The Kids' Book of Friends: How to Make Friends and Be a Friend
The Kids' Books of Social Emotional Learning Series
What’s inside...
This comprehensive guide explores various aspects of friendship, including how to make friends, what it means to be a friend, and how friendships can evolve over time. The updated July 2023 edition features additional practical examples for kids to manage their friendships, plus two interactive activity pages designed for children to complete with an adult's guidance. The book emphasizes building skills such as empathy, sharing, kindness, and respect, while fostering positive self-esteem. It serves as an excellent resource for engaging children during storytime and initiating discussions about emotions, relationships, and daily experiences. Recommended for children aged 3 to 8, this book aims to help them navigate friendships with confidence and understanding.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-12
Length
43 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some qualities that make someone a good friend?
Can you tell me about a time when a friend helped you feel better?
How do you think we can show kindness to new friends?
What did you learn from the book about resolving conflicts with friends?
Why do you think it's important to have friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use specific examples from the book to guide the conversation, referring to the characters' experiences.
Encourage your child to share personal experiences related to the themes discussed in the book.
Highlight the importance of empathy by asking how they feel in situations depicted in the book and comparing those to their real-life feelings.
Reinforce the concepts of friendship from the book by planning activities that involve teamwork and cooperation.
Show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings about friendship to foster an open and trusting dialogue.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding empathy
Explanation: The book showcases various scenarios where characters express understanding and consideration for each other's feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by noticing their friends' feelings and reacting supportively during interactions at school or play.
Example Lesson: Importance of sharing
Explanation: Characters in the story often share toys and resources, highlighting the joy and strengthened friendships that result from sharing.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice sharing their belongings with peers during group activities or playdates, fostering a positive communal environment.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts
Explanation: The book provides examples of friends who face disagreements and work together to find amicable solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can use communication skills to resolve disputes with siblings or classmates, promoting a harmonious relationship.
Example Lesson: Valuing diversity
Explanation: Characters from different backgrounds come together, teaching the importance of accepting and celebrating each other’s differences.
Real-World Application: Kids can embrace inclusivity by interacting and making friends with peers from various cultures and backgrounds at school.
Example Lesson: Building trust
Explanation: Through acts of kindness and honesty among the characters, the story underlines the significance of building and maintaining trust.
Real-World Application: Children can enhance their friendships by being reliable and truthful in their daily interactions with friends.