The primary benefit of children attending early childhood education and care services is friendship. Before children can study structured and teacher-led lessons in primary school, children first need social competence.
Children need to feel confident with their own identity, be emotionally secure, and have a sense of belonging. They need to understand the reciprocal nature of society, how to have friends, and how to be a friend.
Babies, toddlers and preschool children learn and grow by spending extended, unplanned time with friends.
UNCRC, NQS and EYLF
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child promotes friendship. Children have the right to meet with other children and join groups and organisations.
The National Quality Standard requires early childhood educators to support all children to build and maintain sensitive and responsive relationships (5.2), including skills in collaboration, co-learning, and conflict resolution.
Children can learn about and develop friendships within the Early Years Learning Framework. Children can:
- become strong in their social and emotional wellbeing (3.1)
- feel safe, secure, and supported (1.1) and learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy and respect (1.4)
- develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active community participation (2.1)
- respond to diversity with respect (2.2) and become aware of fairness (2.3)
- cooperate with others (4.1) and connect with people (4.4).
Learning experiences
Plan before playing
Did you know children can pre-plan their play with friends? Planning works really well for role play activities and for children who need extra support in social situations.
Children who enjoy role playing together can take a few moments to talk before they begin. They can decide what they want to happen in their story, who will play what roles, and identify any resources they may need.
Educators can help children plan what to do in challenging social situations before they arise. Sit with a child before they start playing and talk about:
- what they would like to play with
- who they would like to play with
- what they would like to happen
- any challenges that might arise, including potential solutions.
Collaborate through play
Children's friendships will form organically when they share enjoyable and playful moments together. Early childhood educators can support this play by modelling and encouraging positive social interactions.
- Games that involve multiple people and or require teamwork, like board games and relay races.
- Cooking delicious food in a small group.
- Expand your dramatic play, art and construction areas, ensuring they are inclusive and all children feel welcome.
- Create collaborative artworks, like murals and group collages.
- Sing songs together during circle time.
- Do silly and ridiculously funny things that help children laugh together.
- Plan play-based activities for children who share the same interests.
Discussions
- What does it mean to be a friend? What makes a good friend?
- Who are your friends? What are some fun things you like to do together?
- How does it feel to make a new friend?
- How do you show kindness and respect to your friends? What can you do to help a friend who is feeling sad or upset?
- What can you do if you disagree with a friend?
Events
30th July is International Day of Friendship
Resources
Picture books
- Two Mates by Melanie and Maggie Prewett
- Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers