Foundations Week 1 Lesson Plan Friendship Foundations Lesson Plan
Week 1: What Makes a Friend?
7th Grade • Tier 2
Time
15 minutes
Objective
Students will identify qualities of positive friendships and understand the importance of mutual respect.
Materials
Whiteboard or chart paper
Markers
Week 1 Slide Deck
Friendship Qualities Worksheet
The "Why"
Understanding what makes a good friend helps students build stronger, healthier relationships and avoid negative social interactions.
Preparation
Review the Week 1 Slide Deck and talking points.
Prepare whiteboard or chart paper and markers for group brainstorming.
Print copies of the Friendship Qualities Worksheet for each student.
Instructional Steps
3m
Warm-Up: What Comes to Mind?
As students arrive, ask them to think about one word that comes to mind when they hear "friendship." Go around the circle and have each student share their word. Briefly discuss common themes.
5m
Introducing Positive Friendship Qualities
Use the Week 1 Slide Deck to introduce key qualities of a positive friendship (e.g., trust, honesty, support, respect, empathy). Facilitate a short group discussion: "Why are these qualities important? Can you give an example of each?"
5m
Activity: Friendship Qualities Worksheet
Distribute the Friendship Qualities Worksheet. Instruct students to individually list 3-5 qualities they value most in a friend and why. After a few minutes, have students share one quality they listed with the group and explain their reasoning.
2m
Wrap-Up: Key Takeaway
Ask students to share one new insight they gained about friendship today. Remind them that understanding these qualities is the first step to building and maintaining great friendships.
Foundations Week 1 Slides Tier 2 Program
Friendship Foundations
Week 1: What Makes a Friend?
Teacher Note: Welcome students and introduce the topic of friendship. Ask them to think of one word that describes friendship before starting the slides.
What Makes a Good Friend?
Think about your best friends.
"What makes your relationship special?"
Teacher Note: Introduce the idea that good friendships have key ingredients. Ask students for initial ideas before revealing the qualities.
Key Qualities of a Positive Friendship
Trust
Knowing you can rely on each other and keep secrets.
Honesty
Being truthful, even when it's difficult.
Support
Being there for each other in good times and bad.
Respect
Valuing each other's opinions, feelings, and boundaries.
Empathy
Understanding and sharing the feelings of another.
Teacher Note: Define and discuss each quality. Encourage students to share personal (appropriate) examples or observations.
Your Friendship Blueprint
What qualities do YOU value most in a friend?
We'll complete a short worksheet to explore your personal friendship priorities.
Teacher Note: Explain the worksheet activity. Emphasize that there are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers, but rather personal values.
Reflecting on Friendship
"Today, we explored the essential qualities that form the bedrock of strong friendships. Knowing what to look for helps us choose good friends and be a good friend in return."
Teacher Note: Summarize the session. Reiterate that understanding these qualities helps build and maintain strong friendships.
Friendship Qualities Worksheet Friendship Qualities: What Do You Value?
Week 1 • Activity
NAME:
DATE:
Think about what makes a friendship strong and positive. What qualities are most important to you in a friend?
1
List 3-5 qualities you value most in a friend.
2
Choose one quality from your list and explain why it is important to you. How does this quality help make a friendship strong?
3
Think about a time when one of these qualities made a real difference in a friendship. Briefly describe what happened. Communication Week 2 Lesson Plan Friendship Foundations Lesson Plan
Week 2: Communication Superpowers
7th Grade • Tier 2
Time
15 minutes
Objective
Students will learn and practice active listening and clear expression using "I" statements.
Materials
Whiteboard or chart paper
Markers
Week 2 Slide Deck
Communication Scenarios Activity
The "Why"
Effective communication is crucial for resolving conflicts, expressing needs, and strengthening bonds in friendships.
Preparation
Review the Week 2 Slide Deck and talking points.
Prepare whiteboard or chart paper and markers.
Print and cut out the Communication Scenarios Activity cards.
Instructional Steps
3m
Warm-Up: The Telephone Game
Briefly explain the concept of the "telephone game" where a message gets distorted. Ask students: "How does this relate to real-life communication in friendships?"
5m
Introducing Communication Skills
Use the Slide Deck to introduce active listening and "I" statements. Explain: Active listening means truly hearing what someone is saying. "I" statements help express feelings without blaming others. Model a quick example.
5m
Activity: Communication Scenarios
Divide students into pairs. Distribute scenario cards. Instruct pairs to role-play, focusing on active listening and "I" statements. Circulate to offer guidance.
2m
Wrap-Up: Reflecting
Bring the group back. Ask: "What was challenging about using 'I' statements? What did you notice?" Emphasize that practice helps prevent misunderstandings.
Communication Week 2 Slides Tier 2 Program
Communication Superpowers
Friendship Foundations: Week 2
Teacher Note: Welcome students. Begin with the 'Telephone Game' warm-up and link it to the importance of clear communication in friendships.
What is Active Listening?
It's not just hearing, it's understanding!
Pay attention with your whole body
Don't interrupt
Ask clarifying questions
Summarize what you heard
Teacher Note: Ask students what they think 'active listening' means. Guide them to understand it's more than just hearing words.
The Power of "I" Statements
How to express your feelings clearly and kindly:
"I feel [emotion] when [situation] because [reason]."
Example: "I feel sad when you cancel our plans last minute because I was really looking forward to seeing you."
Teacher Note: Explain 'I' statements as a way to express feelings without blaming. Provide the formula and model an example.
Practice Time!
You'll work with a partner to act out a friendship scenario.
Focus on Active Listening
Use "I" Statements
Teacher Note: Explain the role-playing activity. Emphasize practicing both active listening and 'I' statements.
Reflecting on Our Superpowers
Using active listening and 'I' statements can help us:
Prevent Misunderstandings
Resolve Conflicts Peacefully
Build Stronger Friendships
Teacher Note: Debrief the activity. Ask students what they found easy or challenging and how these skills can help their friendships.
Communication Scenarios Activity Communication Scenarios
WEEK 2 ACTIVITY
Practice Your Communication Superpowers!
Instructions
Work with a partner to role-play the following scenarios. Focus on:
Active Listening
Really hearing what your partner is saying, asking clarifying questions, and summarizing to check understanding.
"I" Statements
Expressing your feelings without blaming, using the format: "I feel [emotion] when [situation] because [reason]."
Scenario 1: Missing Out
Person A
You found out your friend (Person B) went to the movies with a group of other friends and didn't invite you. You feel left out and a little hurt.
Person B
You didn't realize Person A would be upset. You thought they were busy, or maybe you just forgot to invite them in the rush.
Role-Play: Person A expresses their feelings to Person B using an "I" statement. Person B actively listens and responds thoughtfully.
Scenario 2: Broken Promise
Person A
Your friend (Person B) promised to help you study for a test, but then they bailed at the last minute to play video games instead. You feel frustrated and worried about your test.
Person B
You genuinely forgot about the study session until it was too late, and you were already deep into a game. You feel bad that you let your friend down.
Role-Play: Person A expresses their feelings to Person B using an "I" statement. Person B actively listens and responds thoughtfully.
Scenario 3: Borrowed Item
Person A
You lent your favorite book/item to your friend (Person B) a week ago, and they haven't returned it. You need it back and feel annoyed that you have to ask for it.
Person B
You completely forgot you had the item and it's currently at the bottom of your backpack. You didn't mean to keep it so long.
Role-Play: Person A expresses their feelings to Person B using an "I" statement. Person B actively listens and responds thoughtfully.
Conflict Week 3 Lesson Plan Friendship Foundations Lesson Plan
Week 3: Navigating Conflict
7th Grade • Tier 2
Time
15 minutes
Objective
Students will identify common friendship challenges and learn strategies for respectful conflict resolution.
Materials
Whiteboard or chart paper
Markers
Week 3 Slide Deck
Conflict Resolution Scenarios
The "Why"
Learning to navigate disagreements and repair relationships is essential for long-lasting and healthy friendships.
Preparation
Review the Week 3 Slide Deck and talking points.
Prepare whiteboard or chart paper and markers.
Print and cut out the Conflict Resolution Scenarios cards.
Instructional Steps
3m
Warm-Up: Friendship Dilemmas
Ask: "What are some common problems or disagreements that happen between friends?" Briefly list their ideas (misunderstandings, feeling left out, teasing, etc.).
5m
Introducing Conflict Resolution Strategies
Use Slide Deck to introduce strategies: active listening, "I" statements, finding common ground, apologizing genuinely, and taking a break. Emphasize that conflicts are normal.
5m
Activity: Solving Friendship Scenarios
Divide into small groups (2-3). Distribute scenario cards. Groups discuss and come up with at least two ways to resolve the conflict using discussed strategies.
2m
Wrap-Up: Key to Mending Fences
One or two groups share solutions. Ask: "Why is it important to try and resolve conflicts?" Conclude that understanding each other is key.
Conflict Week 3 Slides Tier 2 Program
Navigating Conflict
Friendship Foundations: Week 3
Teacher Note: Welcome students. Start by asking about common friendship problems they've observed or experienced (keep it general, no names).
Conflict Happens: It's Normal!
"Even the best friends have disagreements. It's how we handle them that matters."
Teacher Note: Acknowledge that conflicts are normal. Introduce the idea of learning *how* to handle them well.
Strategies for Resolving Conflicts
1 Active Listening
2 "I" Statements
3 Find Common Ground
4 Genuine Apologies
5 Take a Break
Teacher Note: Revisit active listening and 'I' statements briefly. Introduce finding common ground, genuine apologies, and knowing when to cool down.
Solve It!
Work in small groups to discuss realistic friendship challenges.
Use our strategies to resolve the problem
Aim for at least two solutions per scenario
Teacher Note: Explain the small group activity. Emphasize applying the strategies discussed.
Stronger Through Solutions
"Learning to resolve conflicts respectfully builds trust and makes friendships even stronger."
Teacher Note: Bring groups back together. Ask what they learned or what strategies they think are most useful. Reinforce that solving conflicts strengthens friendships.
Conflict Resolution Scenarios Activity Conflict Resolution Scenarios
Week 3 • Practice
Instructions: Work in your small group to discuss each scenario. For each situation, think about the main problem and which strategies (active listening, "I" statements, common ground, apologies, or taking a break) could resolve it. Come up with two different ways to resolve the conflict.
Scenario 1: Misplaced Trust
"You told your friend, Alex, a secret that you specifically asked them not to share. The next day, you overhear another classmate talking about your secret, and they mention Alex told them. You feel betrayed and angry."
Two Possible Solutions:
Scenario 2: Constant Teasing
"Your friend, Sam, often makes jokes about you in front of other people. At first, you didn't mind, but now the jokes are starting to feel mean and they make you uncomfortable. You feel embarrassed and hurt."
Two Possible Solutions:
Scenario 3: Unequal Effort
"You and Jamie are working on a school project together. You've been doing most of the work, and Jamie keeps putting it off. The deadline is approaching, and you feel frustrated and overwhelmed."
Two Possible Solutions:
Scenario 4: Exclusion
"Lately, Chris and Taylor have been making plans without you, whispering and laughing, and sometimes even walking ahead of you. You feel left out and sad, like your friendship is changing."
Two Possible Solutions: Empathy Week 4 Lesson Plan Friendship Foundations Lesson Plan
Week 4: Empathy
7th Grade • Tier 2
Time
15 minutes
Objective
Students will define empathy and practice perspective-taking in friendship scenarios.
Materials
Whiteboard or chart paper
Markers
Week 4 Slide Deck
Empathy in Action Scenarios
The "Why"
Empathy is crucial for understanding and connecting with friends, leading to more supportive and compassionate relationships.
Preparation
Review the Week 4 Slide Deck and talking points.
Prepare whiteboard or chart paper and markers.
Print and cut out the Empathy in Action Scenarios cards.
Instructional Steps
3m
Warm-Up: Feelings Check-in
Ask: "If your emotions were a weather forecast right now, what would they be?" Briefly discuss how different emotions feel and how we can tell what others are feeling.
5m
Defining Empathy
Use Slide Deck to define empathy: "the ability to understand and share the feelings of another." Discuss empathy vs. sympathy (feeling with vs. feeling for).
5m
Activity: Empathy in Action
Distribute scenario cards. Students read and answer questions, putting themselves in the friend's shoes. A few students share reflections.
2m
Wrap-Up: The Empathy Challenge
Ask: "How can practicing empathy change how you interact with friends this week?" Encourage students to "walk in someone else's shoes."
Empathy Week 4 Slides Tier 2 Program
Walking in Their Shoes
Friendship Foundations: Week 4
Teacher Note: Welcome students. Begin with the 'Feelings Check-in' warm-up, asking about their emotional 'weather' and how they might guess others' feelings.
What is Empathy?
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
It's putting yourself in someone else's shoes to truly understand their perspective.
Teacher Note: Ask students what they think empathy means. Guide them towards a definition.
Empathy vs. Sympathy
Sympathy
Feeling pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune.
Empathy
Feeling with someone; understanding and sharing their feelings.
It's the difference between looking down at someone in a hole versus climbing down into the hole with them.
Teacher Note: Explain the difference clearly. Sympathy is feeling *for* someone. Empathy is trying to feel *with* someone.
Why is Empathy Important in Friendship?
Helps us truly connect
Offers better support
Avoids misunderstandings
Strengthens bonds
Teacher Note: Emphasize that practicing empathy helps us respond to friends in a more supportive and helpful way. Ask for examples.
Activity: Empathy in Action
"You'll read a scenario and think about how the friend might be feeling and why. Then, consider how you would respond with empathy."
Teacher Note: Explain the 'Empathy in Action Scenarios' activity. Encourage students to think deeply about the friend's perspective.
The Empathy Challenge
"By trying to understand our friends' perspectives, we can become more compassionate and supportive friends."
Walk in their shoes
Teacher Note: Conclude by reiterating the power of empathy. Encourage students to consciously practice empathy in their interactions this week.
Empathy in Action Scenarios Activity Empathy in Action
WEEK 4 • REFLECTION
Put Yourself in Their Shoes
Scenario 1: A Disappointing Performance
"Your friend, Maya, just tried out for the school play and didn't get the part she really wanted. She looks really upset and says, 'I practiced so hard for nothing! I'm never trying out for anything again.'"
1. How do you think Maya is feeling? (Think about specific emotions)
2. Why might she be feeling this way?
3. What could you say or do to show Maya empathy?
Scenario 2: Feeling Excluded Online
"Your friend, Leo, is usually very chatty in your group chat, but lately he's been quiet. You notice he's been posting stories with a different group of friends and hasn't responded to your last few messages. He seems withdrawn."
1. How do you think Leo might be feeling? (Consider multiple possibilities)
2. What might be some reasons for his behavior?
3. How could you reach out to Leo to show empathy?
Scenario 3: Stress at Home
"Your friend, Chloe, canceled plans at the last minute, saying she 'just can't.' She sounds really tired and mentions her parents have been really stressed, which means she has a lot more chores and responsibilities."
1. How do you think Chloe is feeling?
2. What might be causing her stress?
3. What is an empathetic way to respond to Chloe's cancellation?
Support Week 5 Lesson Plan Friendship Foundations Lesson Plan
Week 5: Being Supportive
7th Grade • Tier 2
Time
15 minutes
Objective
Students will identify ways to support friends and practice offering encouragement and appropriate help.
Materials
Whiteboard or chart paper
Markers
Week 5 Slide Deck
Supportive Friend Scenarios
The "Why"
Being a supportive friend strengthens bonds and helps friends navigate challenges, fostering a sense of belonging and care.
Preparation
Review the Week 5 Slide Deck and talking points.
Prepare whiteboard or chart paper and markers.
Print and cut out the Supportive Friend Scenarios cards.
Instructional Steps
3m
Warm-Up: When a Friend Needs You
Ask: "Imagine a friend is having a tough day. What's the first thing you usually do or say?" Briefly discuss initial responses and intentions.
5m
Introducing Supportive Actions
Use Slide Deck to discuss ways to show support: active listening, offering comfort, providing encouragement, asking how to help, and knowing when to get adult help. Emphasize tailoring support to what the friend needs.
5m
Activity: Supportive Friend Scenarios
Divide into pairs or small groups. Distribute scenario cards. Groups brainstorm how they would support their friend using the learned strategies. Circulate for feedback.
2m
Wrap-Up: The Ripple Effect
Ask: "Why is it sometimes hard to know how to help? What did you learn?" Highlight that small acts of kindness make a big difference.
Support Week 5 Slides Tier 2 Program
The Support Network
Friendship Foundations: Week 5
Teacher Note: Welcome students. Begin with the warm-up: asking how they typically respond when a friend is having a tough day.
What Does Support Look Like?
"It's about being there for our friends, especially when they need us most."
But how do we do it effectively?
Teacher Note: Ask students what they think it means to be a supportive friend. Guide them to think beyond just saying 'sorry'.
Ways to Show Support
Active Listening
Offer Comfort
Provide Encouragement
Ask, "How can I help?"
Know When to Get Adult Help
Teacher Note: Discuss each point. Remind them of Week 2 for listening. Talk about comfort words/actions. Stress honesty for encouragement. Explain asking vs. advice. Give clear examples for adult help.
Supportive Friend Scenarios
How would you support your friend in each scenario?
Which supportive actions would be most helpful?
Teacher Note: Explain the scenario activity. Emphasize applying the different supportive strategies discussed.
Your Role as a Friend
"Being a supportive friend means showing up, listening, and caring. Your kindness can make a huge impact on your friends' lives."
Teacher Note: Bring the groups back together. Ask what they found challenging or what they learned about being supportive. Reinforce impact of small acts.
Supportive Friend Scenarios Activity Supportive Friend Scenarios
Week 5 • Role Play
Instructions: Work in your group to discuss each situation. Think about how your friend might be feeling, what specific actions or words would help, and when to involve an adult.
Scenario 1: Performance Anxiety
"Your friend, Ben, has a big presentation coming up in class. He's usually confident, but he seems really nervous and keeps saying, 'I'm going to mess this up! I hate presenting.'"
How will you show up?
Scenario 2: Family Stress
"Your friend, Sarah, has been quieter than usual. She mentioned that her older sibling just moved away for college and her parents are arguing a lot. She looks tired and distant."
How will you show up?
Scenario 3: Dealing with a Bully
"Your friend, Daniel, tells you that someone at school has been consistently making mean comments to him and spreading rumors. Daniel is trying to ignore it, but you can see it's really getting to him."
How will you show up?
Scenario 4: A Tough Choice
"Your friend, Emily, is struggling with a decision about joining a new club. She feels torn and worried about disappointing either group. She asks you for advice."
How will you show up? Reflection Week 6 Lesson Plan Friendship Foundations Lesson Plan
Week 6: Reflection & Moving Forward
7th Grade • Tier 2
Time
15 minutes
Objective
Students will reflect on the skills learned throughout the program and commit to applying them in their friendships.
Materials
Whiteboard or chart paper
Markers
Week 6 Slide Deck
Friendship Pledge Cool Down
The "Why"
Reflecting on growth and planning for future application reinforces learning and empowers students to build lasting, healthy friendships.
Preparation
Review the Week 6 Slide Deck and talking points.
Prepare whiteboard or chart paper and markers.
Print copies of the Friendship Pledge Cool Down for each student.
Instructional Steps
3m
Warm-Up: Friendship Journey Recap
Ask: "What is one big idea or skill about friendship that you remember learning in this group?" Briefly list responses on whiteboard.
5m
Reflecting on Our Growth
Use Slide Deck to quickly review key themes from past weeks (qualities, communication, conflict, empathy, support). Facilitate discussion: "Which skill do you feel most confident using? Which one do you want to keep working on?"
5m
Activity: My Friendship Pledge
Distribute the Friendship Pledge Cool Down. Students individually write one specific way they will use what they've learned. Invite sharing for those comfortable.
2m
Wrap-Up: Celebrating Our Friendships
Thank students for participation. Reiterate that building friendships is a continuous journey. Offer final positive affirmation.
Reflection Week 6 Slides Tier 2 Program Completion
Celebrating Friendship
Friendship Foundations: Week 6
Teacher Note: Welcome students to the final session. Start with the warm-up, asking them to recall one big idea about friendship from the program.
Our Friendship Journey: A Recap
Qualities
Trust, Honesty, Respect
Communication
Active Listening, "I" Statements
Conflict
Resolution Strategies
Empathy
Walking in Their Shoes
Support
Being There for Others
Teacher Note: Quickly recap the main topics. Ask which skills they feel most confident about and which they want to practice more.
Reflecting on Our Growth
"Think about how your understanding of friendship has grown. What new ideas or skills have you gained?"
Growth is a continuous journey
Teacher Note: Emphasize that friendship is an ongoing journey. Discuss how they've grown over the past weeks.
My Friendship Pledge
Now, it's time to think about how you will USE what you've learned.
What is one way you will be an even better friend?
Teacher Note: Introduce the "Friendship Pledge Cool Down" activity. Explain they will write down a personal commitment.
Continue Building Awesome Friendships!
"Friendship is a gift that grows with care, communication, and understanding. Keep practicing these skills, and your friendships will flourish!"
Teacher Note: Thank the students for their hard work. Reiterate the value of their friendships and the skills they've developed. End with a positive message.
Friendship Pledge Cool Down My Friendship Pledge
Moving Forward & Building Connections
Now that we've spent six weeks exploring friendship, take a moment to reflect on what you've learned. What is one specific way you will use these skills to be an even better friend this week or in the future?
The Commitment
I, , pledge to...
I will achieve this by (specific action):
Skills I'm Bringing with Me:
Active Listening "I" Statements Conflict Resolution Empathy Support
Friendship Foundations Graduate
