Story Time: F is for Friends
Story Time: F is for Friends
For some children, making friends can be difficult, but practicing at home can help. Try some of the strategies found at PBS Kids for Parents. Then read a book about friends and talk about how the characters used the strategies and what happened.
Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room.
Ages 3-5
Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play
Tip
During the first years of life, an important set of skills known as problem solving abilities are developed. Get into the habit of asking questions during your daily story time that develop higher-order thinking skills. Instead of just reading and your child passively listening, ask questions throughout, concentrating on solving problems. – https://empoweredparents.co/problem-solving-activities-preschoolers/
Activity
Help your child find a favorite book. Ask your child questions similar to these:
–Why do you think the rat did that?
–Do you think his friend will be happy? Why?
–What do you think would happen if the rat did something else?
Books Presented
Wiggle and the Whale: A Book of Funny Friends by Roger Priddy
What make a perfect animal pair? The place where they live, or a feature they share? Are they both big, or are they both small, or do they share nothing in common at all?
Don't Need Friends by Carolyn Crimi
Lawrence & Sophia: Big & Bold by Doreen Cronin
When Lawrence makes a new friend, Sophia feels left out until she discovers that she can be big and bold on her own.
Bunny Made Tea by Amanda Baehr Fuller
Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays
F-R-I-E-N-D!
(tune: B-I-N-G-O)
There was a rat who met a dog,
And and they became good friends.
F-R-I-E-N-D!
F-R-I-E-N-D!
F-R-I-E-N-D!
And and they became good friends!
Friend of Mine
(Tune:”Mary Had a Little Lamb”)
Will you be a friend of mine, friend of mine, friend of mine?
Will you be a friend of mine and [insert action word]
Action Words: around with me? jump… bow… clap… hop on one foot…
Source: Verona Story Time
Make a Heart
I put my hands together, (hands together like praying)
This is how I start
I curve my fingers right around,
(curl fingertips)
And I can make a heart!
Source: Jbrary
If You’re a Friend
(tune: If You’re Happy)
If you’re a friend and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)
If you’re a friend and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)
If you’re a friend and you know it, then what you do will show it
If you’re a friend and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)
If you’re a friend and you know it, stomp your feet (stomp stomp)…
If you’re friend and you know it, shout “Hurray!” (hoo-ray!)…
If you’re a friend and you know it, do all three (clap-clap, stomp-stomp, hoo-ray!)…
Crafts and Activities
Friends Coloring Page
Friendship Bracelet
Additional Books
Once Upon a Friend by Dan Gemeinhart
I Definitely Don't Like Winter by Fiona Barker
My New Friend is so Fun! by Mo Willems
Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry
Stick and Stone are both lonely until Pinecone’s teasing causes one to stick up for the other, and a solid friendship is formed.
