This social initiation activity will help students determine if/when starting a conversation with someone is appropriate, where they should stand when approaching someone, and what they should say when they first approach. I moved to North Carolina from Massachusetts right after college and have consistently moved to a new [...]
Do you explicitly teach compromise in your classroom? This worksheet has students compromise on activities to make sure everyone in the group is included and can enjoy the activity. A few years ago I was trying to meet up for dinner with two of my teacher friends while we were [...]
This printable is a superhero twist on a getting-to-know-you survey that will help in building relationships with middle school students. While our Buddy Binder sheets could also be used with older students, they're really more for facilitating students' making new friends. The questions on this survey will be particularly [...]
This printable is an updated version of our Buddy Binder inserts, or a “getting to know you” survey. Your students are excited about making new friends as the school year is starting (or any time of year, really), but some of them will need help. Traditional ice breakers [...]
This printable is SEL practice to send home with students for the summer. The school year is winding down and summer is finally in sight! Yay! Warm weather, the pool, no alarms, people using your first name, going to the bathroom whenever you want...so great. Your kids can [...]
I’ve previously sent out some social initiation lessons that focus on how to start an initial conversation with someone, or how to make some initial connections based on common interests. Once they get past that first interaction, though, how do our students keep these friends? The only way [...]
Teaching kids to initiate with others is crucial to making friends and thriving socially. At the same time, students need to learn what topics are appropriate with different types of people. I have a friend whose young teenage son plays video games with other kids all over the world: London, [...]
In this activity, students will sort friendship traits based on whether they describe a good or a bad friend. It can be hard to make and keep good, quality friends, whether you’re 8, 28, or 58. I’m lucky to still be close to my best friend from kindergarten. [...]
This printable will teach students how to make friends at school by choosing appropriate phrases for inviting someone to play. In our previous Buddy Binder activity, we talked about making new friends based on common interests. But once you know you both like four-square, what’s a good way [...]
Students are excited about making new friends as the school year is starting (or any time of year, really), but some of them will need help. Traditional ice breakers and getting-to-know-you activities can be uncomfortable for a lot of kids, especially those who have trouble with social skills. [...]
