Q&A for How to Make Friends at a New School

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How do you help a socially awkward child?

Ashley Pritchard, MA
School Counselor
Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine.

Ashley Pritchard, MA

School Counselor

Expert Answer

Some schools have a peer leader program, where other students may help the child get to classes or introduce you to other people. Also, talk to teachers or the school counselor to help connect the child with other students.

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Question

I was going to start a conversation, but I got nervous, and didn't know what to say. What are some good conversation starters?

wikiHow Staff Editor
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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Ask some open-ended questions! These are questions that require a long response, and not just a “yes” or “no” answer. You might ask something like, “What did you do over the weekend?” or “What’s your favorite class?”

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Question

I’m going to a new school next year in 6th grade, and I’m nervous. I have only known my friends that I have now since kindergarten, back when I was not shy. What should I do?

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It’s okay to be nervous! Focus on putting yourself out there, little by little. This can be something as simple as complimenting someone on their shirt, or asking if you can sit with someone at lunch. Joining clubs and sports teams is another great way to meet new people.

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Question

I’ve just started a new school and we’re doing Zoom classes. How can I make friends during the pandemic and being quarantined?

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Try reaching out another classmate you want to know and ask if there are any social media groups for the class. That way, you can connect with everyone in class and socialize with them.

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I am going to a new school, but because of the lockdown, it's going to be an online school. How can I make friends and present myself in a good way if I can only interact through a screen?

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Read through any school newsletters to see if any clubs or social groups are hosting events online. That way, you can make some friends that have similar interests as you.

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Question

This was helpful, but I still need help starting a conversation when I'm really shy.

Community Answer

Try sitting a couple of seats away from someone who looks nice, but not so close that it looks like you're crashing a group of friends. Smile at them and see if they start a conversation.

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Question

What are some things you could do by yourself at lunch playtime by yourself?

Ruby

Top Answerer

It depends on your school rules. You can go to the school library, take part in clubs, become a prefect, or go on a walk (if you are allowed out of your school). If you are restricted to your school playground, you can read a book, go on your phone, draw (you can use chalk to draw on the ground), pick up litter, play with toys on your own (e.g. skipping ropes, a tennis racket and ball), you can practice individual sports, such as gymnastics, make art from the natural resources of the playground, or count things, such as birds, bikes or people wearing hats.

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Question

Would one friend be enough?

Ruby

Top Answerer

One friend is usually better than none, but you don't want to rely on just one person. Even best friends need some time apart and spend time with other friends.

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