Discuss 2-3 strategies that can help preschoolers build relationships and make new friends. What can you do to encourage young children to develop friendships?
Building relationships in the preschool ages can be difficult. Preschoolers are still learning social skills and learning how to communicate and work together with others. One way to encourage young
children to build relationships is through giving praise and attention to students who are working together and playing nicely (Early Childhood Development, 2020). Giving praise to little efforts in preschoolers helps build their confidence and lets them know they are doing what they should be. For example, if a student shares a toy with another student, emphasizing that action and praising the
children helps build their confidence, repeat the behaviors, and encourages the connection between the two students. Another strategy to encourage relationships are collaborative activities and projects (Early Childhood
Development, 2020). When students have a project or activity to be excited about and complete together in helps build their cooperative skills and builds connections. As students work together they will have fun with certain kids and find commonalities, allowing them to form friendships. It often
does not take much to make children feel connected, so providing lots of play opportunities to support these friendships are very important. This provides socializing moments and encourages problem solving.
