Friendship Recipe Lesson Plan What's the Recipe for a Good Friend?
Lesson Plan • 7th Grade • 35 Minutes
Objective
Students will be able to identify five key qualities of a healthy friendship and distinguish between supportive and unsupportive behaviors.
Why This Matters
Understanding healthy friendship qualities empowers students to build positive relationships, navigate social challenges, and foster a supportive environment for themselves and their peers.
Prep Steps
Review the Slide Deck and Discussion Guide.
Print "Recipe for a Friend" Worksheets for all students.
Arrange desks in a circle for the Welcome Circle.
Set up whiteboard/projector for slides.
Instructional Steps
1
Welcome Circle: Qualities of a Friend
5 min
Invite students to sit in a circle. Ask: "When you think about a really good friend, what qualities come to mind? What makes someone a great friend to you?" Allow 2-3 students to share and jot ideas on the board.
2
Introduce "Friendship Ingredients"
5 min
Use the Slide Deck to explain that healthy friendships need specific "ingredients." Introduce Trust, Respect, Empathy, and Support. Briefly define each and ask for quick examples.
3
"Recipe for a Good Friend" Creative Activity
10 min
Distribute the Worksheet. Students create their own "recipe," listing at least five essential qualities and explaining their importance. Encourage creativity and personal reflection.
4
Group Discussion: Red and Green Flags
10 min
Bring the class back together. Share a few ingredients from the activity. Introduce "Red Flags" (warning signs) vs. "Green Flags" (healthy signs). Use the Discussion Guide scenarios to practice identifying each.
5
Closing Circle & Appreciation Moment
5 min
Return to the circle. Ask: "What is one 'ingredient' you learned about today that you want to focus on in your own friendships?" Conclude by sharing appreciation for partners (without naming specific friends in the room).
Required Materials
Friendship Recipe Slide Deck
Recipe for a Friend Worksheet
Red/Green Flag Discussion Guide
Whiteboard / Projector
Friendship Recipe Slides What's the Recipe for a Good Friend?
Understanding the Ingredients of Lasting Friendships
"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."
What Makes a Good Friend?
Think about your best friends. What qualities do they have that you value?
What does a great friend do for you?
Kindness
Loyalty
Listening
Caring
Friendship Ingredients
Just like a delicious recipe, a good friendship needs key "ingredients" !
Trust
Respect
Empathy
Support
Ingredient 1: Trust
What is Trust?
Believing that your friend is honest, reliable, and has your best interests at heart.
"If you trust your friend, you know they won't spread rumors or lie to you."
Ingredient 2: Respect
What is Respect?
Valuing your friend's thoughts, feelings, and boundaries, even if they're different from yours.
"Showing respect means listening to your friend's ideas and not making fun of their beliefs."
Ingredient 3: Empathy
What is Empathy?
Being able to understand and share the feelings of another person. Putting yourself in their shoes.
"If your friend is sad, empathy means trying to understand why they're sad and offering comfort."
Ingredient 4: Support
What is Support?
Being there for your friend, celebrating their successes, and helping them when they are struggling.
"A supportive friend will cheer you on when you try something new and offer help when you need it."
Your Friendship Recipe!
Now it's your turn to create a recipe for a good friend!
What are the most important ingredients for you?
Red Flags & Green Flags
Green Flags
Signs of a healthy, positive, and supportive friendship. They make you feel good!
Red Flags
Warning signs that a friendship might be unhealthy or unsupportive. They make you feel bad!
Scenario 1: One-Sided
"Your friend, Alex, always talks about their own problems and achievements. When you try to share something about your day, they quickly change the subject back to themselves."
Red Flag?
Green Flag?
Scenario 2: The Cheerleader
"You just got a great score on a test you studied really hard for, and your friend, Maya, genuinely congratulates you and asks you to tell them all about it."
Red Flag?
Green Flag?
Scenario 3: Secret Shared
"You told your friend, Sam, a personal secret. Later, you overhear Sam telling another friend your secret."
Red Flag?
Green Flag?
Be a Great Friend!
What is one "ingredient" or "flag" you want to remember today?
How can you use what you learned to be a better friend?
Recipe for a Friend Worksheet My Friendship Recipe
Chef Name: ____________________________________
Date: _______________
Just like your favorite dish, a strong and healthy friendship needs a special recipe! Today, you get to be the lead chef. What are the essential "ingredients"? What are the "steps" for making this friendship work?
My Friendship Ingredients
List at least 5 qualities and a short note on why each is important.
WHY:
WHY:
WHY:
WHY:
WHY:
Cooking Instructions
How do you put these ingredients into action? (e.g., "Mix trust with daily listening...")
1
2
3
Chef's Final Note: Reflection
Why is this recipe important for creating and keeping healthy friendships?
Friendship Flags Discussion Guide Friendship "Flags" Guide
Scenarios for Discussion & Reflection
Green Flags
Healthy, supportive, and positive behaviors that grow the friendship.
Red Flags
Warning signs of unhealthy, unsupportive, or harmful behaviors.
1. The One-Sided Conversation
"Your friend, Alex, always talks about their own problems. When you try to share something about your day, they quickly change the subject back to themselves."
RED FLAG GREEN FLAG
Why? Notes:
2. The Cheerleader
"You just got a great score on a test you studied really hard for, and your friend, Maya, genuinely congratulates you and asks you to tell them all about it."
RED FLAG GREEN FLAG
Why? Notes:
3. The Secret Sharer
"You told Sam a personal secret you asked them not to share. Later, you overhear Sam telling another friend your secret."
RED FLAG GREEN FLAG
Why? Notes:
4. The Listener
"You're feeling really down, and your friend Chloe sits with you, listens carefully without interrupting, and offers comfort."
RED FLAG GREEN FLAG
Why? Notes:
5. The Demanding Friend
"Your friend Ben gets upset if you spend time with other friends and insists you should always choose to hang out with him over anyone else."
RED FLAG GREEN FLAG
Why? Notes:
6. The Trustworthy Confidant
"You confide in Jamie about a mistake you made. Jamie listens without judgment and helps you think through how to fix it, promising to keep it private."
RED FLAG GREEN FLAG
Why? Notes:
Discussion Questions
What should you do if you notice a "Red Flag" in a friendship?
Can a "Red Flag" ever be fixed? How?
Why is it important to also look for "Green Flags" in how you treat others?
