Wesley Prep Buddy Bench Project

The buddy bench is a simple idea to eliminate loneliness and foster friendship on the playground. The Buddy Bench is where someone can sit when they want to play with someone but is too shy to ask someone to play or fears they might be rejected. When someone sits on the bench, then other kids can see that they are feeling that way and know that they want to play with someone.

Why a special bench? Because sometimes, kids just want to play on their own. The specially designated Buddy Bench provides a clear signal that someone wants to play with others. Once a child is asked off the bench to come play, the hope is that they’ll have the confidence to go play with their new friends again the next day.

The Buddy Bench idea started in Germany and schools all around the world have installed Buddy Benches on their playgrounds. The upcoming 4th grade class is working to install a Buddy Bench on the Wesley Prep playground this summer. We hope you like this idea and we appreciate your help on making this happen.

The bench will be installed at the end of summer just in time for the new school year!