How to Make New Friends Pack Small

Description

Support children building confidence and connection with this engaging collection of posters and provocation learning cards focused on making new friends.

Designed for Early Childhood and Primary learners across New Zealand and Australia, this resource helps tamariki navigate starting ECE, beginning big school, or joining a new class with confidence and care.

Through simple, real-life scenarios, children learn how to introduce themselves, join in play, use kind words, include others, and build positive relationships in new environments. These resources support social skills, communication, and emotional confidence—helping children feel safe, welcomed, and ready to connect.

Perfect for transitions, school readiness, and everyday classroom use, this pack encourages inclusive behaviour and supports children to build friendships that grow over time.

• Friendship & social skills
• Confidence & communication
• Inclusion, belonging & transitions

Ways to Use in the Classroom

Starting School / Transition Support

Use the cards to support children entering ECE, big school, or a new classroom environment.

Morning Meetings / Circle Time

Introduce a card and discuss how to make new friends and include others.

Role Play & Social Practice

Act out scenarios like “Can I play?” or “What’s your name?” to build confidence.

Buddy Systems / Tuakana–Teina

Pair children to practise introducing themselves and helping each other feel included.

Small Group Activities

Encourage teamwork, sharing, and communication through guided group play.

Playground Connections

Refer to the cards during playtime to support children joining games and making friends.

Creative Activities

Have children draw or share what making a new friend looks and feels like.

Home–School Connections

Send cards home to support whānau conversations about making friends in new settings.

Simple. Practical. Confidence-building.

Related E-books