Peer Interactions
*NEW RESource* Strategies for Supporting the Development of Friendship Skills
strategies_dev_friendship_skills.pdfPhotographerOfTheDay-EngagingChildrenAndTheirFamilies.mp4Photographer of the Day
This teacher uses a "Photographer of the Day" to promote active participation, peer interaction and family engagement.
What information might you gain by looking at the photographs taken by children each day?
How could you use this role to promote peer interactions?
What new ideas does this inspire for you?
Pipestone Greeting Video.mp4GREETER of the Day
This Pre-k classroom added "Greeter of the Day" to the daily arrival routine.
What goals are embedded into this routine?
How could this be changed to meet individual children's goals?
How does this idea promote full participation of every child in the classroom?
What ideas do you have for increasing peer interactions throughout daily routines?
Using Puppets to Teach Social-Emotional Skills
Friendship Skills
This resource offers ideas and visuals for teaching friendship skills. Available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and Ojibwe.
Buddy Play
Making the most of Buddy Play!
Intentionally planning time for children to play, work, or transition together is an important practice for developing social skills while increasing engagement. A few ideas from Minnesota classrooms:
Plan Buddy Play for the last 5 minutes of motor time to make the transition from outside/motor room to classroom more engaging
Pair shy children with a predictable peer so they are not overwhelmed during buddy play
Have duplicates of books for "Read to your Buddy" time
TTYC_BuddySystemTipSheet.pdfbuddy play tips
This resource offers ideas for making the most of buddy play!
Stay-Play-Talk.pdfSTay, play, talk
Stay, play, talk is an evidence-based strategy for supporting children to develop friendship skills. Included in this handout are step by step guidance and visuals to support children.
Stop-Go_Activity.pdfstop and go game
The stop or go game helps children learn to make good choices.
videos, activities, and resources
4. CEM Top 10 Friendship Skills revised 2.2023