Read the following scenarios and think about what steps you might take to help each child develop friendships.

1. Mia, eight years old, is new to your program. You have noticed that Mia is very quiet and likes to observe peers before participating in new activities. Mia’s dad shared with you that her grandmother taught her to crochet and she recently made her own scarf.

    

2. Darrin, aged ten, has a domineering personality and doesn’t have many friends. During gross- motor time, he grabs basketballs from the other kids and runs down the court away from them. He also pushes and elbows other children when it is time to line up.

    

3. Renita is an eleven-year-old in your program. Her close friend, Tanya, just moved to a different state. You have noticed that Renita has been sitting by herself and not interacting with her peers. Her mom shared with you that Renita says she doesn’t have any friends in the program now that Tanya has moved.