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Can I Play Too?

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Lesson Plan

Can I Play Too?

Students will be able to ask a peer to play by using a verbal phrase like "play?" or by offering a toy to a classmate.

Learning how to ask to play helps children build friendships, develop social skills, and feel more confident in group settings. These are crucial early social-emotional skills.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Through modeling, video, and practice, students will learn and try out ways to join peer play.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pen, Let's Play Together! Slide Deck, How to Ask a Friend to Play Video, Friendship Bracelets Craft, Various toys for free play (blocks, dolls, cars, etc.), Construction paper, Yarn or pipe cleaners, and Beads (optional)

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Observe Play (3 minutes)

3 minutes

  • Teacher: "Let's watch some of our friends playing! What do you notice?"
    - Have students briefly observe classmates engaging in free play or show a short video clip of children playing quietly.
    - Ask students to share what they see (e.g., sharing, talking, building).

Step 2

Introduce 'Can I Play?' (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Teacher: "Sometimes we want to play with friends, but we're not sure how to ask. Today, we're going to learn how to ask a friend to play!"
    - Show the Let's Play Together! Slide Deck on the projector.
    - Go through slides 1-3, focusing on why asking to play is important and introducing simple phrases like "Play?" or "Can I play too?"
    - Show the How to Ask a Friend to Play Video.
    - Discuss the video with students, reinforcing the simple phrases and actions shown.

Step 3

Model Joining In (4 minutes)

4 minutes

  • Teacher: "I'm going to show you how to ask to play."
    - Model with a student or a puppet: approach a child who is playing, observe briefly, make eye contact, and then say, "Play?" or "Can I play too?" while offering a toy.
    - Ask students for other ideas on how to join in nicely.

Step 4

Practice Joining Play (3 minutes)

3 minutes

  • Teacher: "Now it's your turn to practice!"
    - Divide students into small groups or pairs.
    - Encourage them to practice asking a peer to play, using the phrases and actions discussed.
    - Provide gentle guidance and positive reinforcement.
    - Conclude by transitioning to the Friendship Bracelets Craft as a way to celebrate new friendships.
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Slide Deck

Let's Play Together!

What do you like to play with your friends?

Greet students and introduce the topic of playing with friends. Ask them what they like to play.

Want to Play?

Sometimes we want to play with friends, but we don't know how to ask.

Explain that sometimes it's hard to join games, but we'll learn how to make it easier. Introduce the idea of asking politely.

How to Ask Nicely

  1. Look at your friend.
    2. Use a friendly voice.
    3. Say: "Play?" or "Can I play too?"
    4. You can also offer a toy to share!

Introduce simple phrases like "Play?" or "Can I play too?" Emphasize a friendly voice and looking at the friend.

Let's See!

Look at these friends playing together. How do you think the new friend asked to join?

Show a visual example of a child asking to play. You can demonstrate this briefly.

Remember How to Ask!

When you want to play, remember to:
- Look at your friend.
- Use kind words like "Play?"
- Offer to share a toy.
- Make new friends!

Recap the main ways to ask to play. Encourage students to try these out during playtime.

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Activity

How to Ask a Friend to Play Video

Teacher Instructions:

Find a short (1-2 minute) age-appropriate video that demonstrates children successfully asking to join a group or asking another child to play. The video should ideally show:

  • A child observing others playing.
  • The child approaching the group/friend.
  • The child making eye contact.
  • The child using a simple verbal phrase like "Play?" or "Can I play too?"
  • The child offering a toy or inviting participation.
  • The positive response from the other children.

Discussion Prompts After Video:

  • What did you see the child do to ask to play?


  • What words did they use?


  • How did the other children react?


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Activity

Friendship Bracelets Craft

Objective: To create a tangible reminder of friendship and practicing asking to play.

Materials:

  • Pre-cut strips of construction paper (various colors)
  • Yarn or pipe cleaners
  • Beads (optional, larger ones for easier handling by Kindergarteners)
  • Scissors (for teacher use)

Instructions:

  1. Teacher Introduction: "We just learned how to ask our friends to play. Now, let's make something special to remember how important our friends are! We are going to make friendship bracelets."

  2. Making Bracelets (Option 1: Paper Chains):

    • Give each student several strips of construction paper.
    • Show them how to make a loop and glue or tape the ends together to form a chain link.
    • Encourage them to connect their links with a partner or small group to make a longer friendship chain. They can wear these as crowns or bracelets.

  3. Making Bracelets (Option 2: Yarn/Pipe Cleaner & Beads):

    • Provide students with a piece of yarn or a pipe cleaner.
    • Let them choose beads to string onto their yarn/pipe cleaner. This helps with fine motor skills.
    • Assist students in tying their bracelets once they are done.

  4. Reflection: As students work, circulate and ask questions like:

    • "What makes a good friend?"


    • "How did you feel when you made a new friend?"


    • "What will you do if you want to play with someone new tomorrow?"


Extension: Have students exchange their finished bracelets with a new friend they made during playtime, or with a friend they practiced asking to play with.

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