Early Atlas

Activity

Find-a-Friend Partner Play

Children pair up to share a cooperative task, practicing how to join, talk with, and stay engaged with a peer.

Ages 36–60 months

Inspired by Play-based learning Reggio Emilia friendship peer-interaction cooperation joining-play

Supports this milestone

  • engages in and maintains positive interactions and relationships with other children. — Head Start ELOF

Explore milestones →

Materials

  • One shared activity per pair (a puzzle, building blocks, or a simple matching game)
  • Optional picture cards showing ways to join play

Steps

  • Talk briefly about friendly ways to start playing together, such as "Can I play?" or "Let's build a tower."
  • Help each child find their partner and settle at a shared task.
  • Coach an opening line if a child is unsure how to begin with their partner.
  • Stay nearby and notice when partners take turns talking and add to each other's ideas.
  • Gather the group and let pairs share one thing they did together.

Variations

  • Rotate partners weekly so children build comfort with several peers.
  • Use a cooperative task that only works with two, such as carrying a tray together.

Differentiation

  • Offer entry-phrase picture cards and a smaller, quieter space for children who find peers overwhelming.
  • For confident pairs, add a goal that requires planning and negotiating roles.

Accessibility

  • Allow AAC, gestures, or pictures for joining and conversation, and honor a child's pace.

Safety

  • Supervise sharing of small pieces and keep the mood low-pressure so no child is forced to interact.

Practices these skills

Evidence

Early Atlas