Embracing New Friends at Preschool

When to use this story

This social story is designed for preschoolers who are navigating the experience of meeting new friends in a classroom setting. It is particularly useful during the start of a school year or when new students join the class. You can use this story to help your child understand their feelings of shyness and encourage them to take steps towards building new friendships. It serves as a gentle guide when facing social situations that may initially feel daunting, fostering a sense of belonging and connection with peers.

What's inside

"Embracing New Friends at Preschool" opens with relatable scenarios that many children face, such as encountering new classmates. The story addresses feelings of shyness and suggests positive actions, like taking a deep breath and smiling to boost confidence. It follows a simple narrative of seeing Jamie and Alex playing with blocks, which provides a concrete context for children to visualize joining in on play. The story incorporates interactive activities, including vocabulary and spelling exercises, comprehension questions, and creative role-play opportunities that allow children to practice the skills they learn. This multi-faceted approach makes the story engaging while promoting social skills in a fun and approachable way.

What kids learn

Through this social story, children learn to:

• Recognize and understand their emotions in social situations.
• Develop strategies to overcome feelings of shyness.
• Practice initiating interactions with peers.
• Understand the importance of kindness and inclusion in friendships.
• Gain confidence in their ability to make new friends and participate in group activities.

Research context

The tradition of using social stories, as popularized by Carol Gray, offers a supportive framework for children to understand social interactions through narrative. This approach aligns with narrative-based social-emotional learning research, which emphasizes the power of storytelling in enhancing interpersonal skills. By using relatable scenarios, children can explore social situations in a safe and structured manner, fostering important skills that will benefit them throughout their developmental journey.

Tips for parents and educators

• Read the story together and discuss your child's feelings about making new friends.
• Encourage your child to share their own experiences with new friendships after reading.
• Use role-play to practice joining in play, asking questions, or introducing themselves.
• Reinforce the positive strategies mentioned in the story at home or in the classroom.
• Celebrate small successes in social interactions to build confidence.
• Provide opportunities for your child to meet and interact with new peers in varied settings.