It is easier for children to make friends and connect with others than for adults. Children are highly social beings who can look past differences and form meaningful relationships that last a lifetime. Nurturing this fundamental ability is crucial in developing children into friendly adults with healthy mental and emotional well-being.
This social-emotional learning lesson is about the positive action of being friendly and its transformative power to spark healthy connections. Through an imaginative audio story, this lesson teaches students how simple, friendly gestures can spread joy and initiate positive social interactions. They also significantly impact children’s lives and development.
The audio story "Friends at Last" tells the tale of the first meeting of the beloved jungle and forest animal characters. At first, the animals cannot ignore their differences, making it difficult for them to see the goodness in each other. However, Jareef Giraffe, Abbott Rabbit, and Cindy Squirrel set an example by putting on their friendly faces.
"Students understand that they can build meaningful friendships, despite their differences, by treating others positively and using the universal language of friendliness: warmhearted smiles."
The animals' warm smiles and sweet "hellos" make them look nicer and approachable, dissolving the other animals’ judgments and misunderstandings. The animals then realize the beauty in their differences and the fascinating richness they bring to their friendships.
Following the story is an insightful class discussion. It underlines how being friendly can build bridges between individuals by displaying and igniting kindness and happiness. Students understand that they can build meaningful friendships, despite their differences, by treating others positively and using the universal language of friendliness: warmhearted smiles.
As a fun way to end the lesson, kindergarten students play an enjoyable game of tag using an activity sheet. Since tag is a game that requires players to reach out and have fun, this activity helps to ensure that students retain the lesson concepts they have just learned.
Being friendly plays a significant role in developing essential social-emotional learning core competencies. Teaching this lesson and promoting friendliness helps kindergarten students learn valuable relationship skills, including active listening and effective communication. Students also develop a positive attitude, social awareness, and empathy as they consider the perspectives and emotions of others, fostering understanding and compassion in their social interactions.
Pasela is a digital product presented by Positive Action.
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