Friendship Group Teacher Guide Friendship Flowers
Teacher Guide
A 6-week friendship skills group for Kindergarten girls
Group Overview
Duration: 20-30 minutes per sessionIncludes strategies for Jealousy and Prickly Talk .
Group Basics
Weekly Ritual
"Compliment Circle": Give a flower and a kind word. Focus on petals (kind words) rather than Prickly Talk (thorns/small arguments).
The 6-Week Roadmap
1
Heart Talk & Prickly Talk
Identifying kind words (Petals) vs. Prickly Talk (small, constant arguments about tiny things).
2
Sharing Sparkle & Heart Shadows
Handling jealousy over what others have and practicing the "I'm happy for you" habit.
3
Peace Play
Conflict resolution basics. Using I-messages instead of Prickly Talk when problems arise.
4
Jungle Gym Joy
Playground etiquette. Being a good sport even when we feel jealous of someone else's turn or win.
5
Circle of Friends: Group Glue
Addressing friendship jealousy ("She's MY best friend") and making the circle bigger for everyone.
6
Flower Power Celebration
Reviewing how to stop Prickly Talk and celebrate each other without jealousy.
Heart Talk Slides Heart Talk
Petals & Prickles
1
Petal Talk
"Kind words are like soft flower petals. They make our hearts feel happy and safe."
"I like your drawing!"
"Want to play with me?"
"You did a great job!"
"I'm sorry I hurt you."
Prickly Talk
Prickly Talk is when we argue about small things that don't really matter. It pokes our friends' hearts!
"You're in my spot!"
"I wanted that one first!"
"You're doing it wrong!"
"My tower is bigger!"
Prickles hurt! Let's choose petals!
Is it Worth a Prickle?
Is it a Petal? Or a Prickle?
Petal Talk
Prickly Talk
"Stop and think: Does this small thing matter?"
Friendship Facilitation Scripts Facilitation Scripts
Addressing Jealousy & Prickly Talk
6-Week Curriculum
1
Week 1: Petals & Prickles
Slide 2 (Petal Talk): "Welcome to our group! Look at these soft petals. Petal Talk is when we use kind, soft words that make a friend feel safe and happy. Like saying 'I love your smile!' or 'Want to play?'"
Slide 3 (Prickly Talk): "Sometimes our words get a little sharp, like a thorn or a prickle. Prickly Talk is when we argue about tiny things that aren't a big deal. Like who was first in line or whose tower is taller. It's like a tiny cactus poke—it hurts! Does a tiny thing matter more than a friend's heart? No!"
Practice: "If a friend is sitting in 'your' chair, do you need to have a prickly argument? No! Just pick a new chair and choose petals instead."
2
Week 2: Heart Shadows (Jealousy)
Discussion: "Have you ever felt a dark shadow in your heart when a friend gets something you want? That's called Jealousy . It's okay to feel it, but we don't want it to stay!"
The Cure: "We use our 'Happy Heart' magic. We say, 'Wow, that is so cool! I'm glad you have that!' It chases the shadow away and makes us feel like a bright flower again."
5
Week 5: Friendship Jealousy
The Script: "What if you feel jealous because your best friend is playing with someone else? Instead of using Prickly Talk like 'Go away, she's MY friend,' we make our circle bigger. We say: 'You can play with both of us!' That is Petal Talk at its best."
Petals and Prickles Worksheet Petals & Prickles
Color the words that help our garden grow!
Name:
Date:
Soft Petal Talk makes our hearts happy. Sharp Prickly Talk pokes a friend's heart.
"Want to play?"
"You colored it wrong!"
"Good job!"
"I'm taller than you!"
"I like your shoes!"
"You're in my spot!"
Choice Challenge
Draw a picture of yourself choosing Petal Talk when you feel like being prickly!
Heart and Prickle Cards Heart vs. Prickle Cards
Read aloud and have students vote: Heart Talk (Petal) or Prickle Talk (Thorn).
Teacher Resource
"I love how you used so many colors in your picture!"
Card 01
"My pony toy is much newer and bigger than yours."
Card 02
"Do you want a turn with the swing? I'm finished!"
Card 03
"I'm the leader because I was first in line yesterday."
Card 04
"I'm sorry I accidentally knocked your blocks over."
Card 05
"You colored the sky purple, but the sky is blue!"
Card 06
"Can I play blocks with you? It looks like fun!"
Card 07
"You're standing too close to me. Move over there!"
Card 08
"You're really fast at running! Good job!"
Card 09
"I'm taller than you, so I should get to go first."
Card 10
"I'm happy you got a new sticker! It's so pretty."
Card 11
"That's not how you sit on the carpet. You're doing it wrong."
Card 12
Answer Key: = Heart Talk (Kind) | = Prickle Talk (Unkind/Tiny Argument)
Prickly Petal Garden Story The Prickly Petal Garden
A Story about Heart Talk and Prickle Talk
Once upon a time, in a bright green garden, lived two best friends named Lily and Rose . They loved to play together all day long. Their garden was full of soft, pink petals.
Oh no! A Prickle!
One morning, Rose was playing with the blue bucket. Lily wanted it right away! Rose said, "I'm the leader today, so I get the bucket first!" That was Prickle Talk . Ouch! It made Lily’s heart feel a little poke, just like a tiny thorn.
A Petal Choice!
Lily felt sad, but then she remembered her Heart Words . She took a deep breath and said, "Rose, your sandcastle looks amazing! Can I help you build the tower?" That was Heart Talk ! It was soft like a petal. Suddenly, Rose’s face lit up with a big smile.
The Bickering Buzz
Later, they were coloring. Rose said, "You’re using the wrong pink!" Lily said, "No, I’m not! You’re just being bossy!" The garden started to feel prickly again. The little arguments were buzzing around like mosquitoes!
The Happy Ending
Lily stopped and thought. "Is this small thing worth a prickle?" She chose a new petal. "Let’s use BOTH pinks to make a sunset!" Rose agreed. They learned that when they chose Heart Talk , their friendship garden stayed soft, happy, and full of flowers!
Talk About the Story
Can you find one Prickly thing a friend said in the story?
How did Lily's Heart Talk change Rose's feelings?
What can you say if you feel a "prickle" coming on?
Why was the sunset better with both pink crayons?
Friendship Flower Name Tags Friendship Flowers
Large flower outlines for names and coloring!
Name
Name
Name
Name
Teacher Tip: Use these large flowers for the "Friendship Garden" wall. The thick outlines make them perfect for kindergarteners who are still practicing their coloring skills!
Sharing Sparkle Slides Sharing Sparkle
How to Take Turns with Toys
2
Flower Check-In
Who used a Heart Word this week?
What is Sharing?
Playing Together
Building blocks together!
Taking Turns
You use it, then I use it!
Sharing Power Words
If you want to play with something a friend has, use these words:
"Can I have a turn when you're done?"
"Do you want to play together?"
What if they say "No"?
It's okay! We can wait or find something else to do until they are finished.
Wait Trade Ask Teacher
Sharing Sparkle Worksheet Sharing Sparkle
I am a great sharer!
Name:
What should I say?
Lilly is using the building blocks you want.
"Can I have a turn when you're done?"
Maya has the pink marker you need.
"Do you want to share the markers?"
The Sharing Way
Color the picture that shows friends sharing together!
Tugging at a toy
Playing together!
My Sharing Sparkle Tracker
Every time you share this week, color a star!
Peace Play Slides Peace Play
How to Solve Big Feelings
3
The Feelings Rain
Sometimes when we play, we get angry or sad . That's okay! Let's name our feelings.
Sad
Mad
Frustrated
Hurt
The "I Feel" Recipe
1
"I feel..." [Feeling]
2
"When you..." [Action]
3
"Please..." [What you want]
Let's Help a Friend!
Scenario:
A friend accidentally knocks over your tower. You feel mad .
Say this:
"I feel mad when you knock my tower over . Please help me build it again ."
Flower Breathing
If you're too upset to talk, try this:
Smell the flower...
Blow the candle!
Peace Play Worksheet Peace Play
I can use my words to solve problems!
Name:
My "I-Feel" Message
Fill in the blanks to practice your peace talk!
I feel
When you
Please
Problem Solving Toolbox
Say "Stop"
Use "I-Feel"
Trade Toys
Draw a picture of you and a friend playing peacefully!
Jungle Gym Joy Slides Jungle Gym Joy
Safe and Kind Play on the Playground
4
Safe Bodies, Kind Hearts
Wait in Line
Hands to Self
Use Heart Words
Can I Play?
If you see friends playing and you want to join, walk up and ask:
"Can I play with you?"
Win or Lose...
We play because it's fun to be together!
Say "Good Game!"
Say "You did it!"
Keep a happy heart.
Jungle Gym Joy Worksheet Jungle Gym Joy
I am safe and kind on the playground!
Name:
The Kind Playground
Color the playground. Circle the places where you can use Heart Words !
How do I ask to play?
"CAN I PLAY WITH YOU?"
Trace the words above to practice!
Waiting my turn
Using safe hands
Circle of Friends Slides Circle of Friends
Making Sure Everyone is Included
5
Detective Eyes
Sometimes a friend feels lonely because they aren't playing with anyone. Look for these clues:
Sad Face
Standing Alone
Watching Others
No One To Talk To
Be a Sparkle!
When you see a friend who needs a group, say these magic words:
"Would you like to play with us?"
There is Room for You!
Everyone In!
Our circle gets stronger and happier when we add more friends!
Circle of Friends Worksheet Circle of Friends
I am a kind friend who includes others!
Name:
The Invitation Match
Look at the friends below. Draw a line from the Helper to the Lonely Friend !
The Helper
A Friend Alone
What do we say?
"WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY?"
Trace the invitation above!
Draw Your Circle of Friends Circle of Friends Slides (Revised) Circle of Friends
Squashing "Friendship Jealousy"
5
What is Jealousy?
"It's that yucky feeling when you think a friend is having more fun with someone else."
It sounds like:
"She's MY best friend, not yours!"
"Don't play with her, play with me!"
Our hearts are big enough for MANY friends!
The Anti-Jealousy Secret
Instead of pulling a friend away, INVITE the other person in!
"Do you want to play with US?"
Flower Power Slides Flower Power
Friendship Graduation Celebration!
6
Our Friendship Garden
Heart Words
Sharing
Solving Problems
Playground Kindness
Including Everyone
Friendship Stars
You are all official Friendship Flowers ! You help our school grow with your kind hearts.
Final Flower Circle
One thing I love about this group is...
Take turns sharing with your friends!
Friendship Graduation Award Flower Power
Friendship Award
This award is presented to
For having a Kind Heart , using Heart Words , and being a Super Sharer in our Friendship Flowers Group!
Teacher Signature
Date
My Favorite Memory
Draw your favorite part of our Friendship Group!
