How do our youngest learners describe friendship? In their own words, it means being kind, helping someone who is hurt, and saying kind and nice things. Friendship Day gave kindergarten and first grade students the opportunity to explore these ideas while learning that being a good friend is just as important as learning to read and write.
Across classrooms, students brought these ideas to life through creative activities. In Ms. Zippilli’s special education class, students worked together to create a friendship heart quilt, with each piece representing care, cooperation, and belonging. In Ms. Del Monte’s first grade classroom, students decorated a friendship tree with heart shaped leaves, each featuring a word chosen by students to describe the qualities of a good friend.
In Ms. Jimenez’s first grade class, students decorated friendship bags and shared small gifts with one another, learning that friendship also means generosity. As she worked, Jaia shared, “I’m making a bag for my sister,” reflecting the joy of giving to others. As the exchange began, students were reminded to say “thank you,” reinforcing gratitude as an essential part of being a good friend.