Healthy Friendship Slides Friendship Detectives
Case File #1: Healthy Relationship Clues
Green Flag Investigation
Your Mission
As Friendship Detectives , your job is to look for "Green Flags."
Identify
Find the signs of a friendship that is safe, happy, and respectful.
Document
Record the traits that make a person a "Good Friend."
What is a Green Flag?
✅
A Green Flag is a clue that a friendship is healthy and good for you.
It tells you:
"Go ahead!"
"This is safe!"
"Be yourself!"
Evidence Hunt
Can you find the Green Flags in these situations?
"I'm sorry I accidentally knocked your tower over. Let me help you build it back up!"
CLUE: Repairs mistakes
"You're really good at drawing! Can you show me how you made that dragon?"
CLUE: Gives compliments
"I know you like playing tag, but I'm tired. Can we play a card game for a bit?"
CLUE: Shares feelings
"I noticed you were sitting alone. Do you want to join our game of kickball?"
CLUE: Includes others
Healthy Friends Are:
Kind Honest Good Listeners Helpful Supportive
Now, start your evidence log!
Green Flag Evidence Log Worksheet Green Flag Evidence Log
Friendship Detective Agency • Case File #1
Agent Name:
Date:
Detective Mission
A Green Flag is a sign of a healthy and safe friendship. Think about your own friends or characters in stories. What "clues" tell you a person is a good friend? Record your findings below.
Investigation Findings
1
Green Flag Clue:
Why is this a healthy sign?
2
Green Flag Clue:
Why is this a healthy sign?
3
Green Flag Clue:
Why is this a healthy sign?
Agent Reflection
Choose one of the flags above. How does it feel when a friend shows you this "Green Flag"?
Verified Evidence
Green Flag Facilitation Guide Facilitation Guide
Case File #1: Healthy Relationship Clues
Grade Level
3rd
Learning Objective
Students will define and identify "Green Flags" (positive traits) in healthy friendships and explain why these behaviors contribute to a safe relationship.
Key Vocabulary
• Green Flag
• Healthy Relationship
• Respect
• Support
1
The Hook: Cartoon Investigation (10 mins)
Show a short clip of a well-known cartoon friendship (e.g., Spongebob & Patrick, Frog & Toad, or Toy Story). Ask students:
"How do these two characters show they care about each other?"
"What happens when one of them is sad or makes a mistake?"
"Would you want to be friends with them? Why?"
2
Direct Instruction: Green Flags (15 mins)
Use the Healthy Friendship Slides to introduce the concept of "Green Flags." Emphasize that these are clues that tell us a relationship is "good to go" and safe.
Teacher Tip
Use the stoplight analogy: Green means "Go," Yellow means "Slow Down," and Red means "Stop."
Check for Understanding
Ask: "Is a green flag something someone looks like, or something someone does ?"
3
Activity: Evidence Log (20 mins)
Distribute the Green Flag Evidence Log . Students can work in pairs to brainstorm green flags they've seen in their own lives, books, or movies.
Sample Student Responses:
• "They share their markers without being mean."
• "They listen when I'm telling a story."
• "They say 'it's okay' when I lose a game."
4
The Green Flag Wall (Ongoing)
Provide students with small green paper flags. Have each student write one "Green Flag" trait on their flag and tape it to a designated wall in the classroom. This becomes a visual reminder of what healthy friendships look like.
Red Flag Warning Slides Friendship Detectives
Case File #2: Red Flag Warnings
Identifying Unhealthy Clues
The Red Flag
🚩
A Red Flag is a warning sign.
It tells you that a friendship might be unhealthy, unhappy, or unsafe.
Stop
Think
Talk to an Adult
Red Flag Evidence
Watch out for these unhealthy behaviors:
Exclusion
"You can't play with us today. Only our 'real' friends are allowed."
Bossiness
"If you don't do exactly what I say, I won't be your friend anymore."
Mean Words
"Why are you wearing that? It looks so weird. Everyone is laughing at you."
Pressure
"Don't tell the teacher I broke that. If you tell, you're a snitch."
The "Ouch" Moment
How do Red Flags feel?
🏠
Stomach
Feeling butterflies or a "heavy" knot.
💭
Thoughts
Worrying about what will happen next.
❤️
Heart
Feeling sad, lonely, or left out.
Detective's Rule #1
"If a friend makes you feel unsafe or unhappy on purpose, it's time to talk to a Trusted Adult."
Case Files are ready for analysis...
Red Flag Case Files Worksheet Red Flag Case Files
Friendship Detective Agency • Case File #2
Urgent Analysis
Agent:
Detective Mission
"Detectives, we have received reports of 'Ouch' moments in these friendships. Read the case files and identify the Red Flag behaviors. Then, decide what advice you would give the characters."
Evidence Folder #101
The Playground Group
Leo wants to play tag with Sam and Maya. Sam says, "You can't play today unless you give me your dessert at lunch. If you don't give it to me, you're not in our group anymore."
Identify the Red Flag:
Advice for Leo:
Evidence Folder #202
The Library Whisper
Zoe and Chloe are sitting together. Zoe whispers to Chloe, "Did you see what Ben is wearing? He looks like a giant baby. Don't tell him I said that, or I'll tell everyone your secret."
Identify the Red Flag:
Advice for Chloe:
The Detective's Checklist
When you see a Red Flag, what are two things you should do?
1
2
Red Flag Facilitation Guide Facilitation Guide
Case File #2: Red Flag Warnings
Focus
Safety
Learning Objective
Students will identify "Red Flags" (negative/unhealthy behaviors) in friendship scenarios and understand the importance of seeking help from a trusted adult.
Important Note
This lesson may trigger disclosures. Ensure students know you are a safe person to talk to, but follow all mandatory reporting protocols if a student shares information regarding their safety.
1
The Hook: The "Ouch" Story (10 mins)
"Imagine two friends, Sam and Taylor. They usually have fun. But today, Sam told Taylor that if Taylor didn't give Sam their favorite pencil, they couldn't be friends anymore. Taylor felt a 'knot' in their stomach."
Discussion Prompts:
"Was Sam being a good friend in that moment?"
"Why do you think Taylor's stomach felt like a knot?"
"What should Taylor do next?"
2
Naming Red Flags (15 mins)
Use the Red Flag Warning Slides . Define key terms: exclusion, bossiness, and mean words. Reiterate that red flags don't always mean the person is "bad," but they mean the behavior is unhealthy.
Key Concept to Emphasize
"A healthy friendship makes you feel light and happy. An unhealthy one makes you feel heavy or worried."
3
Activity: Red Flag Case Files (20 mins)
Hand out the Red Flag Case Files Worksheet . Read the stories aloud together before students write their analysis.
Expected Flag (Leo): Bossiness/Exclusion (Pressure to give lunch food).
Expected Flag (Chloe): Mean words/Threatening (Sharing secrets).
4
The Detective's Trusted Adult (5 mins)
Final discussion: "Who are the adults in this school or at home that you can talk to if you see a red flag?"
Common answers: Teacher, Counselor, Principal, Parents, Grandparents, Coaches.
Teasing or Bullying Slides Friendship Detectives
Case File #3: Teasing or Bullying?
Solving the Mystery
The Big Question
Teasing
Playful words between friends where everyone is laughing and having fun.
Green Flag
Bullying
Repeated mean behavior where one person uses power to hurt someone else.
Red Flag
Is it "Fun Teasing"?
Check the clues:
😄
Is everyone laughing?
❤️
Are the people involved friends?
✋
Does it stop if someone asks it to?
⚖️
Is it equal? (No one is in charge)
The 3 P's of Bullying
Red Flag Warning Signs:
1
Purpose
It is done on purpose to be mean.
2
Pattern
It happens repeatedly (it keeps going).
3
Power
One person has more power or control.
Sorting Time!
"Detectives, it's time to test your skills. We have a set of interaction cards. Can you sort them into 'Fun Teasing' or 'Hurtful Bullying'?"
Analyze
Compare
Sort
Interaction Sorting Cards Activity Interaction Sorting Cards
Friendship Detective Agency • Activity #3
Cut along dotted lines
Mission Instructions:
Cut out the cards below. Work with your partner to sort them into two piles: Fun Teasing (Everyone is laughing) and Hurtful Bullying (The 3 P's: Purpose, Pattern, Power).
"Hey Speedy! You beat me in the race again! You're too fast for me!" (Both friends are smiling and laughing.)
Every day at lunch, a group of kids points at Sam's shoes and whispers, "Look at those cheap shoes. Don't let them touch you!"
"Whoops! You missed the catch, Butterfingers! Don't worry, I'll get it!" (Friend tosses the ball back with a wink.)
A student keeps hiding Sarah's backpack every morning. Sarah is crying, but the student says, "It's just a joke, stop being a baby."
"I can't believe you like that show! It's so silly!" (Friend laughs and says, "I know, right? But it's so funny!")
Someone tells everyone in the class NOT to talk to Jamie. If anyone talks to Jamie, they get kicked out of the 'cool' group.
Two best friends make up silly nicknames for each other like 'Captain Chaos' and 'Sir Sneeze-a-Lot'.
An older student blocks the door to the bathroom and says you have to pay them a dollar if you want to go inside.
✅ FUN TEASING
Sort Green Flags Here
🚩 HURTFUL BULLYING
Sort Red Flags Here
Teasing or Bullying Facilitation Guide Facilitation Guide
Case File #3: Teasing or Bullying?
Skill
Social Awareness
Mission Overview
This lesson clarifies the "gray area" of social interactions. Students often struggle to differentiate between playful banter and harmful behavior. We use the "3 P's" (Purpose, Pattern, Power) as an objective toolkit for identification.
1
Activity Setup (10 mins)
Introduce the 3 P's using the slide deck. Then, explain the sorting game. Students should look for the "Power Balance" (Are they equals?) and the "Intent" (Is everyone laughing?).
Sorting Card Answer Key
Scenario Card Classification Why? (The Evidence) "Speedy" race comment Fun Teasing Everyone is laughing; positive intent. Sam's cheap shoes Bullying Pattern (Every day); Purpose (Mean); Power (Group vs Sam). "Butterfingers" Fun Teasing Friends smiling; playful mistake repair. Sarah's backpack Bullying Purpose (Sarah is crying); Pattern (keeps hiding). "Silly show" comment Fun Teasing Mutual agreement; playful banter. Jamie excluded Bullying Power (Exclusion by group); Purposeful hurt. Silly nicknames Fun Teasing Mutual and playful (Best friends). Bathroom door block Bullying Power (Older vs younger); Purpose (Extortion).
2
Post-Activity Discussion
Q:
"What should you do if you think you are just teasing but the other person gets sad?"
A:
"Stop immediately, apologize sincerely, and check in on them. Realizing it's hurtful turns it from 'fun' to a potential red flag if you don't stop."
Peace Path Slides Friendship Detectives
Case File #4: The Peace Path
Solving Friendship Conflicts
The Truth About Conflict
"Even the best friends have disagreements sometimes. Conflict doesn't always mean a Red Flag... it's how you handle it that counts!"
Disagreements are normal
Repairs are possible
The Peace Path
4 Steps to Resolve Conflict:
1
Cool Down
Take a breath. Wait until you feel calm.
2
Speak Up
Use "I statements" to say how you feel.
3
Listen In
Listen to their side without interrupting.
4
Team Up
Think of a way to make it right together.
Powerful Tools
The "I Statement" Formula:
"I feel _______
"It focuses on your feelings, not on blaming others."
Pathfinder Mission
"Detectives, it's time to choose the right path. We have conflict scenarios that need a peaceful ending. Are you ready to map it out?"
ENTER THE PEACE PATH
Conflict Scenarios Worksheet Choose Your Path
Friendship Detective Agency • Activity #4
Agent Name:
The Scenario
The Borrowed Book
"Jamie borrowed Mia’s favorite graphic novel. When Jamie returned it, the front cover was torn. Mia feels very upset and angry."
Path A: The Blame Road
Mia yells, "You’re so careless! I’m never letting you borrow anything again! You’re a bad friend!" Jamie gets angry too and shouts back, "It was just an accident, you're being a baby!" They don't talk for the rest of the day.
What went wrong?
Path B: The Peace Path
Mia takes a deep breath. She says, "I feel sad when my book is torn because I take good care of it. Can you help me tape it?" Jamie says, "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to. Let's fix it together."
Why did this work?
Your Turn: Use an "I Statement"
Scenario: A friend keeps talking over you when you are trying to tell a story.
"I feel
when you
Can we
?"
Peaceful Problem Solving Facilitation Guide Facilitation Guide
Case File #4: Peaceful Problem Solving
Skill
Conflict Resolution
1
The Hook: Two Endings (10 mins)
Read a scenario (like the one on the worksheet) but stop before the ending. Ask: "How could this end badly?" then "How could this end well?" Introduce the idea that conflict is a choice between paths.
2
Teaching the Steps (15 mins)
Step 1: Cool Down
Explain that we can't solve problems when our "emotional brain" is too loud. Practice a "flower and candle" breath (smell the flower, blow out the candle).
Step 2: Speak Up ("I" Statements)
Emphasize starting with "I feel..." rather than "You did...". This prevents the other person from getting defensive.
Step 3: Listen In
Teach active listening: eye contact, nodding, and repeating back ("So you're saying you felt...").
Step 4: Team Up
Focus on the future . "How can we make this better next time?" rather than dwelling on the past.
3
Practice: Roleplay Scenarios (20 mins)
Have student volunteers act out these scenarios using the Peace Path. Provide a "script card" with the "I Statement" formula if needed.
Scenario 1: You were waiting for the swing, but someone else jumped in front of you.
Scenario 2: You told a friend a secret, and they accidentally told someone else.
Scenario 3: You want to play soccer, but your friend only wants to play on the monkey bars.
Pro Tip
"When students come to you with a conflict, point to the Peace Path poster (if you make one) and ask: 'Which step are you on right now?' This empowers them to lead the resolution."
Friendship Wanted Poster Project WANTED
For a Healthy Friendship
Draw a Healthy Friend in Action Here
Detective Notes:
Necessary Clues (Traits)
Top Green Flags
REWARD
A lifelong friendship full of safety, kindness, and fun!
Authorized By:
Agent Signature
Friendship Reflection Log Personal Reflection Log
Friendship Detective Agency • Final Report
Agent:
How do I show "Green Flags" to others?
Write about a time you were a healthy friend this week.
What if I show a "Red Flag"?
Everyone makes mistakes. If you realize you were being bossy or mean, what are two things you can do to fix it?
Action 1
Action 2
My Safety Promise
Finish this sentence to complete your training:
"I know that a safe friendship feels ,
CERTIFIED DETECTIVE
Friendship Project Facilitation Guide Facilitation Guide
Case File #5: Final Project
Assessment
Summative
The Final Mission
Students will demonstrate their understanding of healthy vs. unhealthy relationships by creating a "Friendship Wanted" poster and completing a personal reflection log. This serves as the final evidence of their training as Friendship Detectives.
1
The "Friendship Wanted" Poster (25 mins)
Explain that students are looking for their "ideal friend." They should use the traits (listening, sharing, etc.) and green flags identified throughout the unit.
"Think about what a good friend does, not just what they look like or what games they own."
2
Reflection Log (15 mins)
This is a quiet, individual activity. It moves students from evaluating others to evaluating themselves and their safety plan.
Project Rubric
Criterion Exceeding Meeting Developing Identifying Traits Lists 4+ clear, specific healthy behaviors. Lists 3 healthy behaviors. Lists 1-2 generic traits. Green/Red Flags Accurately explains the safety function of flags. Correctly identifies 2+ green flags. Confuses green and red flags. Safety Plan Names multiple trusted adults and a clear plan. Names at least one trusted adult. No adult named.
Graduation Ceremony
Conclude the unit by "pinning" a detective badge (sticker or paper) on each student. Declare them all certified Friendship Detectives who are now equipped to keep themselves and their friends safe!
