Asking a Friend to Play: How to Ask Others to Play (Pre-K & K)

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This session teaches asking a friend to play, set in the everyday moment of wanting to join someone during free time. Young learners explore how a person gets a classmate's attention first, then asks nicely to play together. They talk through one way to get a friend's attention, and in a quick story game they hear a situation pause and tell what they could do next. The focus is on joining play in a kind, clear way.

Created by Jess Anderson, Ed.S. Curriculum Lead
Video modeling lesson
Extension activity
Topic
Friendship
Focus
Playing with Others
Grade level
Pre-K & K

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Each video modeling lesson is part of a no-prep session designed by our clinical team, with all the structure, scaffolding, and support you need to teach it.

Engaging materials

  • Video modeling lesson

    Asking a Friend to Play

    Teacher script: We ask someone to play by getting their attention first, then asking nicely if they want to play.

  • Extension activity

    Interactive Worksheet: Practicing Asking a Friend to Play

    Students are given verbal models of ways to ask a friend to play in this interactive activity. When we equip students with the language needed to invite a friend to play, they are more likely to utilize this skill across environments.

Plus everything you need to teach them

  1. Warm-up

    • Video: Lion and Cat Breathing3:12
    • Video: Our Senses Calming Break2:27
    • Video: Yoga Pose Library

  2. Session Opener

    How does a person ask to play?

    • Ask Others to Play
    • Gain Attention

  3. Practice

    • Discussion Question
    • Role-Play Activity
    • Mini Game
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How to use it with your students

  1. 1Watch Play the video modeling lesson so students see the skill in action.
  2. 2Practice Try the skill together with a discussion prompt, role-play, or mini game.
  3. 3Extend Use the extension activity to help students carry the skill further.

Example Session Notes

In this lesson, students learned how to ask a friend to play by getting that friend's attention first and then asking in a friendly way. They practiced moving close to a friend, saying a quick hello, and asking nicely if the friend wanted to play. Students also talked about how it's okay to feel a little nervous when asking someone to play.

Key Terms

Ask Others to Play
Asking a friend to play means getting their attention first, then asking nicely if they want to play with you.
Gain Attention
Gaining attention means putting your body near a friend and saying hi before you talk to them.

Sample IEP Goals This Session Supports

  • Playing with Others

    Learner will engage in play with at least one peer by taking turns, contributing to a shared activity, and staying involved for at least X minutes in 4 out of 5 opportunities independently/given X prompt(s).

  • Asking Others to Play

    Learner will initiate play with at least one peer using an available communication form (e.g., verbal request, AAC, gesture) in 4 out of 5 opportunities independently/given X prompt(s).

  • Being a Good Sport

    Learner will manage feelings of frustration or disappointment during a game by using a self-regulation strategy (e.g., taking a breath, using a self-talk phrase) and continuing to participate in 4 out of 5 opportunities independently/given X prompt(s).

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Keep it going after the session

At home or in the community, try naming the steps out loud when a student wants to join someone, like "First go near them, then say hi, then ask if they want to play."

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Frequently asked questions

Is this session free?

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What ages is this for?

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