The start of the academic year is a great time for making new friends at school. Even if we have been at the same school for years, it can be fun to meet new people! If you have moved schools, it can be a bit scary to be with a bunch of strangers. Sometimes, it’s easy to make friends. For those who find it a little bit trickier, we have come up with 5 tips to help you make some great new pals!
1. Body Language
It is believed that as much as 55% of what we say is actually in our body language! Smiling is an obvious one, but something as simple and understated as holding our heads up when we walk has been proven to attract people. Making eye contact and saying hi or giving a wave to people we have met will strengthen even a fledgling relationship.
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2. Get Involved
Try joining a school club or team. Groups often meet at lunch times, and some have after school practises. It will help you meet people you might not instinctively interact with. As an added bonus, you could end up learning a new skill or sport!
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3. Ask Questions
An easy way to start a conversation is to ask a question. The content doesn’t really matter, it could be anything at all! From “Did you understand what the teacher just said?!” to “Where did you get that gorgeous bag?” Adding in a sneaky little compliment (see what I did there?) is a subtle way to make people feel happy. As a result, they are more likely to respond well.
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4. Speak to people who are on their own
It is often scary to talk to a whole group of new people. So why not start with just one person. They will also be more likely to want to chat if they are on their own. Use the question approach to start a conversation or maybe offer to help them if they are struggling with something.
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5. Be Kind, Be Kind, Be Kind
Sometimes we make jokes as a way to make new friends. This is a fun approach as long as we remember not to make jokes at someone’s expense. If you see someone looking a bit sad one day, why not come up with a reason for them to smile – show them a pretty picture, give them a compliment or even just a REALLY big smile as you pass them. Help people where you can and treat everyone around you with respect.
It may take some time. You may also find that some people you just don’t click with. That is all part of the great adventure that is friendship! Just keep going 😊
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Why WiseUp
WiseUp Team Building activity days are a brilliant way for new people to join in as part of a team. Our activities are designed to need all team members to contribute. We love breaking down barriers and getting students out of their comfort zones, all while having a great day. Why not have a look at some of our activities to see how we can help integrate your learners.
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