We are the World Blogfest

#WATWB -How ‘Buddy Benches’ are making playtime less lonely

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Welcome to this month’s edition of #WATWB – We are the World Blogfest, where we share good things that are going on around the world on the last Friday of every month.

I came across this wonderful idea – Buddy Bench, which was designed to bring children together at recess time, particular for children who’ve yet to make new friends. If children feel alone, they can go sit on the Buddy Bench and other children are encouraged to check the bench and go befriend someone new so they don’t feel alone. How cool is this???? Read more below and visit the page link below to learn more about this wonderful venture that began in Germany and is spreading across North America.

 

 

With the buddy bench, every kid has a friend at recess

 

Recess is fun, but only if you have someone to play with.

Anyone who attended elementary school probably remembers scanning the playground to find a friend. That sometimes anxious moment is a little easier at A. Lorne Cassidy school in Stittsville, where a “buddy bench” has been installed near the play structures.

“It’s for if you don’t have anyone to play with,” explained Ava Thorsell, a Grade 1 student, during recess at the school. “Or maybe just take a rest,” she added. . . Please continue reading

 

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/with-the-buddy-bench-every-kid-has-a-friend-at-recess

 

Source: How ‘Buddy Benches’ are making playtime less lonely – BBC News

 

If you’d like to participate in sharing something good for #WATWB, please click on this LINK to add your post.

 

Your hosts for this month’s #WATWB are:  Sylvia McGrath, Susan Scott, Shilpa Garg, Eric Lahti, and myself, Belinda Witzenhausen.

 

©DGKaye

 

39 thoughts on “#WATWB -How ‘Buddy Benches’ are making playtime less lonely”

  1. I love hearing positive stories, Debby, and especially about positive things happening in schools. This idea is spreading around the world. There are buddy benches at the school my grandchildren attend. I agree with a principal who was interviewed in the article. It is important that the benches are introduced in a positive way that discourages bullying and making others feel left out. I proactively taught friendship skills in my classroom and did all I could to ensure that children had a friend to play with at playtime. A buddy bench would have come in handy if any of them had become ‘lost’.

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    1. Hi Norah. So funny, when I found this article, I thought of you, thinking this would be a great tool for your curriculum. I’m pleased to hear the concept has already reached your country! And of course you did the best thing by introducing the bench with explanation so as not to inspire bullying. You do so much for children Norah. You’re an inspiration. 🙂 x

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  4. Oh, Debby, I’d be all over this idea if I were still teaching. If you knew me, I’d be in the principal’s office today asking when /where I could install the bench. There are always kids who feel left out at school. Some lack the social skills to ask someone to play. Great and simple idea!

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  5. Great idea, our granddaughter has a bench in her playground.. She told me its not just to sit on, its to make new friends.. 😀

    Many thanks for sharing.. Have a great weekend Debby, I will be away from Monday, on another get away break and the weather here has just turned Sunny.. Yippeee.. See you when I get back..
    MUCH love dear friend.. ❤

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    1. How wonderful Sue that your grandchild has a bench in her playground. How sweet that she knows it’s to make new friends! Glad to hear your sun came back. Drink it in Sue and enjoy your next break. Love and light and hugs to you my friend. ❤ xxxx

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  7. Thanks Debby this was a great article to read, which answered all the questions I felt forming as I was reading. I can only hope that it spreads good will and help towards children socializing in the best way possible. Great also that public benches in cities are being installed ..

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    1. Thanks Sal. You sure do know, and those benches would have been a comfort to you for sure as a means to meet new kids. I am glad to hear these are spreading around North America and Europe – slowly but surely. ❤ xx

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  13. Eating alone, without friends can be so daunting for kids. Buddy benches is such a cool idea. A great way to foster friendship and especially for the kids who are new to the school or are shy!!

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  14. What a fantastic idea! Sometimes other children at play wouldn’t notice a child alone or standing off to the side, these are brilliant. Thanks so much for sharing this and for being a part of #WATWB.

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  15. Hi Debby – what a brilliant idea – they should do one for wallflowers … well dances had those (me!) back in the day.

    I think this is great it encourages the kids to mix and match … and make decisions re various ideas to play … absolutely the right kind of bench to have … loved seeing it – cheers Hilary

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    1. Thanks Hilary. It is fantastic. But had to laugh at your ‘wallflower’, hey, I know wallflower very well! Yes, a great invention to open up the lines of communication. 🙂 x

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  16. I’d never heard of these. What a lovely idea. I agree with Norah (and others) that it’s important to be introduced in a positive way to discourage bullying of those who use the bench. Love that these have spread! 🙂

    Fingers crossed, yet again, this comment (without a link!) makes it to you.

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  19. I heard or read about this before somewhere. What a fantastic concept. Maybe they should have some of these for (lonely) adults as well in parks all over the world. 🙂

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