Peer Relationships

 

Peer relationships are an imperative aspect of child growth and development. It provides children with a unique context to learn, experiment, accept challenges, and take on new experiences, all while building and strengthening their social-emotional behaviour. Strong and positive peer relationships can allow students more opportunities for self-awareness, self-esteem, and decision-making. It is needless to say that negative peer relationships can result in troubling outcomes for a child, influencing negative decision-making patterns. Social acceptance is a very strong stigma in schools. From a very young age, children quickly grasp the idea of individualism and groups, often connotating it as either good or bad. For example, from my professional work experience, I've realized that students often associate being alone as a bad thing, not having friends, or something is wrong with them. Whereas if a child is associated with a group of individuals, they are seen as cool or accepted. 

How to Promote Positive Peer Relationships in the Classroom:

• Focus on changing the disposition of the class (switching up groups and/or seating arrangements constantly)
• Encourage student voice and participation
• Teach social and life skills (boundaries and consent)
• Incorporate real-world examples which students can relate to
• Allow student exploration, exploration, fluidity 
• Create and foster a positive learning environment

 This video excellently breaks down key themes and concepts of positive peer relationships: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kleVviMrKA

 

Manpreet@NU