← Social Stories
Madjan’s World Part 3 of 6

Making Friends at School

✦ Written and illustrated by Nzi Ahouzan

A story about small hellos, safe play,
joining in and trying again.

Mamadou, Anya, Ben and friends with their teacher in the school garden
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Personalise

This story can be about me.

I am learning friendly choices that can help me connect with people.

I do not have to make a friend all at once.

What friendship means

Friends grow from friendly choices.

A friend is someone I can be kind and safe with.

A friend may like some things I like.

Kind words Safe space Taking turns Listening Sharing Trying again

Friendship can grow slowly, one small moment at a time.

Starting small

A small hello can be enough.

Anya waving hello to Mamadou and Ben in the classroom

I can smile.

I can wave.

I can say hello.

I can just be near someone quietly.

Small friendly choices count.

Shared interests

I can notice what we both like.

Mamadou, Anya, Ben and friends drawing together at a round table

Mamadou likes drawing.

Ben likes stories and games.

Anya likes making things.

A shared interest can help people start.

Joining in

I can ask to join.

Can I play? Can I sit here? Can I watch first? Can I have a turn?

I can use words, a card, a gesture or ask a grown-up to help me.

Asking is a friendly choice.

Waiting for an answer

The answer might be yes, later or not now.

YesI can join and keep safe.
LaterI can wait, watch or choose something else.
Not nowI can breathe and try another friendly choice.

A “not now” answer can feel hard. It does not mean I did something wrong.

When it feels hard

If it is not now, I can still be okay.

A teacher kneeling beside Mamadou on a bench, showing him calm choice cards

I might feel sad, cross or wobbly.

All feelings are okay.

I can take three breaths.

I can draw, ask for help or choose another activity.

I can try again another time.

Talking and listening

Friends take turns.

My turnI can share one thing.
Your turnI can listen and wait.
QuestionI can ask, “What do you like?”
AnswerI can answer in my own way.

Taking turns with words can help friendship feel fair.

Safe space

My body can be friendly and safe.

Handscan draw, wave, clap, help and ask.
Feetcan walk, stop, wait and give space.
Voicecan be gentle, quiet or clear.

Some people like more space. Some people like less space.

I can look, listen and ask.

Trying again

If something goes wrong, I can repair.

A repair might be saying sorry, giving space, returning something, or trying a safer choice.

A mistake is not the end of a friendship.

Who can help

A grown-up can help friendship feel easier.

›Help me find a calm place.
›Help me ask to join.
›Help me understand “not now.”
›Help me repair and try again.

I do not have to work out friendship all by myself.

Friendship grows

Little by little, familiar faces can become known.

All the children drawing a big picture together around a round table with their teacher

I may see the same children again.

I can practise one friendly choice.

Some people may become classmates I know.

Friendships can grow one kind moment at a time.

Notes for grown-ups

Reading this story · Making Friends at School

Use calm timing

Read this when the child is regulated. Practise friendship scripts before they are needed.

Practise one skill

Choose one target at a time: waving, asking to join, waiting, sharing, or repairing.

Keep it low-pressure

Do not force eye contact, hugging or immediate play. Small connection attempts count.

Make “not now” safe

Role-play yes, later and not now, then practise a calm next choice.

Personalise it

Add real names, familiar play spaces, clubs, lunchtime routines and trusted adults.

Parent support

More free SEND Parents Haven resources: sendparentshaven.org/free-resources