Workbook

Different Kinds of Friends is an interactive social-emotional workbook for Kindergarten and 1st Grade classrooms, designed to help children build empathy, kindness, and inclusion through meaningful conversations and hands-on activities.

Through child-friendly lessons, inviting illustrations, and guided discussions, students explore the many ways people learn, communicate, move, and experience the world. Topics include Down syndrome, autism, assistive tools, stimming, big feelings, therapy supports, and other differences children may notice in everyday life.

Throughout the workbook, children are encouraged to ask questions, build understanding, and recognize that every person has unique strengths and needs. Each lesson includes a simple introduction and engaging activity that helps students apply what they've learned in real-life moments of friendship and inclusion.

Already used in multiple elementary classrooms, Different Kinds of Friends has received an overwhelmingly positive response from both students and educators. Teachers have shared how the lessons spark meaningful conversations, increase understanding, and help children build genuine connections with their peers.

A reference section in the back provides additional guidance for navigating sensitive topics and creating opportunities for every child to feel seen, understood, and included.

Different Kinds of Friends is the first workbook in a growing series. Additional editions for Grades 2–3 and Grades 4–6 are currently in development, expanding these important conversations in age-appropriate ways as children grow.