Friendship Growth Tracker Project: Friendship Builders
Friendship Growth Tracker
Pre- & Post-Curriculum Self-Assessment
Code: SEL-Tracker-01
STUDENT NAME
DATE
ASSESSMENT TIME
Pre-Test (Wk 1) Post-Test (Wk 6)
How to Score Yourself: Read each statement below and choose the number that shows how true it is for you. Be honest! This is your personal blueprint. 1 = Never | 2 = Sometimes | 3 = Often | 4 = Always
Friendship Action
Never
Some
Often
Always
I can list at least 3 qualities of a true, healthy friend.
1
2
3
4
I think about how my words and actions make my friends feel.
1
2
3
4
I try to understand my friends' point of view, even when we disagree.
1
2
3
4
I can tell what a friend is feeling by looking at their body language and face.
1
2
3
4
I listen closely when my friends talk, without interrupting them or zoning out.
1
2
3
4
I can say "no" respectfully to a friend when I feel uncomfortable or disagree.
1
2
3
4
I respect my friends' personal space and boundaries when they ask for them.
1
2
3
4
I apologize honestly (admit fault & make a repair plan) when I hurt someone.
1
2
3
4
I look for active solutions and compromises (win-win) when conflicts happen.
1
2
3
4
I can stay calm and express how I feel using a clear "I-Statement."
1
2
3
4
Self-Scoring & Growth Chart
How to calculate: Add up all of the numbers you circled above. Write your total score in the box to the right.
Max potential blueprint points: 40
Total Score
10-20 pts: Foundation Stage
21-30 pts: Rising Builder
31-40 pts: Master Architect
Curriculum: Friendship Builders • 4th & 5th Grade Page 1 of 1
Week 1 Blueprint Guide Week 1 • Lesson Plan
The Friendship Blueprint
Session Goal: Define true friendship qualities and administer pre-assessment.
SMALL GROUP (3 STUDENTS)
Pacing
40 Minutes
Prep Checklist
Trackers, Blueprints, Pens
Focus Area
Healthy vs. Unhealthy
Role Model Role
Guide group agreements
1 Warm-Up: The Blueprint Handshake
5 Mins
Welcome students. Explain that over the next 6 weeks, they are working as a team of "Friendship Builders" to design their personal friendship blueprints.
Facilitator Script "Welcome builders! Every great building needs a strong blueprint. Over the next six weeks, we are going to explore what makes a friendship super sturdy. Let's start by designing a unique 'blueprint handshake' to open our sessions."
2 Growth Tracker Administration
10 Mins
Distribute the Friendship Growth Tracker . Read instructions aloud. Emphasize that there are no wrong answers and this is purely self-scored. Keep it positive.
3 Activity: Builders vs. Demolishers
15 Mins
Distribute the Friendship Blueprint Worksheet . Discuss the differences between "Builder Behaviors" (constructive/healthy) and "Demolisher Behaviors" (harmful/unhealthy).
Peer Role Model Strategy: Have your role model student start the brainstorm by sharing 1 characteristic of a good friend (e.g., "A good friend shares and listens"). This breaks the ice and models active participation for the other two.
4 Group Agreement & Closing
10 Mins
Co-create 3 simple group agreements (e.g., "We support each other", "What is said here stays here", "No interrupting"). Write these on their worksheets.
Discussion Prompt "What group guidelines can we set to make sure our small group feels safe and fun for everyone?"
Pacing Tip Make sure students take their sheets home or store them in group folders to keep momentum.
Curriculum: Friendship Builders • Week 1 Facilitator Resource Page 1 of 1
Week 1 Blueprint Worksheet My Friendship Blueprint
Week 1: Friendship Blocks
Sheet #1.1
BUILDER NAME
DATE
Every sturdy tower needs strong building blocks . In friendships, our choices act as building blocks. Some behaviors help us build up a friendship (Builders), while other behaviors can tear it down (Demolishers).
BUILDER BEHAVIORS
What are 3 things a true friend does or says to build a friendship up?
DEMOLISHER BEHAVIORS
What are 3 things that can tear a friendship down?
OUR TEAM BLUEPRINT (GROUP AGREEMENTS)
With your group, brainstorm 3 agreements we will keep to make sure everyone feels supported and respected in our sessions.
A First Agreement:
B Second Agreement:
C Third Agreement:
Curriculum: Friendship Builders • Week 1 Student Worksheet Page 1 of 1
Week 2 Shoes Guide Week 2 • Lesson Plan
Step in Their Shoes
Session Goal: Practice perspective-taking and understanding how behaviors affect others.
SMALL GROUP (3 STUDENTS)
Pacing
40 Minutes
Prep Checklist
Detectives Worksheet, Pens
Focus Area
Empathy & Perspectives
Role Model Role
Model emotional cues
1 Warm-Up: The Feeling Thermometer
5 Mins
Begin with your Week 1 "blueprint handshake." Have each student briefly rate their energy levels from 1-10 and state one emotion they felt today.
2 Concept Introduction: What is Empathy?
10 Mins
Discuss what "empathy" means. Explain that it is like putting on a pair of architectural goggles that lets us see through another person's eyes.
Facilitator Script "If I say, 'Put yourself in someone else's shoes,' what does that actually mean? It doesn't mean we physically put their shoes on. It means we stop and ask, 'If I were them, how would I feel right now?' Let's practice that today."
3 Activity: Perspective Detectives
20 Mins
Distribute Perspective Detective Worksheet . Read the school scenarios together. Prompt students to analyze the "hidden feelings" of each student in the scenarios.
Peer Role Model Strategy: Have your role model student voice the initial perspective for Scenario 1. For example, "I think Marcus felt left out because nobody looked up when he sat down." This models perspective-taking for the struggling peers.
4 Reflection & Closing
5 Mins
Close the session with a round-robin reflection about how we can practice perspective-taking this week.
Discussion Prompt "Think of a time someone did something that made you feel really supported. What did they do, and how did they know you needed help?"
Curriculum: Friendship Builders • Week 2 Facilitator Resource Page 1 of 1
Week 2 Shoes Worksheet Empathy & Perspective Taking
Week 2: Perspective Detective
Case File #2.1
Detective Name
Date
Your Detective Mission: An empathy detective has the power to look at a situation and see it from two different perspectives at the same time. This is called perspective-taking. Solve the cases below!
CASE FILE #1: THE RECESS BASKETBALL BLUES REJECTED ENTRY
The Scene: Leo has been practicing basketball shots all week. When he walks onto the court at recess to play, Sam says, "We already have full teams," and turns around to play. Leo drops his ball and walks over to sit alone.
Leo's Perspective:
How does Leo feel? What is he thinking?
Sam's Perspective:
What might Sam be focused on or thinking?
CASE FILE #2: THE SKETCHBOOK SPLIT MISSED CONNECTION
The Scene: Maya is sitting alone at lunch drawing a fantasy creature. Avery walks by, looks down at Maya's paper, laughs, and says, "What is that supposed to be?" Avery is smiling and thinks it's a fun joke, but Maya quickly closes her book and blushes.
Maya's Perspective:
How does Maya feel? What did she think Avery meant?
Avery's Perspective:
What was Avery trying to do? Was the impact different?
Detective Tip: Intent vs. Impact Sometimes what we mean to do (intent) is friendly, but how it feels to someone else (impact) is hurtful. True builders check in on how their words land!
Curriculum: Friendship Builders • Week 2 Student Worksheet Page 1 of 1
Week 3 Behind Guide Week 3 • Lesson Plan
Behind the Words
Session Goal: Develop active listening and non-verbal decoding skills.
SMALL GROUP (3 STUDENTS)
Pacing
40 Minutes
Prep Checklist
Decoder Worksheet, Pens
Focus Area
Listening & Decoding
Role Model Role
Model poor vs. great listening
1 Warm-Up: The Voice-O-Meter
5 Mins
Practice reading feelings using voice tone . Facilitator says the phrase "Oh, that's great..." in three different tones (excited, sarcastic, sad). Have students guess the feeling each time.
2 Interactive Demo: The Listening Contrast
10 Mins
Demonstrate what poor listening vs. active listening looks like.
Peer Role Model Strategy: Have your peer role model act out a story while you (the facilitator) act out "Terrible Listening" (look at your phone, sigh, look away). Then, switch and have the role model demonstrate "Super Listening" (leaning in, nodding, asking questions). Discuss the difference.
3 Activity: The Social Decoder
20 Mins
Distribute Social Decoder Worksheet . Have students match body language cues to real feelings. Next, conduct partner-talks where students practice active listening and check off the four steps:
Step 1: Body (Turn toward)
Step 2: Eyes (Keep contact)
Step 3: Mind (No interrupting)
Step 4: Heart (Reflect feeling)
4 Wrap-Up Checklist
5 Mins
Challenge students to "active listen" to a classmate this week during lunch or recess.
Discussion Prompt "How does it feel inside when someone really listens to you? How does it feel when someone ignores you?"
Curriculum: Friendship Builders • Week 3 Facilitator Resource Page 1 of 1
Social Decoder Worksheet Active Listening & Social Decoding
Week 3: The Social Decoder
Sheet #3.1
Decoder Name
Date
Over 70% of communication is non-verbal! This means our posture, face, and voice tone tell friends how we are feeling long before we say a single word. A great builder decodes these clues and listens with their whole body.
Part 1: The Body Language Matrix
Write down the hidden feeling (for example: Excited, Angry, Bored, Sad, Frustrated) that matches each combination of non-verbal signals.
Signals
Arms crossed tight • Body turned away • Short, sharp answers • Frowning
DECODED FEELING
Signals
Wide open eyes • Leaning forward • Fast, loud talking • Big smiling
DECODED FEELING
Signals
Slouched posture • Heavy sighing • Looking at floor • Very quiet tone
DECODED FEELING
Part 2: Whole-Body Listening Challenge
With your partner, take turns answering the prompt: "My absolute favorite school activity, hobby, or weekend plan is..." . As the listener, try to use all four blueprint listening skills. Check off each box once you successfully complete it!
1. Body Facing Turn shoulders and hips directly toward your partner to show focus.
2. Eye Connection Look at their eyes or face comfortably when they speak to show you are there.
3. No Interrupting Keep your lips locked and wait completely until they are completely finished.
4. Reflection Mirror Say what they said in your own words (e.g., "It sounds like you really love..." ).
Curriculum: Friendship Builders • Week 3 Student Worksheet Page 1 of 1
Week 4 Boundary Guide Week 4 • Lesson Plan
The Boundary Shield
Session Goal: Teach students to recognize, express, and respect personal space and social boundaries.
SMALL GROUP (3 STUDENTS)
Pacing
40 Minutes
Prep Checklist
Boundary Worksheet, Markers
Focus Area
Setting/Respecting No
Role Model Role
Model accepting a "No"
1 Warm-Up: The Personal Space Bubble
5 Mins
Begin with your "blueprint handshake." Have students stand and stretch out their arms to visualize their "personal space bubble." Talk about how bubbles are flexible but shouldn't be popped.
2 Concept: What is a Boundary Shield?
10 Mins
Define a boundary as a "shield." Explain that a boundary is a rule we make to keep ourselves feeling comfortable, safe, and happy. It is not a weapon to hurt others; it is a shield to protect us.
Facilitator Script "Just like homes have fences and yards have gates, we have personal boundaries. Some are physical, like needing a foot of space. Some are property boundaries, like not lending our favorite pens. Today we are going to build our personal boundary shields."
3 Activity: The Boundary Builder & Polite "No"
20 Mins
Distribute the Boundary Builder Worksheet . Teach the two-part formula for a polite, assertive "no":
Peer Role Model Strategy: Have your role model student model accepting a boundary. Have one struggling peer practice saying a boundary (e.g., "Please don't touch my sketchbook"). Immediately prompt the role model to react beautifully: "Oh, sorry! No problem." This models that respecting a friend's boundary is cool and strengthens relationships.
4 Reflection Circle
5 Mins
End the session by emphasizing that true friends ALWAYS respect each other's "No."
Discussion Prompt "If a friend says 'no' when you ask to borrow their pencil or play a certain game, what does that mean? Does it mean they aren't your friend anymore?"
Curriculum: Friendship Builders • Week 4 Facilitator Resource Page 1 of 1
Boundary Builder Worksheet Boundaries & Personal Space
Week 4: My Boundary Shield
Sheet #4.1
Builder Name
Date
A boundary shield is a set of rules that protects your comfort, safety, and energy. It helps your friends understand how to treat you, and it helps you know how to treat them. Fill in your personal shield properties below.
SHIELD v4.0
My Protection Zone
1 PHYSICAL BUBBLE (My Personal Space Zone)
Under what conditions do I feel comfortable with touch or proximity?
2 PROPERTY BUBBLE (Lending & Sharing Things)
Which items are okay to borrow? What do I need to be asked about?
3 POLITE SAYING "NO" (My Direct Assertive Script)
Write your polite "go-to" sentence when you need to set a limit.
Part 2: Boundary Case Studies
Scenario: Mia is working hard on a painting in art class. Toby walks over and repeatedly grabs Mia's pencils without asking. Mia feels annoyed and says, "Please ask before you take my pencils, Toby."
How was Mia building a boundary?
How can Toby show respect for her shield?
Curriculum: Friendship Builders • Week 4 Student Worksheet Page 1 of 1
Week 5 Cleanup Guide Week 5 • Lesson Plan
Conflict Clean-Up
Session Goal: Teach apology formulas, compromises, and expressing feelings constructively.
SMALL GROUP (3 STUDENTS)
Pacing
40 Minutes
Prep Checklist
Repair Worksheets, Pens
Focus Area
Apologies & Compromise
Role Model Role
Lead compromise ideas
1 Warm-Up: The Tug-of-War
5 Mins
Begin with your "blueprint handshake." Place an eraser or pencil in the middle of the table. Tell students: "You both need this item right now for your drawings. How do you resolve this without yelling?" Listen to quick ideas.
2 Concept: The 4-Step Apology
10 Mins
Introduce the 4-Step Apology . Explain that a simple "Sorry!" muttered over your shoulder doesn't rebuild trust. We need to actively "clean up" the spill.
The 4-Step Cleanup Steps: 1. Responsibility: "I did [specific act]..." • 2. Impact/Empathy: "I'm sorry because I know it made you feel..." • 3. Repair Plan: "Next time, I will..." • 4. Reconnection: "Will you forgive me?" or "How can I fix it?"
3 Activity: Compromising & I-Statements
20 Mins
Distribute Repair Toolbox Worksheet . Review the definition of "Compromise" (giving up a little bit of what you want so both people get a "win-win").
Peer Role Model Strategy: Have your peer role model act out a scenario where they want to play soccer, but a struggling peer wants to play tag. Prompt the role model to suggest a compromise: "What if we play tag for 10 minutes, and then soccer for the rest of recess?" This models active problem-solving and finding win-wins.
4 Reflection Circle
5 Mins
Discuss why apologies are hard, but crucial. Emphasize that repair takes courage and builds stronger blueprint friendships.
Discussion Prompt "Why do you think saying 'I'm sorry' can feel so hard sometimes? What changes after we make a genuine apology?"
Curriculum: Friendship Builders • Week 5 Facilitator Resource Page 1 of 1
Repair Toolbox Worksheet Conflict Resolution & Repair
Week 5: The Repair Toolbox
Sheet #5.1
Builder Name
Date
Even the best architects have to fix spills and mistakes. In friendships, conflicts will happen! The Repair Toolbox holds our two best tools: the 4-Step Apology and the I-Statement .
Tool #1: The 4-Step Apology Blueprint Clean-up Spill
The Case Study: You accidentally bump a friend's desk and spill their water, getting their paper wet. You feel embarrassed, so you laugh. Your friend gets very angry. Fill out a true apology plan:
1. RESPONSIBILITY (Admit exactly what happened)
"I'm sorry that I
."
2. EMPATHY (Identify how they felt and why)
"I know it made you feel
because
."
3. REPAIR PLAN (What will you do next time to be different?)
"Next time, I will
."
4. RECONNECTION (Ask how to make it up or make peace)
"To make things right, can I
?"
Tool #2: The Win-Win Compromise Scale Recess Solution
The Conflict: Sam wants to play basketball at recess, but Leo wants to sit under the shade tree and draw. Recess is 20 minutes long. Design a win-win compromise where both friends get a piece of their plan:
Tool #3: My Assertive I-Statement Formula
Use the formula below to practice expressing your own feelings without blaming anyone else:
"I feel
(emotion)
when you
(behavior)
because
(reason)
next time, I need
(request)
Curriculum: Friendship Builders • Week 5 Student Worksheet Page 1 of 1
Week 6 Champions Guide Week 6 • Lesson Plan
Friendship Champions
Session Goal: Administer post-curriculum self-assessments, review growth, and celebrate.
SMALL GROUP (3 STUDENTS)
Pacing
40 Minutes
Prep Checklist
Trackers, Appreciation Cards
Focus Area
Closure & Appreciation
Role Model Role
Lead sincere affirmations
1 Warm-Up: The Master Builder Handshake
5 Mins
Perform the complete "blueprint handshake" with maximum energy. Welcome students to their graduation session and praise their effort over the last 6 weeks.
2 Post-Assessment Growth Tracker
10 Mins
Distribute the Friendship Growth Tracker again. Ask students to select "Post-Test (Week 6)" at the top. Guide them through scoring. If time permits, bring out their Week 1 score to let them visually track their growth!
Facilitator Script "Look at how much your friendship skills have grown since Week 1! Many of you scored yourselves higher in empathy, listening, or apologies. That is hard work, and you should be extremely proud of yourselves."
3 Activity: The Appreciation Station
20 Mins
Distribute Appreciation Station Sheet . Have students write positive, specific comments on the cards for each group member.
Peer Role Model Strategy: Have your peer role model student start off the appreciation exchange. Ask them to share their written appreciation out loud first (e.g., "I appreciate Leo because he always plays fair and makes me laugh"). This sets a standard of deep, specific, and kind peer affirmation for the struggling members.
4 Graduation Ceremony
5 Mins
Present the Master Architect Certificate at the bottom of their page. Sign it and have students celebrate.
Discussion Prompt "What is one friendship builder skill you learned in this group that you will continue to use every single day?"
Curriculum: Friendship Builders • Week 6 Facilitator Resource Page 1 of 1
Appreciation Station Activity Curriculum Celebration
Week 6: Appreciation Station
Sheet #6.1
Builder Name
Date
You have completed all 6 weeks of training! Celebrate your team by writing a Connection Card to each of your group partners. Be specific about what makes them a wonderful teammate and friend.
Connection Card #1
TO:
I think you are a great Friendship Builder because:
My favorite memory of us in this group is:
FROM:
Connection Card #2
TO:
I think you are a great Friendship Builder because:
My favorite memory of us in this group is:
FROM:
Official SEL Graduation Document
Master Architect of Friendship
This certifies that the builder named below has completed 6 weeks of active training
GRADUATING CHAMPION
having mastered the skills of Active Listening , showing Empathy , setting healthy Boundaries , and building creative Win-Win Compromises .
FACILITATOR SIGNATURE
DATE
Curriculum: Friendship Builders • Week 6 Graduation Activity Page 1 of 1
