New Friends at School - Reading Comprehension

New Friends at School is a warm and relatable reading passage that helps young students feel more comfortable about starting school and meeting new classmates. The story follows a student who feels a little nervous on the first day but soon learns that making friends can be simple, and fun. With short sentences and easy-to-understand words, it’s a great choice for early readers in kindergarten through second grade.

How You Can Use It:

• Read it during the first week of school to start a conversation about friendship.

• Use it in small groups to support reading practice and social skills.

• Assign it as independent work or a take-home activity.

• Include it in your literacy centers or for early finishers.

• Pair it with a lesson on kindness, emotions, or class rules.

Why It’s Helpful:

• Helps students connect with real feelings and situations.

• Encourages kindness, sharing, and making new friends.

• Includes five easy comprehension questions to check understanding.

• Uses age-appropriate language for young readers.

• No prep needed, just print and go.

• Supports both reading growth and social-emotional learning.

New Friends at School is a thoughtful and easy way to help your students feel welcome, supported, and ready to learn.

Compare two school experiences with this first-day-of-school reading passage.