Friendship Foundations Lesson PlanFriendship Foundations Teacher Facilitation Guide 30 Minutes Objective Students will understand and practice practical strategies for managing and maintaining friendships effectively, especially during periods of life change or conflict. Audience 6th Grade Students (Tier 1 Classroom Instruction) Instructional Approach Experiential & Game-Based Learning Restorative Practices Collaborative Learning Materials Needed Discussion Guide Friendship Role-Play Cards Quiz/Exit Ticket Why This Lesson? "This lesson equips students with essential social skills crucial for emotional and social development. By focusing on practical strategies for maintaining friendships during life changes, students gain the tools to navigate the often-turbulent social waters of middle school." Lesson Procedure 5 MIN Introduction Open with a brief discussion on the importance of friendships and how they change (e.g., changing schools, new hobbies). Ask: "What makes a good friend?" "How do you know when a friendship is strong?" 10 MIN Guided Discussion Use the Discussion Guide to explore communication and empathy. Focus on strategies to maintain connections (e.g., the SPE method: Speak, Phone, Email/Engage). 10 MIN Role-Play Activity Divide students into groups of 3-4. Provide each with Role-Play Cards. Students act out scenarios using strategies like active listening and clear communication. Observe and offer restorative feedback during performances. 5 MIN Assessment & Closure Distribute Friendship Quiz as an exit ticket. Recap key points and encourage students to try one "connection strategy" this week.
Friendship Discussion GuideFriendship Discussion Exploring connection, communication, and consistency. "A guided discussion to explore our understanding of friendship management. Remember, middle school is a time of big changes—how we treat our friends during these times matters most." 1 What are some challenges you face in maintaining friendships? Teacher Tip: Encourage students to think about personal experiences and share openly. 2 How can communication help in maintaining friendships? Focus: Discuss the importance of face-to-face interactions and regular check-ins. 3 Why is it important to not be too hard on your friends? Highlight: Natural changes in friendships and the need for understanding/empathy. Remember: Good friendships are built on effort and patience!
Friendship Role Play Cards ActivityRole-Play Challenge Practice managing real-life friendship scenarios. How to Play: Form Groups: 3-4 students per team. Pick a Card: Read the scenario carefully. Plan: Discuss how to handle the situation using the strategies below. Act: Improvise a 2-minute scene showing your solution! Key Strategies: Active Listening Clear Speaking Empathy Flexibility Regular Check-ins Patience Scenario 01 The Misunderstanding A friend misunderstood something you said and now they're acting cold or hurt. They won't look at you in the hallway. Challenge: Explain your perspective while ensuring they feel heard. Scenario 02 Outside Looking In One person in your group feels left out of a new hobby or a text thread. They seem quiet and sad during lunch. Challenge: What steps can you take to include this friend and address their feelings? Scenario 03 Drifting Apart You and your best friend from elementary school notice you have totally different interests now. You don't know what to talk about. Challenge: How can you maintain a connection despite these changes? Scenario 04 The Big Move Your friend moved to a different middle school. You used to see them every day, but now you haven't talked in two weeks. Challenge: Practice a "Check-in" conversation using text or a phone call scenario. Scenario 05 The Competition You and your friend both tried out for the school play. You got a lead role, but they didn't make the cast at all. Challenge: How do you celebrate your win while showing empathy for their loss? Scenario 06 Busy, Busy, Busy You're overwhelmed with soccer and band practice. You keep canceling plans with your friend, and they are starting to feel ignored. Challenge: Practice communicating your schedule while valuing the friendship.
Friendship Quiz Exit TicketExit Ticket Friendship Foundations Check-in Name: Date: What does the acronym SPE stand for in maintaining friendships? See, Phone, Email Speak, Phone, Engage Share, Participate, Enjoy Why is it important to take advantage of big events in friendships? To show off your own achievements To reconnect and celebrate your friend To avoid the awkwardness of a normal day What is a good way to start a conversation with a friend you haven't seen in a while? Talk about yourself and everything you've done Ask about their recent activities and listen Wait for them to speak first so you don't bother them How can you show a friend that you value their friendship? By listening to them and showing empathy By interrupting them to show you're excited By avoiding them when things get difficult Bonus: What is one specific strategy from today you can use in your life this week? Friendship Foundations • Grade 6 • Tier 1 Lesson
