One of the most important skills we can teach our young students is how to make friends. Building friendships not only enhances their social development but also creates a positive and inclusive classroom environment. Using picture books in an interactive read-aloud lesson is a fantastic way to help students learn the art of making friends.
I’m sharing all of these books on video as well! Check out the Picture Books about Making Friends video on my Youtube channel:
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How to Use Picture Books about Making Friends
Why Picture Books? Picture books are a powerful teaching tool for several reasons:
- Engagement: Children are naturally drawn to colorful illustrations and captivating stories. Picture books grab their attention and make the learning experience enjoyable.
- Visualization: Visual elements in picture books help students understand complex concepts like empathy, kindness, and inclusivity by providing concrete examples they can relate to.
- Discussion Starter: The content of picture books often sparks meaningful discussions in the classroom, allowing students to share their thoughts and feelings about friendship.
Choosing the Right Picture Books: Selecting appropriate picture books is crucial to convey the desired message about friendship. Look for books that:
- Feature relatable characters and situations.
- Highlight positive social behaviors such as sharing, listening, and cooperation.
- Address common friendship challenges like conflicts and misunderstandings.
- Promote diversity and inclusivity.
Scroll down for picture book ideas for making friends!
Making Friends Interactive Read Aloud Lesson
Now, let’s delve into the steps for an interactive read-aloud lesson to teach students how to make friends.
- Preparation: Before the lesson, read the selected picture book carefully and identify key themes and discussion points related to friendship.
- Introduction: Begin by discussing the importance of friendship with your students. Share the title and cover of the book and ask them what they think the story might be about. Encourage them to share their thoughts and experiences with friends.
- Reading Aloud: As you read the book, use expressive voices and engage students by asking open-ended questions like:
- “How do you think the character is feeling right now?”
- “What would you do in this situation?”
- “Have you ever experienced something similar?”
- Discussion: After reading, facilitate a group discussion to explore the book’s themes and relate them to real-life situations. Encourage students to share their thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences related to friendship.
- Activities: To reinforce the lesson, engage students in interactive activities such as role-playing scenarios, creating friendship posters, or writing friendship-themed stories or poems.
- Reflection: Conclude the lesson by asking students to reflect on what they’ve learned about making friends. Encourage them to set personal goals for building positive relationships in the classroom.
Picture Books about Making Friends
The Someone New by Jill Twiss
Words to Make a Friend by Donna Jo Napoli
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
You Will Be My Friend by Peter Brown
Ways to Make Friends by Jairo Buitrago
Good Rosie! by Kate DiCamillo
Using picture books in an interactive read-aloud lesson is a powerful tool for teaching elementary school students about making friends. These lessons not only promote social and emotional development but also create a positive and inclusive classroom culture.
By selecting the right books and facilitating engaging discussions and activities, we can help our young learners develop the skills they need to build meaningful friendships that will benefit them throughout their lives. Happy reading and happy friend-making!
Interactive Read Alouds Done for You
If you’re ready to add more read alouds into your day, I have the solution for you! The Colorful Apple Book Club brings read aloud lessons and activities such as vocabulary, crafts, writing response and discussion prompts, right to you!
No more wondering if the book you found will work for the reading strategy you wanted. No more flipping through pages of countless books to make sure it’s on your students’ listening level. I’ve done all the work for you! Just hit print and you’ll be totally set for your read aloud lessons.
Each month with your membership, you’ll get 5 read aloud lessons and activities to support your students.
Each lesson includes:
- a teacher guide to help you prep the lesson
- an anchor chart that connects to the book and the lesson
- discussion questions that you can print right on sticky notes!
- vocabulary words to help students understand the story
- written response
- activity sheet to practice the skill of the lesson
- craftivity or game that reinforces the skill
- task cards to guide discussion
Ready to learn more about the Colorful Apple Book Club or sign up? Click HERE! I’d love to walk you through everything you’ll get! I can’t wait to save you time and get these effective lessons in your hands.
Listen on the Podcast
Save this Book List
Be sure to save this pin to your favorite read alouds board on Pinterest! You’ll be able to come back to these books when you are ready to read them aloud with your students.
