Friendship Growth Lesson Plan Friendship Growth Plan
Promoting friendship to prevent bullying
30 Minutes
Objective
Promote friendship and trust to build a supportive, bully-free classroom culture.
Audience
2nd Grade Students (Ages 7-8)
Materials
Post-it notes
Markers
Friendship Chat Cards
Building the Wall Guide
The Big "Why"
Strong friendships and trust are the strongest defenses against bullying. When students feel connected and supported, they are more likely to stand up for one another and less likely to engage in harmful behaviors. This lesson builds the emotional infrastructure for a safe learning environment.
1
Introduction: What is a Friend?
5 MINS
Open with a hook: "If friendship was a superpower, what would it look like?"
Lead a brief discussion on the definition of friendship.
Discussion Prompt: "Can you think of a time a friend helped you feel better?"
2
Team-Building: The Friendship Wall
15 MINS
Divide students into small "Friendship Teams" (3-4 students).
Hand out Post-it notes and markers to each group.
The Challenge: Brainstorm specific ways to be a "bully-proof" friend (sharing, listening, checking in).Have students stick their ideas on the classroom "Friendship Wall."
3
Reflective Discussion
5 MINS
Use the Friendship Chat Cards to guide a wrap-up conversation.
Focus on the link between trust and safety: "When we trust our friends, we feel safe being ourselves."
Encourage active listening—students should reflect on what their peers shared.
4
Closure: The Friendship Pledge
5 MINS
Summarize the lesson's "Golden Rule": Friends look out for one another.
Distribute the Kindness Pledge Cards for students to sign or decorate.
Remind students that the Friendship Wall stays up as a reminder of their commitment.
Friendship Chat Cards Discussion Friendship Chat Cards
Discussion prompts to build a bully-proof classroom
Teacher Note: These questions are designed to help students think critically about the power of friendship. Use them during the reflective discussion or give them to small groups to discuss together.
Question #1
What does being a good friend mean to you?
Think about qualities like kindness, support, and trust. What is one specific thing a friend did this week that made you smile?
Question #2
How can friends help each other when someone is being bullied?
Discuss the importance of standing up for each other and seeking help from adults. How does it feel to know your friends have your back?
Question #3
Why is trust important in a friendship?
Explore how trust builds strong relationships and prevents misunderstandings. What happens when we can't trust the people around us?
Trust
Support
Voice
Friendship Wall Activity Instructions Building the Friendship Wall
Team-Building Activity Guide
Group Activity
Name: ____________________
How to Play
!
Work with your team to think of super ways to be a good friend . These are the bricks that build our safe and happy classroom wall!
1. Form Teams
2. Brainstorm
3. Post-it Up!
Team Brainstorm Area
What does a good friend do? Think about sharing, listening, helping, and being kind . Write 3 big ideas here before putting them on your Post-its:
The Bully-Proof Trick
Friends who trust each other are like a shield. When you see someone being unkind, what can a friend do to help? Add one "Shield Action" to the wall!
Final Step
Once your Post-its are ready, stick them to the Friendship Wall in the classroom!
Kindness Pledge Cards Handout Kindness Pledge Cards
Cut these out for students to sign and keep!
Our Class Promise
I promise to be a friend who is kind, honest, and helpful.
"I will stand up for others and help make our classroom a safe place for everyone."
Signed:
Our Class Promise
I promise to be a friend who is kind, honest, and helpful.
"I will stand up for others and help make our classroom a safe place for everyone."
Signed:
Our Class Promise
I promise to be a friend who is kind, honest, and helpful.
"I will stand up for others and help make our classroom a safe place for everyone."
Signed:
Our Class Promise
I promise to be a friend who is kind, honest, and helpful.
"I will stand up for others and help make our classroom a safe place for everyone."
Signed:
Cut along the lines and distribute to students
