The “Friendship Bench” serves as a simple yet effective tool to ensure that kids can feel included during playground activities. As parents, it’s heartbreaking to think of our children feeling isolated and overlooked among their peers. Navigating the complex social dynamics of elementary school can be tough even for the most outgoing kids, and misunderstandings can easily lead to hurt feelings. This is why the introduction of a “Friendship Bench” at one school is such a fantastic initiative for recess. Every school should consider implementing one.
Willowgrove School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, has seen positive changes since introducing the “Friendship Bench.” This inviting green bench in their playground is designated for any child who needs a buddy to play with during recess. Seven-year-old Alex Thompson shared with CBC News how the bench works: “If you can’t find your best friends and don’t know where to go, you sit on the friendship bench, and someone will come and find you.” When a child sits on the bench, it sends a silent message that they want to be included. Alex noted that he had used the bench and was quickly invited to join others in play.
One little girl expressed, “It’s easier to find friends when you’re feeling lonely at recess.” Another student pointed out, “Before we had these benches, I often saw kids wandering alone. Now I see many more kids playing together.”
It’s important to recognize that children often don’t intentionally exclude others. Just like adults, they can get distracted and may not notice when someone is feeling left out. Shy or introverted kids can easily blend into the background if they don’t muster the courage to ask to join in. That’s where the brilliance of the bench comes in. It raises awareness of those who need companionship without requiring them to verbally express it. This is a wonderful solution for a shy child seeking a playmate.
Admitting to loneliness and the need for friendship can be challenging for anyone, especially children. This bench provides them with a voice without any words needed. Kids typically have big hearts and are eager to help when they see someone in need. In an era where anti-bullying initiatives are prevalent, children are more than willing to include their peers who feel left out, but they may not always recognize when someone needs support.
As parents, it can be tough to send our kids off into the world without our guidance, hoping they’ll find friends to play with. While it’s easier to arrange playdates when they’re younger, we can’t always manage their social interactions as they grow older. The anxiety of imagining our child being left out is something no parent wants to face. Knowing that there are avenues for kids to feel included when we’re not around is a great comfort for many parents.
Implementing a Friendship Bench is a straightforward yet impactful way for schools to foster a culture of inclusion and kindness. We hope other schools will take inspiration from this initiative and consider introducing their own benches.
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Summary:
The Friendship Bench initiative at Willowgrove School is making a significant impact on students’ social interactions by providing a space where children can signal their need for companionship during recess. This simple yet effective solution encourages inclusivity, ensuring that no child feels left out while promoting kindness among peers.