True Friends Lesson Plan Power of True Friends
Lesson Plan • 7th Grade SEL
Duration 30 MIN
Objective
By the end of this lesson, students will identify healthy friendship characteristics, recognize trust-building behaviors, and practice communication skills through group discussions and role-play.
Why This Matters
Developing strong peer relationships fosters social-emotional well-being, enhances cooperation, and builds a positive classroom climate. Understanding trust and effective communication equips students to form and maintain supportive friendships.
Prep & Materials
Friendship Scenarios Handout (1 per pair)
Trust-Building Behaviors Chart (Projected/Printed)
Communication Role-Play Cards (1 set per pair)
Poster paper & markers
Timer or stopwatch
Teacher Prep Time
10 Minutes
Instructional Flow
5 min
Introduction & Icebreaker
Welcome students and state the lesson objective clearly.
Explain why healthy friendships and trust matter for a happy school year.
Icebreaker: Students pair up. Each person takes 1 minute to share one specific quality they value in a friend.Bring the class back together and briefly discuss 3-4 responses.
8 min
Defining Healthy Friendships
Ask: "What makes a good friend?" and record brainstorming ideas on the board.
Introduce the Trust-Building Behaviors Chart . Focus on: Honesty, Reliability, Support, and Respect.
Invite students to share brief, non-personal examples of these behaviors in action.
8 min
Scenario Analysis
Distribute the Friendship Scenarios Handout to pairs.
Pairs read and discuss the scenarios, identifying which trust-building behaviors were broken or are needed.
Call on different pairs to share one scenario and their suggested healthy response.
6 min
Communication Role-Play
Distribute Communication Role-Play Cards .
Model an "I" statement (e.g., "I feel upset when plans are changed because I worked hard to be ready").
Pairs practice for 3 minutes, focusing on active listening, then switch roles or cards for the remaining 3 minutes.
3 min
Reflection & Closing
Hand out the Friendship Reflection Exit Tickets .
Prompt: "Name one thing you learned today and one behavior you'll practice."
Remind students that friendship is a skill that takes practice!
True Friends Slides Power of True Friends
Healthy Friendships & Trust-Building
7th Grade • 30 Minutes
TEACHER NOTES: Welcome students to the lesson. Introduce yourself and state: “Today we’ll explore the power of true friends—what makes friendships healthy and how to build trust.” Briefly overview the 30-minute agenda.
Today's Goals
By the end of today, you will:
Identify healthy friendship traits
Recognize trust-building behaviors
Practice communication skills
Why?
"Healthy friendships boost cooperation, support, and confidence. They make school—and life—better!"
TEACHER NOTES: Read each objective aloud. Emphasize why this matters: strong friendships support emotional well-being and classroom community.
Icebreaker: Quality Check
In pairs, share:
"One quality you value most in a friend."
1
1 Minute: Speak
2
1 Minute: Listen
Be ready to share with the whole class!
TEACHER NOTES: Explain the icebreaker: students pair up with a neighbor and take turns sharing one quality they value in a friend (1 minute each). After 2 minutes, ask 2–3 pairs to share.
What Makes a Good Friend?
Brainstorm qualities now
I'll record your ideas on the board
Think beyond just "being nice"
Example Qualities:
Trustworthy Loyal Funny Kind Good Listener
TEACHER NOTES: Ask the class: “What makes a good friend?” Record responses on the board. Encourage a range of ideas.
Key Trust-Building Behaviors
Honesty
Being truthful even when it's hard.
Reliability
Following through on promises.
Support
Standing by your friends in tough times.
Respect
Valuing boundaries and kindness.
TEACHER NOTES: Display or project the Trust-Building Behaviors Chart. Briefly explain each behavior and ask for real-life examples.
Scenario Analysis
1 In pairs, read scenarios on your Friendship Handout .
2 Identify which trust-building behaviors are missing or broken.
3 Choose one scenario to share your healthy response with the class.
TEACHER NOTES: Distribute the Friendship Scenarios Handout. Students work in pairs to identify trust-building behaviors in each scenario. After 5 minutes, invite pairs to share one scenario and their healthy response.
Friendship Scenarios Handout Friendship Scenarios
Building & Repairing Trust
Name
Date
Instructions: Read each scenario below with your partner. Answer the questions and discuss ways to build or repair trust in the friendship.
1
The Shared Secret
Alex tells you they have a crush on someone but asks you not to tell anyone. A few days later, you mention it to another friend “just to chat,” and Alex finds out and feels betrayed.
1. Which trust-building behavior did you unintentionally break? Why is it important?
2. What could you say or do to rebuild trust with Alex?
2
The Last-Minute Change
Jordan and you plan to meet after school to work on homework. Jordan cancels at the last minute because they want to hang out with someone else, leaving you scrambling to finish the assignment alone.
1. Which trust-building behavior is missing? How might this feel to you?
2. How could Jordan show more respect and reliability next time?
3
The Rumor Mill
Taylor hears a rumor about another friend but isn’t sure it’s true. Taylor shares it with you. You repeat it to a small group. Later you learn the rumor was false, and your friend is upset.
1. Identify the trust-building behavior violated when sharing rumors.
2. What steps can you take to show support and honesty after spreading something untrue?
4
The Borrowed Item
Morgan borrows your headphones without asking. When you notice they’re missing, Morgan says, “Oh, I thought you didn’t mind.” You feel disrespected.
1. What trust-behavior did Morgan overlook? Why does asking first matter?
2. How could Morgan make amends and demonstrate respect?
5
The Group Project
You and two friends are assigned a group project. One partner, Riley, doesn’t complete their part on time. You and the other teammate have to rush to finish, and the grade suffers.
1. Which trust-building behaviors did Riley neglect? How did it affect the group?
2. What communication skills could you use to address this before the deadline?
Final Reflection
Think about a time you’ve been in one of these situations. What’s one action you can practice to strengthen trust next time?
Trust Behaviors Chart Trust-Building Behaviors
Trust is the foundation of every strong friendship. Use this chart to identify and practice behaviors that help trust grow.
Behavior Definition Your Example Honesty
| Being truthful and open with friends, even when it’s hard or uncomfortable. |
|
|
Reliability
| Following through on promises, plans, and agreements. Being someone others can count on. |
|
|
Support
| Showing you care by helping, encouraging, and standing by friends during challenges. |
|
|
Respect
| Valuing others by listening, honoring boundaries, and treating them with kindness. |
|
Self-Reflection
Which of these do you practice most often?
Which one would you like to work on?
Name: __________________________ Date: ____________
Friendship Skills
Communication Role-Play Cards Communication Role-Play Cards
Practice active listening and using "I" statements in real scenarios.
Card 01
The Forgotten Invite
Role A: You heard about a movie night but weren't invited. You feel hurt and want to talk about it.
Your Mission:
Use an "I" statement to describe how you feel.
State what you'd like to happen next time.
Role B (Listener):
Maintain eye contact, paraphrase what you heard, and respond with an "I" statement to show understanding.
Card 02
The Last-Minute Change
Role A: Your friend canceled a study session for something else. You're stressed about the work.
Your Mission:
Express your feelings with an "I" statement.
Suggest how you both can plan better next time.
Role B (Listener):
Reflect back their feelings and share your own perspective using a calm "I" statement.
Card 03
The Unreturned Text
Role A: You texted your friend about a problem but didn't get a response for hours. You felt unsupported.
Your Mission:
Share how the silence affected you with an "I" statement.
Request what you need when you're facing a problem.
Role B (Listener):
Validate their feelings by paraphrasing. Offer an apology or explanation with an "I" statement.
Card 04
The Critique Conversation
Role A: Your friend gave you feedback on an art project but it felt too harsh. You want to talk about it.
Your Mission:
Explain how the feedback felt using an "I" statement.
Suggest how they could give feedback more kindly.
Role B (Listener):
Acknowledge their feelings without getting defensive. Apologize or clarify with an "I" statement.
After Each Role-Play
1
Share one thing the listener did well (eye contact, tone, or paraphrasing).
2
Discuss one way both partners could improve the conversation next time.
Power of True Friends • Practice Session
Friendship Reflection Exit Ticket Teacher Note: This page contains four identical exit tickets. Print and cut along the dashed lines to save paper.
Exit Ticket
Name:
1. One thing I learned about friendship today:
2. One trust-building behavior I will practice:
Power of True Friends
Exit Ticket
Name:
1. One thing I learned about friendship today:
2. One trust-building behavior I will practice:
Power of True Friends
Exit Ticket
Name:
1. One thing I learned about friendship today:
2. One trust-building behavior I will practice:
Power of True Friends
Exit Ticket
Name:
1. One thing I learned about friendship today:
2. One trust-building behavior I will practice:
Power of True Friends
