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Relationship Skills
Ages 5 to 6Social / Engagement
Listening, disagreeing well, and repairing what breaks.
Let’s Experience It
Lobsang and his friend both want the same toy. Lobsang feels like grabbing it. But he stops. He uses his words instead. He says, “I want to play with that.” His friend says, “Me too.” They decide to take turns. First one plays, then the other. They both feel happy.
What’s Happening?
Lobsang is using relationship skills. These help us get along with others. They help us solve problems. They help us make and keep friends.
Using words is very important. When we are mad, we want to hit or grab. But words work better. Words tell others what we need. Words do not hurt. We can say, “I feel mad when you take my toy.” This is much better than hitting.
Simple conflict resolution helps us fix problems. First, we use our words. We tell how we feel. We listen to the other person. Then we find a solution. Sometimes we say sorry. Saying sorry helps fix hurt feelings.
Taking turns and sharing are big skills. We cannot always have what we want right now. Sharing shows we care about others. Taking turns is fair. Everyone gets a chance. This makes playing together fun.
Making friends takes practice. We smile at people. We ask to play. We share our toys. We are kind. These things help us make friends. Keeping friends takes work too. We listen to them. We help them. We play fair.
Why It Matters
Relationship skills help us have friends. Friends make life fun. They help us when we are sad. They play with us.
When we solve problems with words, no one gets hurt. Everyone feels respected. We can keep playing together.
Try It Yourself
Word Practice:
Think of a time you felt mad at a friend.
What words could you say?
Practice saying, “I feel mad when…”
Practice saying, “Can we take turns?”
Practice saying, “I am sorry.”
Remember
Use words, not hands. Talk about problems.
Take turns and share.
Say sorry when you hurt someone. This is how we make and keep friends.
Check yourself
13 questions on this topic. Nothing is saved and nothing is
sent anywhere.
These were written for the next age band up — the curriculum has no set
of its own for this age.
You and your friend both want to play with the same toy. What can you do?
Using words to solve problems is a great skill! Asking about turns or playing together are both good solutions. This is conflict resolution - finding answers when people want different things. Friends can work things out by talking!
You accidentally knocked down your friend's block tower. They're upset. What should you do?
Saying sorry when you make a mistake and offering to help fix it is being responsible and kind. This is making amends - trying to make things better after something goes wrong. True friends say sorry and help make it right!
Your friend is telling you about their weekend. What shows you're listening?
Looking at someone, nodding, and asking questions shows you care about what they're saying! This is called active listening - really paying attention to your friend. When we listen well, our friendships grow stronger and friends feel valued!
You want to join a game your classmates are playing. What should you do?
Asking to join politely and waiting for an answer shows respect! This is communication - letting people know what you want in a friendly way. Most of the time, friends will say yes! And asking is always better than just grabbing or not trying at all.
Your friend is talking about their dog. How do you show you're listening?
Looking at your friend, nodding, and asking questions shows you care about what they're saying! This is active listening - really paying attention. When we listen well, friends feel valued and friendships grow stronger!
You and your friend both want to use the red crayon. What can you do?
Taking turns is a great way to solve problems! Both people get to use the crayon, just not at the same time. This is compromise - finding a solution where everyone gets something. Friends work things out together!
You accidentally stepped on your friend's drawing. What should you do?
Saying sorry and offering to help fix it shows you take responsibility and care about your friend's feelings. Even when accidents happen, apologizing matters. This repairs the relationship and helps your friend feel better!
Your friend apologized for bumping into you. What can you say?
Accepting an apology kindly shows forgiveness! When someone says sorry, saying 'that's okay' lets them know you understand it wasn't on purpose. Forgiving helps both of you feel better and keeps your friendship strong!
In Tibet, people often greet each other by putting their palms together. Why is greeting important?
In Tibet and everywhere, greeting people shows respect! It says 'I see you and you matter.' Whether you wave, say hi, or put your palms together, greetings help people feel welcome and start conversations kindly!
You want to play a different game than your friend. What can you say?
Suggesting 'your game now and mine after' is a great solution! Both people get what they want. This is negotiation - finding a way to make everyone happy. Good friends care about each other's wishes!
You see two friends arguing. What might help?
Sometimes friends need help solving problems. Offering to help or getting a grown-up can stop the argument from getting worse. This is being a peacemaker - helping others work things out. You can make a difference!
What's a good way to make a new friend?
Making friends starts with simple steps! Saying hi, learning their name, and inviting them to play shows you're friendly and interested in them. Friendships grow from these small, kind actions. Anyone can make the first move!
Your friend keeps talking and you need to tell them something important. What do you do?
Waiting for a pause and saying 'excuse me' is polite! It shows you respect what they're saying but also have something important to share. Good communication means listening AND speaking respectfully!
Relationship Skills at other ages
The same topic, written for older and younger children. Worth a look when
you are judging how far to take it.