Friends at School
on Goodreads (49)
What’s inside...
Friends at School is a photo essay that captures the essence of inclusion by showcasing pre-school children of mixed abilities engaging in various activities at school. It helps readers understand that despite physical differences and varying abilities, all children enjoy participating in similar activities and share common interests.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters in the book show kindness to each other?
What would you do if you saw a new classmate sitting alone?
Can you tell me about a time you helped a friend at school?
How do you think it feels to be welcomed by classmates?
What are some ways you can make friends feel comfortable and included?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your tone and pace to match different characters and scenarios, making the story come alive.
Relate to personal experiences: After reading a scene, tie it back to your child's personal school experiences to make connections.
Ask reflective questions: Encourage your child to think deeper about the emotions and actions of the characters.
Encourage empathy: Discuss how characters might feel in various situations and relate those feelings to real-life scenarios.
Highlight positive actions: Reinforce and praise examples of kindness and inclusivity demonstrated in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story showcases diverse characters interacting at school, where they learn to understand and appreciate each other's feelings and backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by acknowledging their classmates' emotions and offering friendship, making school a supportive environment for everyone.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book work together on school projects and activities, demonstrating the importance and benefits of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to cooperate in group settings like classroom assignments or playground activities, fostering teamwork skills that are essential for their future.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity and Friendship
Explanation: The book presents a message of inclusivity by showing friendships that cross cultural and individual differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open to making friends with peers who might look or behave differently from themselves, promoting a more inclusive perspective.
Example Lesson: Respecting Differences
Explanation: Through its narrative, the book portrays how characters learn to respect each other's unique traits and preferences.
Real-World Application: Children can practice respect towards others' differences in the real world, which helps in building harmonious relationships in diverse settings.
Example Lesson: Courage to Try New Things
Explanation: The story includes scenarios where characters are initially hesitant but eventually engage in new activities, learning and growing in the process.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to venture out of their comfort zones, try new activities at school, and embrace learning opportunities with courage.