*Yong Ting and Lee Yee Ling

Abstract: In early childhood development, one of the important agents that influences children’s development is their peers. Children are equipped with social skills and learn about social norms and processes in a secure and supportive environment through interactions with their peers. The study focuses on three main aspects of peer interaction, including communication, prosocial behaviour and conflict resolution. It aims to explore the capability of the buddy system in children’s peer interactions in a Malaysian inclusive preschool classroom. Using a qualitative research design, the study conducted a buddy system for 8 weeks with designated activities focused on the three dimensions stated earlier. Data collected through naturalistic observations with a checklist, reflective field notes, video and photo documentation were analysed using triangulation. The final analysis shows potential improvement in children’s interaction for all three dimensions, even though the results fluctuated in some. In summary, the study suggests that child-friendly and appropriate social activities could lead them to positive social interactions, while taking into account individual differences and unavoidable factors.

Keywords: Peer interaction, communication skill, prosocial behaviour, conflict resolution, peer buddy system