7 Steps to Building Friendships Among Toddlers, Preschoolers and TK

At Little Acorn, more than just a Montessori Toddler Preschool, TK and After School Tutoring Program in Rancho Bernardo, we don’t just teach academics—we teach the art of friendship. Each day is an opportunity to nurture hearts, build lasting connections, and help children develop the social courage to reach out and say, “Will you play with me?”

Here’s how we intentionally create a culture of kindness and friendship for children ages 18 months to 5 years:

1. Start the Day with Heartwarming Songs

We begin every morning with joyful singing—songs about love, gentleness, bravery, and kindness. These melodies create a sense of unity and belonging. As children sing together, their hearts open. The songs remind them (and us!) that every child is welcome, every child is important, and every child is part of our Little Acorn family.

2. Create a Culture of Hugs and Warm Welcomes

Hugs are part of our daily rhythm. Children greet old friends and welcome new ones with open arms. A simple gesture like saying, “I’m so happy you’re here today,” while offering a hug can melt away any morning shyness. It sets the tone for a day filled with warmth and joyful connection.

Not every child knows how to jump into play. That’s why we guide social interactions with creativity and empathy. If a child is standing off to the side, unsure how to join in, a teacher might softly ask, “Would you like to be a child too?” as another child pretends to be a mommy going to the park. With a nod and a smile, a new friendship is formed—woven together in the magic of imaginative play.

4. Encourage the Practice of “Will You Play With Me?”

We teach children to ask, “Will you play with me?”—a small but powerful phrase that builds confidence and kindness. Holding hands, making eye contact, and inviting someone in is one of the sweetest ways to foster social courage and inclusion.

5. Make Room for Everyone’s Ideas

At Little Acorn, play is flexible and inclusive. There are no rigid scripts. If someone wants to be a cat, a chef, or a baby in the game, we help the group adjust the story so that everyone can belong. Children learn to listen, adapt, and collaborate—essential skills for deep and lasting friendships.

6. Observe and Support Outdoor Friendship Building

So much of the friendship magic happens outdoors. As children dig, run, build, and explore, teachers observe with intention. We step in when a quiet child needs a gentle nudge or when a group needs help navigating a challenge. This is more than free play—it’s a living, breathing social classroom.

7. Model Compassion and Inclusion Every Day

We are always watching for opportunities to highlight kind behavior. We point out when a child includes someone new or shares a toy. We narrate moments of empathy so that children see these social choices as valuable and celebrated.

Friendship Is a Skill—Let’s Grow It Together

Friendship is not something that just happens. It’s a skill that, like reading or math, grows best with daily care, guidance, and joyful practice. At Little Acorn Montessori Preschool, and TK in Rancho Bernardo, we are committed to helping each child build a heart full of kindness, curiosity, and love—for themselves, for their friends, and for the beautiful world around them.

Call Now for a TOUR!

Mini Montessori

We now offer a mini Toddler, Preschool, T/K session to help our local moms have some personal time! This Program offers your Toddler, Preschooler, or TK child an opportunity to play, create, explore and more! We offer open ended play time, art activities and a daily Montessori lessons! Parents across Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Carmel Mountain, Del Sur, Poway, Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Penasquitos and neighboring areas value our Mommy’s Helper program because it keeps children active and learning in a fun social environment that keeps their child off their devices.

At Little Acorn we know that activities like puppet shows, art, and creative play are important in developing children’s imagination and this helps make us the best affordable Montessori Toddler, Preschool and TK Program ‘near me’. Little Acorn is a place where children develop strong bodies, bright minds.

Contact Now for a TOUR!

After School Care

Are you looking for after school care? Little Acorn is the perfect place! With great attention to friendship and kindness, playtime is always an opportunity to build compassion, cooperation and friendships! We offer PM half day programs one to five days a week! Let your child come join the fun! With a garden full of fruit trees and herbs for children to pick and eat, and fun grubs and roly-polies to explore, playtime is full of wonder and fun! Giving children the opportunity to connect with nature brings balance to their day! We also add a Montessori Lesson to help sharpen your child’s number and math skills so your child grows into a mighty oak!

Daily Mommy and Me

🧡 Come Learn, Laugh & Bond Together!

Join us for a special Mommy & Me hour where you and your child can:

✔️ Discover how to teach numbers and letter sounds the Montessori way
✔️ Enjoy a puppet or felt board story together
✔️ Explore hands-on Montessori materials
✔️ Learn parenting tips you can use at home
✔️ Spend meaningful time in a loving, joyful space

🗓️ Schedule:

SUMMER HOURS: 10:00 AM – 10:45 PM
SCHOOL YEAR HOURS: 8:45 – 9:30 AM
Mondays and Thursdays
For children 18 months to 4 years old

Homeschool Montessori

Enjoy a Daily Online 30-Minute Montessori Lesson and Circle time!
Give your child the gift of learning in a developmentally appropriate way—right from home. In just 10 minutes a day, we’ll explore sounds, numbers, and so much more—while keeping screen time to a healthy minimum!

With a Master’s Certificate, Waldorf Certificate, and Montessori Certificate, I bring years of expertise and a passion for making learning joyful. I’ve created a fun, interactive teaching style filled with body movement, imagination, and play—so your child will be excited for every lesson!