A guide for using our resources

Children will identify traits and actions that make a good friend.

SEL Focus: relationship skills

CCSS (and states that have similar standards): SL.1.2, RI.1.1, L.1.1.A, RF.1.3, W.1.8, SL.1.1.A

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

• Work together to find and circle the sight word you. How many can you find?
• Then use a different color and circle the word do.

• Create a shared writing chart. At the top, write Good friends . . . and list what’s in the issue: wave hello, talk with you, play with you, help you.
• Work with kids to add more things good friends do, such as share, take turns, listen to you, and tell the truth. Then read the chart aloud.

Skill: social and emotional learning

Materials: none

• This game builds friendship and community by showing kids what they have in common. Sit in a circle. One child stands up and says a fact about him- or herself (favorite color/food, has a brother/sister, etc.).
• All children for whom the fact is also true say, “Just like me!” and stand up.
• The child who began the game picks one of the kids who stood up to lead the next round. Play continues until each child has shared a fact.

• If kids need help coming up with facts, whisper a question, for example, “What’s your favorite game?” Repeats are OK too!
• To make sure everyone gets a turn, you can help choose who leads each round.