Let's Play Together!

Hallie Boviard

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Let's Play Together!

Helping kids with Play initiation

This lesson is designed to help kindergarten students develop the skills needed to initiate play with their peers. Through guided activities and discussions, students will learn how to approach others, suggest play ideas, and join in group activities. This lesson is important as it fosters social skills, confidence, and cooperation among young learners, which are essential for their overall development and success in a school environment.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Materials

Stuffed animals or toys, Printable Play Cards, Discussion Questions, and Storybook about making friends

Step 1

Introduction

3 minutes

Gather students in a circle.
Explain that today they will learn how to start playing with friends.
Ask if anyone has ever wanted to play with someone but didn't know how to ask.

Step 2

Story Time with a Twist

5 minutes

Read a short story about making friends and play initiation.
Discuss with the students how the characters asked others to play.
Encourage students to think about how they can use similar strategies.

Step 3

Role-Playing Activity

5 minutes

Use stuffed animals or toys to demonstrate how to ask someone to play.
Show examples like "Can I play with you?" or "Do you want to play with this toy?"
Encourage students to practice with a partner.

Step 4

Guided Play

5 minutes

Distribute Printable Play Cards with different play scenarios.
In pairs, have students pick a card and act out the scenario.
Walk around to assist and encourage positive interactions.

Step 5

Closure

2 minutes

Gather students back in a circle.
Discuss what they learned about asking others to play.
Encourage them to try these skills during recess or free play time.

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Worksheet

Printable Play Cards

These cards contain different play scenarios to help students practice initiating play with peers.

Let's build a tower with blocks.

Can we play tag?

Do you want to draw together?

Let's pretend we're animals.

Can we play with the dolls?

Discussion

Discussion Questions

Questions to guide a discussion on play initiation and social skills.

Why is it important to ask someone to play?

Discuss how asking to play can make new friends and include others.

What are some ways you can ask someone to play?

Encourage students to share phrases or actions they can use.

How does it feel when someone asks you to play?

Talk about feelings of happiness and inclusion.