How to Use the Friends and Family Board in Sophie’s Classroom

The Friends and Family Board builds community and connection, and links the home family with the School Family. In early childhood centers, it also provides a valuable way for young children to feel the presence of family members they may be missing during the school day.

Take pictures of children and their families during home visits, open house or the first day of school, or ask students to bring in a family photo. Put these images on a bulletin board titled “Friends and Family Board.” Add pictures of staff the children will come in contact with. Update the images as needed.

Creating the School Family provides extensive background information and activities for your Friends and Family Board. In Shubert’s New Friend, Shubert takes a photo of his new classmate to include on the Friends and Family Board.

Many songs support the Friends and Family Board, including “I Like to Be with You” on Songs for I Love You Rituals Volume 2, “All Together,” “Friendship Chant,” People to People” and “My School Family” on It Starts in the Heart, “In Every One of Us,” “Love is a Circle” and “We All Count” on Kindness Counts; and “You are Heart,” “Friends Connect” and “Team of Two” on Brain Boogie Boosters.