Preschool Cliques

It is not unusual for preschool children to form cliques. They tend to pick a few peers that are similar to themselves to be friends with rather than the whole class. Because preschoolers are still learning the concept of friendship it’s important that parents and teachers help them navigate their way through this time.

For new students or particularly shy children, it may be difficult for them to break into existing cliques in the class. Working with your teacher can help break through the boundaries that are formed with cliques and help your child to make friends with their classmates.

Talk to your child’s teacher to find out how your child is behaving around other children. They may be shy or acting out which may cause other children to shy away from them.

Here are a few tactics your child’s teacher might use to help your them develop new friendships:

• Grouping your child with different children during small group activities
• Working with a "buddy" to complete a task (e.g., handing out snack)
• Making suggestions about fun things to do with different children during free play


Here are a few ways you can help:

• Try role playing situations and ways your child can approach other children during school to make them comfortable with the act of making friends.

• Approach a parent of an outgoing child. See if they are open to a play date or other ways your child can be paired up with their child inside and outside of class. This may help your child learn from a peer how to make new friends.


Keep in mind that your child might simply be shy and don’t expect them to develop friendships overnight. Teaching them the skills to make friends overtime will benefit them as they experience cliques throughout their lifetime.