Welcoming New Children
To develop empathy and inclusion skills through buddy systems for new children joining the class.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Welcomes new children warmly
- Acts as effective buddy
- Shows empathy for newcomers
- Demonstrates leadership
Materials
- Welcome pack materials
- Buddy badges
- Class tour map
- Welcome song
Instructions
PREPARING THE CLASS: 'A new friend is joining us tomorrow! Remember your first day? How did you feel? What would have helped? Let's make sure our new friend feels welcome!'
ASSIGNING BUDDIES: 'Who would like to be a welcome buddy? Your job is to show them around, sit with them at lunch, include them in play, and help them feel they belong.'
CREATING WELCOME PACKS: Children make welcome packs: a drawing, a map of the classroom, a list of fun things they do, a friendship bracelet. 'These are gifts from us to our new friend!'
REFLECTING ON INCLUSION: 'How is our new friend doing? Are they joining in? Do they look happy? What else could we do to help them feel part of our group?'