Friendship Frog was created by Joni Downey, founder of Characters of Character NFP, Inc., to help children understand, internalize, and portray what it means to be a friend and to have good friendships. Friendship Frog helps children relate to the trait associated with the Character by being a visual (similar to their favorite cartoon character.) They begin to learn about the trait through conversations, activities, books, discussions, and art activities. Once there is an understanding and connection between Friendship Frog and the trait of friendship, children will eventually begin to portray what it means to be a friend. From there it transitions from mimicking the trait they’ve learned about to understanding and internalizing it so that it becomes second nature to being a friend in all settings. As the child grows older, they continue to develop the trait even after Friendship Frog as a visual reinforcement begins to fade out.
One of Miss Joni’s favorite stories comes from a visit to an Early Childhood Center with Friendship Frog. As the classroom teacher introduced Miss Joni, she began to open a discussion with the children what it meant to be a good friend. Talking to the students how friends are honest with one another and all the things that friends do together. Friends can walk, talk, sing, swing, draw, paint, read, laugh, play and so many other things together.
While gathering the students to a ‘friendship circle’ she told the students that Friendship Frog was going to hop by that day to meet all of the students. This one boy was insistent that the teacher, Miss Jaime was going to be in a costume of Friendship Frog and that the character was not real. I think my jaw hit the floor! Believe me, I reassured them that Friendship Frog was very real and would soon be here to meet them. As I turned around, in through the classroom door was Miss Jaime holding Friendship Frogs hand and greeting the students with a gentle high five. This little boys face was priceless when he saw Miss Jaime holding Friendship Frogs hand and that indeed, Friendship Frog is very real!
Meeting Friendship Frog made a huge impact on the students! They skipped recess that morning so that they could write letters and draw pictures for Friendship Frog. Miss Jaime shared them with me. We took a group photo before leaving the classroom and a week later the classroom received an autographed picture of the class and Friendship Frog. What an impact and great visual reminder of what it means to be a friend.
Take Friendship Frog With You Wherever You Go
Click each individual image below to find our Friendship Frog resources on Amazon. Every purchase helps support our mission of providing a firm foundation for children to develop strong civic values and your support is greatly appreciated!
