Big Heart World Unit 4: Friendship
“I learned that a friend may be waiting behind a stranger’s face.” — Maya Angelou
“Each new friendship can make you a new person, because it opens up new doors inside of you.” — Kate DiCamillo
“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” — Marcel Proust
Why have people been writing about friendship forever? It is really important for all people, kids included. Friendships help children develop important life skills like getting along with others, exchanging ideas, and solving problems together.
Unit 4 of Big Heart World focuses on friendship. Children and their grown-ups will explore these questions:
- What makes a good friend?
- How can I be a good friend?
- How can I make new friends?
Making and maintaining friends means learning some challenging skills like listening, sharing, taking turns, and paying attention to others’ feelings.
As children explore the activities, books, music, and other content from Unit 4, they will start thinking of themselves as good friends! They will feel appreciated and included, and they’ll help others to feel that way, too. Their self-esteem will grow. They will develop an interest in being friends with others who are different from them. They’ll share toys and ideas and appreciate that people with different backgrounds and perspectives have new games to play and new ideas to share!
Research shows that friendships in early childhood are very important — but being a good friend and developing friendships can take a lifetime! It’s never too early to support your child in this area.
Noggin Friend Match
Everyone is different!
Answer seven quick questions to discover your child’s friendship style.
Which Noggin friend type is your child?
Read to Explore Friendship
Friendship makes the world go around! Read together to explore what it is to be a good friend. Answer discussion questions including these to explore the theme:
- What are some ways to be a good friend?
- Can you think of something kind someone did for you today? Something kind YOU did for someone else?
Listen to Explore Friendship
Have you ever made a new friend on Zoom or tried to stay connected to a friend who moved far away? In Episode 4, “What Makes a Good Friend?,” Todd, Ringo, and four insightful children discuss the magic of friendship. They explore how to make new friends and maintain friendships — plus how to be a good friend to others.
Sing and Dance to Explore Friendship
Listen to “A Friend Like You” from Noggin’s Big Heart Beats Album to explore the magic of friendship.
Find an interview with the artists and activities to play to dive into the topic!
Play Together to Learn About Friendship
