional Comments:

String, blocks and other classroom materials can be used for measurement.

Hale, J. & Fullam, S. (1991). Thematic unit friendship. Huntington Beach, CA: Teacher Created Materials, Inc. 

FRIENDSHIP SANDWICH 

 This activity will help children develop listening skills and follow directions.  Children will also learn the number concept as they prepare their sandwiches.

Materials/Preparation:

•	3 large French bread loaves (not sliced)
•	4 tomatoes
•	12 lettuce leaves
•	21 slices of cheese
•	64 slices of lunch meat
•	knife

Activity:

1.	Have the students cut the loaves in half lengthwise.
2.	Have the students spread mayonnaise on one half of the bread.
3.	Have the students spread mustard on the other half of the bread.
4.	Have the students lay the slices of meat on one half of the bread.
5.	Have the students lay the slices of cheese on the meat.
6.	Have the students lay the tomato slices on the cheese.
7.	Have the students lay the lettuce on the tomato slices.
8.	Have the students put the bread on the lettuce.
9.	Have the students slice loaf across into 10 equal pieces.
10.	Have all friends enjoy the sandwiches they prepared cooperatively.

Additional Comments:

Send home a letter one week before the party and reminders the day before the party

Garcia, A., & Chawla, N. K. (1990). Friends. Cypress, CA: Creative Teaching Press, Inc. 

BUILDING A TERRARIUM

Have students work cooperatively to build terrariums.

Materials/Preparation:

•	3 large glass containers
•	9 small plants (3 for each container)
•	Large bag of potting soil
•	Bag of small rocks (white & red)
•	3 small ceramic frogs
•	Newspaper
•	Bucket
•	Water

Activity:

1.	Have students work in groups of three, and alternate each group.  The other students can work in other centers during this time.
2.	Spread newspaper over table.
3.	Have students layer the bottom of the terrarium with white rocks (about 2” deep).
4.	In a bucket, mix the soil with water.  Do not get sopping wet or muddy.  Get thoroughly wet & squeeze out the excess water, so that the soil is moist.
5.	Carefully add the moist soil on top of the rocks (about 4” deep).
6.	Pat down, but do not compact.
7.	Using your fingers, dig three small holes for planting (do not overcrowd).
8.	Place small red ornamental rocks and frog around the plants. 

Additional Comments:

Use a mister to moisten plants occasionally.  Allow drying out periodically, or the landscape might mold.  The students will enjoy watching the plants grow throughout the year.

Activity adapted from Friendship Unit developed by Wellborn Elementary School through grants provided by University of Kansas, Department of Special Education and University Affiliated Programs.  

Donnell, W., Gilstarp, C., & Livers, M.  (1995).  Friendship.  Wellborn Elementary.

FRIENDSHIP RECIPE

This is a way of promoting teamwork and friendship with a yummy result.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Choose a simple recipe that can be done independently by the children (i.e. Ants On a Log). Any recipe that can be done in simple steps is an option.
•	For each pair of children, put half of the ingredients in a large Ziploc bag and put the other half in another
•	Make a recipe card (rebus style) using simple drawings that can be easily done by the children

Activity:

1.	During center time, make this cooking activity an option for the children to do with a friend.
2.	Have the friend pairs take the recipe card and work together to make their treat Because the ingredients are in different bags, they will need to be “detectives” to determine which bag has the ingredient they need.
3.	Have an adult (a parent volunteer, aide, etc.) nearby to assist the teams if needed.

Additional Comments:

It is very important that teachers be proactive during this activity. For the children who might have trouble with behavior or finding a friend, allow them to be one of the first friends to go and offer lots of guidance. 

HOW ARE YOU PEELING? 

This activity can assist young children in learning how to appropriately express and identify their emotions while developing friendship behaviors. 

Materials/Preparation:

•	Saxton Freymann’s book: How are You Peeling?
•	Assorted fruits and vegetables (e.g., apples, carrots, eggplant)
•	Assortment of items for eyes (e.g., Black eyed peas, wiggly eyes, stickers)
•	Items for “glue” (e.g., peanut butter, Elmer’s glue)
•	Markers 

Activity:

1.  During circle time, the teacher will read the book How Are You Peeling? 
2.  The children will identify facial expressions that match the emotions described in the 
     book through their own facial and body movements. The teacher will ask open-ended
     questions related to the emotions discussed in the book.
3.  One center will have the necessary ingredients for children to make their own “How
     are you Peeling” people.
4.  The children will describe to their peers the “Peeling person” they constructed and
     discuss appropriate friendship behaviors in expressing emotions.

Additional Comments:

Information related to incorporating the book into the classroom can be obtained through: http://www.wviz.org/edsvcs/prek/worksheets/How_Are_You_Peeling.pdf

Freymann, S. (1999). How are you peeling? Arthur A. Levine Publisher.
     ISBN: 0439104319

FRIENDSHIP SALAD 

This project encourages collaborative and practice play as the children make a salad together.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Write name of fruit on paper and have each child select one
•	Each child must bring two pieces of fruit that was named on the paper
•	Encourage the parents to take the children shopping with them when they buy the fruit
•	Plastic knife to cut fruit
•	Large fruit bowl
•	Dressing if desired
•	Plates, napkins, utensils for serving and eating

Activity:

1.	Have children bring fruit to school.
2.	Children are given a plastic knife to cut up their fruit.
3.	Discuss the different colors, textures, smells, etc of each individual fruit.
4.	Have children put all of the cut-up fruit in a large fruit bowl and mix it together.
5.	Discuss how all the fruits are great individually, however, they can be even better mixed together as one.
6.	Make this a lesson in friendship and how it is good to all work together.
7.	Serve friendship salad to the children noting how everyone helped to make the wonderful salad!

Additional Comments:

Adapted from www.perpetualpreschool.com

Dramatic Play Experiences 

ACTING LESSONS 

During this activity, children are encouraged to role play scenes discussed in Laurie Krasney and Marc Brown’s book, How to be a Friend: A Guide to Making Friends and Keeping Them.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Laurie Krasney and Marc Brown’s book, How to be a Friend: A Guide to Making Friends and Keeping Them
•	Dramatic Center Props

Activity:

1.  During circle time, the teacher will read the book How to be a Friend: A Guide to
     Making Friends and Keeping Them.
2.  The teacher will ask for volunteers from the class to act out various scenes from the 
     book. Props can be obtained from the dramatic play area. Chapters include topic areas
     such as: 
a) Making Up with a Friend
	b) Talking Out an Argument
	c) Ways Not to be a Friend
3.  Identification of friendly behaviors can be identified through the scenes role-played
     by the children.

Additional Comments:

Krasney, L. & Brown, M. (2001). How to be a friend: A guide to making friends and
     keeping them. Little Brown & Company.
     ISBN: 0316111538

CLOTHING STORE 

The dramatic play area is the ideal location for this activity. Children build upon communication and language skills along with problem solving while “shopping” for various clothing items. The majority of children have shopped with family members and have background information to use during this center activity.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Variety of tops, pants, hats, shoes
•	Cash register
•	Notepad
•	Pencil
•	Shopping bags

Activity:

1.	Children enter the dramatic play area during center activities. 
2.	Invite the children to purchase clothing in the dramatic play center. The children can take on the roles of store clerk, salesperson, and customer. 
3.	The activity is child directed although an adult can assist guidance for the “sales” portion of the play.

Additional Comments:

A fieldtrip to a clothing store can be an extension of this dramatic play activity.

CLASSROOM POST OFFICE 

This classroom activity can be incorporated into a weekly project along with other classrooms in the school. The activity involves friendship, literacy, and art as three major themes. The teacher can begin the unit by discussing the benefits and responsibilities associated with letter writing with the class.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Paper
•	Crayons
•	Markers
•	Pencils
•	Envelopes
•	Mailbag
•	Mailbox

Activity:

1.	The literacy center can be arranged for “letter writing day.”
2.	The messages students would like to send to their friends in other classroom can be discussed during the center activity. Letters can be written or pictures drawn to send to their peers.
3.	Suggestions can be offered as requested by the students. The students should be allowed to choose the content of their message. 
4.	Place messages and pictures into envelopes and seal.
5.	Choose one or two children to be the mail carriers to deliver the messages to the other classroom.

Additional Comments:

This activity can be extended into the community to build friendships with older adults in a nursing home or with a specific business.

Art Activities 

BUILD A FRIEND

Students will use the given patterns to create imaginary friends.

Materials/Preparation:

•	colors, crayons
•	scissors
•	glue
•	wallpaper remnants
•	fabric remnants
•	shirt, pant, and body shape patterns

Activity:

1.	Each student will get patterns of people, clothes, and accessories. 
2.	Students will color, cut, and assemble an imaginary friend using the remnants and other art materials.  
3.	After they finish putting together the friend, students will share their creation with the classmates.

Additional Comments:

A follow-up activity would be to discuss how the creations are alike and different.

Hale, J. & Fullam, S. (1991). Thematic unit friendship. Huntington Beach, CA: Teacher Created Materials, Inc. 

I AM A FRIEND MOBILE

This activity will help children understand that families, animals, and people in the community are all friends.

Materials/Preparation:

•	construction paper
•	hole punch
•	yarn
•	scissors
•	markers
•	crayons
•	coat hanger

Activity:

1.	Students will draw a picture of things they like to do with their friends, cut the pictures out (teacher’s help may be needed) and assemble a mobile attaching the cut out pictures to the hanger.  
2.	Students will share their creation with classmates.  

Additional Comments:

Digital pictures can be used as a variation of this activity. Be aware that permission from parents for pictures will need to be obtained prior to the activity.

Hale, J. & Fullam, S. (1991). Thematic unit friendship. Huntington Beach, CA: Teacher Created Materials, Inc. 

BALLS AND PAINT

This activity improves hand-eye coordination, art concepts, and friendship skills as well.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Paint smocks
•	Butcher paper
•	Different colors of Tempera paint
•	Water
•	Container
•	A variety of balls, such as bouncy balls, ping-pong balls, golf balls, magnetic balls, small plastic balls with holes in them, etc.
•	White butcher paper
•	White construction paper

Activity:

1.	Line the sand and water table with butcher paper.
2.	Put paint in a container and thin it with water, place the balls in the paint
3.	Have the children go to the sensory table with a friend.
4.	Encourage the children to roll the paint-covered balls back and forth to each other, placing them in the paint after each roll.
5.	When the children are ready to make a print, have them take a piece of construction paper and place it on top of the butcher paper making a print.

Additional Comments:

Marbles in a smaller container can be a variation of this activity.

West, S., Cox, A. (2001). Sand and water play: Simple, creative activities for young children. Gryphon House: Beltsville, MD.

FRIENDSHIP CREATIONS

This is a great activity for friend pairs. Because of the nature of the materials, a friend is helpful to hold materials in place while the other uses tape or glue to hold the creation together.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Toilet paper rolls
•	Paper towel rolls
•	Aluminum foil
•	Masking tape
•	Scotch tape
•	Markers
•	Construction paper

Activity:

1.	During center time, make this activity an option for a child to do with a friend.
2.	Have the friend pairs make a creation/build a structure and problem solve as needed
3.	Have an adult (a parent volunteer, aide, etc.) nearby to assist the teams if needed.

Additional Comments:

Any materials can be added to make this activity more fun for the children. Be sure to display creations with each of the creator’s names around the room for parents to see.

FRIENDSHIP PAINTING

This is a way of promoting teamwork and friendship with two or more friends.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Cut large pieces of butcher paper
•	Prepare paint and paintbrushes for painting
•	Decide on the best place for the activity and affix the paper in that spot 

Activity:

1.	During center time, make this activity an option for a child to do with a friend.
2.	Have the friend pairs enjoy the materials and problem solve as needed
3.	Have an adult (a parent volunteer, aide, etc.) nearby to assist the teams if needed.

Additional Comments:

This is a great activity that can be done outside during playground time. The paper can be hung nicely on the fence. Mops and brooms can be used in place of paintbrushes for variation.

FRIENDSHIP WREATH 

Materials/Preparation: 

•	Paint
•	 Large Paper
•	 Ribbon

Activity: 

1.	Have the children place their handprints on a large piece of paper in a circular shape to create a friendship wreath. 
2.	Then have the children decorate it with ribbons. 
3.	Then display it on the wall.  Talk about working together and friendship as you make the wreath.

Additional Comments:

FRIENDSHIP QUILTS 

Discuss what friendship is and what characteristics students like in their friends.

Material/Preparation:

•	Squares of white paper (approximately 4 x 4)
•	Crayons
•	Tape

Activity:

1.	Discuss with students what it means to be a friend and what characteristics they like in a friend.
2.	Have students decorate 1/2 dozen squares with things about themselves and decorate one with their name.
3.	Divide the class into small groups and then ask these groups why they like a student in our class.
4.	I write down their responses on blank white squares.
5.	These are then placed on the wall.  The student’s name is at the top and the decorated square and squares with my writing are placed to form a quilt-like pattern.

Additional Comments:

CLASS FRIENDSHIP QUILT 

This is a class project to show how each and every student in class is connected to each other.  

Materials/Preparation:

•	A piece of construction paper for each student
•	Some beautiful junk (yarn, sequins, cotton balls, buttons, tissue paper, etc.)  Look around and find things that the children can decorate their piece of paper.
•	Glue
•	Crayons
•	Stapler

Activity:

1.	I discuss with the class what friends are.
2.	I tell the students we will be making a friendship quilt to hang on our classroom wall.  
3.	I decorate several pieces of paper in advance.  These will form the heading for the quilt and identify the quilt as my class.  I let the students see how I have done mine to give them an idea.
4.	Each student gets a piece of paper to decorate with anything you have made available.
5.	As they finish I staple the papers to the wall under mine.
6.	The students are amazed as the quilt takes shape.  It hangs on the wall most of the year.

Additional Comments:

FINDING NEMO IN THE OCEAN 

The concept of studying oceans through a thematic unit is common among early childhood settings. This activity was influenced by the success of the Walt Disney animated movie “Finding Nemo.” The center can be present over the course of several weeks in order to address a variety of topics regarding the ocean.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Ocean Life pictures
•	Paint
•	Mural Paper
•	Ocean shape sponges 
•	Paint smocks

Activity:
1.	The teacher will begin a discussion with the class regarding the ocean. The students will provide input on all the items they can imagine are located in the ocean.
2.	The students will then engage in a cooperative art project to create a mural of ocean life for the classroom wall. Children will participate at their comfort level (e.g., finger painting, sponge painting). 
3.	The teacher will remark on friendship and cooperative behaviors demonstrated during the process.
4.	The students will assist the teacher in placing the mural on the wall for display. 
5.	Discussion regarding the items painted in the ocean mural as well as cooperative behaviors demonstrated during the activity can be conducted during circle time.

Additional Comments:

A search of websites that contain information on ocean life can be utilized in completion of this thematic unit. 
http://www.SeaWorld

FRIENDSHIP ART

This is an activity that assists with social interaction while doing an art project.  Children are paired and each given a “person shape” to color to look like their friend (partner).  Discuss taking notice of eye color, hair color, clothes color and design etc.

Materials/Preparation:

•	“Person Shape” paper doll for each child
•	Crayons of all colors
•	Defined workspace for each pair
•	May want to use yarn, buttons and other articles to assist with project.

Activity:

1.	Pair children for best social interaction and have them go to their workstations.
2.	Give instructions to color the “person shape” to look like their friend (partner) being sure to notice eye color etc. that was already discussed.
3.	Tell children when their artwork is finished; it will be put on the bulletin board.
4.	When finished, write on the top both children’s names such as “Jack by Jill” and place on the bulletin board for all the children to enjoy.

Additional Comments:

Adapted from www.perpetualpreschool.com

Circle Time Activities

FRIENDSHIP

By doing this activity, children will learn social skills and how to develop friendships.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Book: “ Do You Want to Be My Friend?” by Eric Carle
•	Large piece of butcher paper
•	Paints

Activity:

1.	Discuss the meaning of being a friend and the qualities of a good friend.  
2.	Read the story to the students.  
3.	Talk about mouse’s search for a good friend and what good qualities were in each friend he found. 
4.	Ask about the friends that students have made since they have been in school.  
5.	Have students use their handprints in each color to make a friendship rainbow.  
6.	Display the rainbow in the class with the title “A Rainbow of Friendship Hand in Hand”.

Additional Comments:

Hale, J. & Fullam, S. (1991). Thematic unit friendship. Huntington Beach, CA: Teacher Created Materials, Inc. 

Carle, E. (1995). Do you want to be my friend? Harper Collins. 

WE ALL THINK YOU’RE WONDERFUL 

This is a positive way to start circle time or give children a boost when they’re having a difficult day.  This activity encourages children to look for the best in themselves and others.

Materials/Preparation:

•	There are no materials needed for this activity.  

Activity:

1.	Have children sit in a circle.
2.	Choose one child at a time to stand in the middle as everyone chants the following to the tune of “Dry Bones.”
We all think you’re wonderful, (slap thighs and clap hands to the beat)
We do.
We give a lot of credit
To you.
We all think that (child’s name)
Is true blue.
We shout our praises to you,
We do!
3.	Encourage the other children to tell the child in the middle of the circle what they like 
      about him.  

Additional Comments:

SHOW AND TELL AND THEN SOME 

Show and tell can be used as part of circle time or whenever there are a few extra minutes in the day.  Most children love to be the center of attention.   Sharing with their friends in this way also gives them the opportunity to develop language skills and self-confidence.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Objects students bring from home.  (Find out what can and can’t be brought from home with your school and teacher this to your children.)
•	No other materials are needed.

Activity:

1.	Show and tell can be very dragging, so try one of these variations.
a.	Only do show and tell on one designated day each week.
b.	Assign different children a special day each week when they can bring something to share.
c.	Encourage children to bring something they have made.
d.	Let other children in the room ask questions about the object.
e.	Have a sharing table where children place their items for other to look at.
f.	Make a show and tell bag or basket.  Each night one child takes it home and brings in something the next day to share with the class.

Additional Comments:

HOWDY NEIGHBOR 

Use this poem to gather children for circle time or story, or to get rid of wiggles any time during the day.

Materials/Preparation:

•	There are no materials associated with this activity.
•	Preparation includes teaching the poem to the children.

Activity:

1.	Have students get into circle.
2.	Teach the students the following poem and associated motions.
Howdy neighbor!  (make a big waving motion)
What do you say? (shake hands with each other)
A beautiful day. (make circle in front of body with arms)
So clap your hands, (clap hands)
And stomp your feet, (stomp feet)
Jump up and down, (jump)
Then take a seat. (sit on the floor or in chairs)

Additional Comments:

A similar poem goes like this:
We step, step, step, (step in place)
And clap, clap, clap,(clap)
And bow without a sound. (bow at waist)

We step, step, step, (step in place)
And clap, clap, clap, (clap)
And then we touch the ground. (touch the floor)

We clap down low. (clap low)
We clap up high. (clap high)
We touch the ground. (touch the floor)
We touch the sky. (reach hands above head)

We step, step, step, (step in place)
And clap, clap, clap, (clap)
And then we sit right down. (sit on the floor)

FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE

This game helps children learn to identify their names and their classmates names.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Decorated Box
•	Small pieces of paper with children’s names written on each
	
Activity:

1.	Have children sit in a circle for the Friendship Circle Game.
2.	While holding box, sing:  Here we go round the friendship circle, the friendship circle, the friendship circle.  Here we go round the friendship circle with my friend__________!
3.	Pull name from the box and sing the name but don’t say anything and let the child whose name it is says, “It’s me”.
4.	Repeat this until every name is called.

Additional Comments:

Adapted from www.perpetualpreschool.com

MATCHING SOCKS

This activity works well for transitions and to assist children form friendships early in the school year.  Discuss that this is an activity to meet new friends.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Several pairs of matching socks—enough for each child to have one sock

Activity:

1.	Have the children form a circle and give each child a SOCK.  Tell them this is a “friendship sock”. 
2.	On their turn each child has to go and look for their friend who has the matching sock.
3.	If this is done at the first of the year, the children then learn their new friend’s name and introduce them to the other children in the circle.
4.	If this activity takes place later in the year, it can be used to pair children for activities. 

Additional Comments:

Adapted from www.perpetualpreschool.com

THE RAINBOW FISH

Discuss with students the meanings of friendship and how they will make many friends during the school year.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Marcus Pfister’s book: The Rainbow Fish
•	Strips of construction paper in various colors cut into 12x3 strips
•	Crayons
•	Stapler

Activity:

1.	Read story during circle time and discuss friendship and what it takes to be a friend.
2.	Tell students they will be making a friendship chain.
3.	Each student gets a strip of colored construction paper to color and put his/her name on it.
4.	As they finish, teacher begins to make a chain by stapling each strip of paper into a circle shape and linking them together as you staple.
5.	Chain can be displayed either in the classroom or the library.

Additional Comments:

Pfister, M.  (1992).  The rainbow fish.  North South Books.  ISBN: 1558580093

Writing and Literacy Activities that Promote Friendship

FRIENDSHIP POSTCARDS

This activity will help children learn the letter and card writing concept and how friends keep in touch and communicate with people they care for.

Materials/Preparation:

•	Pencils
•	Crayons
•	scissors

Activity:

1.	Ask students to pretend that they are on a trip.  
2.	Have students write a friendly postcard to a friend drawing or writing about their experiences and what they are doing. 
3.	After writing the postcard, students will illustrate the other side with a picture of him/herself on the trip.  
4.	Finally, students will share the postcard with the friend he/she is writing to.

Additional Comments:

For fun, use a regular 5” X 7” color photo of the child on a trip.  Turn the back into a real postcard.  Add a stamp and mail it to a friend.

Hale, J. & Fullam, S. (1991). Thematic unit friendship. Huntington Beach, CA: Teacher Created Materials, Inc. 

MY BEST FRIEND

This activity will help children recognize the positive attributes in their friends.

Materials/Preparation:

•	large sheet of construction paper
•	markers
•	yarn
•	glitter
•	glue

Activity:

1.	Provide each student with 4 pieces of large construction paper.  Students will then construct a body (teacher help may be needed).
2.	Have the students draw things they like about their friends on the body parts.  
3.	On the top half of the body, have the students (with teacher’s help) write the name of their friend.  
4.	On the arms and legs, have the students draw other things that are special about their friend. 
5.	Once the students finish drawing, have them glue the pieces together, color, and decorate.  
6.	Finally have the students share their friend creations and display the friends on a bulletin board.

Additional Comments:

This could be extended into literacy by having students write simple words for friendship qualities.

Hale, J. & Fullam, S. (1991). Thematic unit friendship. Huntington Beach, CA: Teacher Created Materials, Inc. 

References for Play and Friendship Unit

References
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Carle, E. (2002).  A house for hermit crab. Aladdin Library.
Carle, E. (1995).  Do you want to be my friend?  HarperCollins Juvenile Books.  
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Nick Jr. Website:   
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Sea World Website:
     http://www.SeaWorld

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