Direct Talk Lesson Plan Session 1: The Power of Your Words
Friendship Frenzy: Drama-Free Friends
Time 20 MIN
Why It Matters
Learning to communicate directly and avoid gossip helps students build trust, prevent misunderstandings, and create a more positive and stable friend group. This skill is crucial for maintaining respectful relationships.
Objective
Students will be able to define healthy communication in friendships and identify strategies for addressing rumors and conflict directly, rather than through gossip.
Prep
Review Session 1 Slides
Print Rumor Ripple worksheets
Arrange desks for groups of 3-4
Audience
7th Grade / Tier 2 Group
Facilitation Guide
Time Activity Facilitator Notes 3 MIN Warm-Up: What's the Word?
Hook the students.
| Display warm-up slide. Ask: "Imagine someone told you a rumor about a friend. What's your first reaction?" Encourage students to shout out reactions. |
| 3 MIN |
Introduction: The Gossip Trap
| Use slide deck to define healthy vs. unhealthy communication. Discuss why gossip is damaging and how it erodes trust in groups. |
| 8 MIN |
Case Study: Rumor Ripple
Small group work.
| Split into groups of 3-4. Distribute worksheets. Groups read the case study and solve the problem using direct communication. Circulate and guide. |
| 4 MIN |
Group Share & Discussion
| Each group shares one key solution. Emphasize the importance of going to the source to clarify info. |
| 2 MIN |
Cool-Down: One Word Wisdom
| Ask: "What's one word you'll remember today about healthy communication?" Collect as exit tickets. |
Direct Talk Slides Friendship Frenzy!
Drama-Free Friends
Session 1: The Power of Your Words
Let's learn to keep our friendships strong!
Warm-Up: What's the Word?
Imagine This...
Someone tells you a rumor about a friend.
What's your first reaction?
Shout out a few words or feelings!
The Gossip Trap
Definition
Sharing information about others that isn't always true or helpful.
"Did you hear what happened in art class?"
Why is it damaging?
It breaks trust.
It hurts feelings.
It creates drama!
Your Superpower
Direct Communication
The "Talk To" Rule
Instead of talking ABOUT someone...
Talk TO them!
It Builds Trust
People know you are honest and upfront.
Solves Problems Faster
No middlemen, no confusing messages.
Shows Respect
You value the friendship enough to be real.
Rumor Ripple
Case Study Challenge
8 MINUTES
1
Work in your small groups.
2
Read the Art Class Accident story.
3
Discuss the questions and come up with a Super-Solution!
Use your worksheet!
Share Your Super-Solutions!
What was ONE key takeaway or solution your group found?
How did direct communication help?
One Word Wisdom
What's ONE WORD you'll remember today about healthy communication in friendships?
Write it down or share it aloud!
See you next time!
Rumor Ripple Worksheet Rumor Ripple
Friendship Frenzy // Session 1
Name:
Date:
Instructions
Read the case study below with your group. Discuss the questions that follow and write down your answers. Be ready to share!
The Art Class Accident
Maya loves art class, especially working with clay. One day, during a pottery project, she accidentally bumped into Liam, who was carrying a freshly painted ceramic mug. The mug slipped, crashed to the floor, and shattered. Liam was really upset because it was a gift he had made for his grandmother.
The next day, a rumor started spreading around school: "Maya intentionally broke Liam's mug because she's jealous of his art skills!" Soon, several students were whispering about Maya, and some even started giving her dirty looks. Maya felt confused and hurt because it was truly an accident, and she had apologized to Liam right away.
Liam, hearing the rumors, started to believe them, even though he had initially accepted Maya's apology. He began to avoid her, and their friendship felt strained.
1. What is the main problem in this situation?
2. Who is being affected by the rumor, and how?
3. If you were Maya, how would you feel? What would you want to do?
4. If you were a friend of Maya or Liam, what is the least helpful thing you could do?
5. What is the most helpful thing you could do to stop the rumor? Think about using direct communication .
6. Script It Out!
Write down a few sentences showing how Maya could talk to Liam directly OR how a friend could step in to stop the rumor ripple.
Who is talking?
Stop the rumor, save the friendship. ✌️
Boundaries Lesson Plan Session 2: Your Space, Your Peace
Friendship Frenzy: Drama-Free Friends
Time 20 MIN
Why It Matters
Understanding and setting healthy boundaries helps students protect their well-being and prevents them from getting caught in unnecessary conflicts that don't involve them directly.
Objective
Students will learn to identify appropriate boundaries in friendships and practice strategies for staying out of other people's conflicts and drama.
Prep
Review Session 2 Slides
Print/Cut Boundary Scenarios cards
Setup space for role-play activities
Audience
7th Grade / Tier 2 Group
Facilitation Guide
Time Activity Facilitator Notes 3 MIN Warm-Up: Line in the Sand
| Ask: "What does it mean to 'draw a line in the sand' in a friendship?" Discuss quick responses and link to the concept of boundaries. |
| 4 MIN |
Introduction: My Space, Your Space
| Define personal boundaries. Explain that they are about respect, not being mean. Give examples: "I can't lend you money," or "I need to study now." |
| 10 MIN |
Activity: Boundary Battle Scenarios
Role-Play practice.
| Groups brainstorm how to set a boundary using kind but firm language for their specific scenario. Groups perform a quick 1-minute role-play if time allows. |
| 3 MIN |
Cool-Down: Boundary Booster
| Ask: "Name one healthy boundary you could set, or one reason to stay out of drama." Use as an exit ticket. |
Boundaries Slides Friendship Frenzy!
Drama-Free Friends
Session 2: Your Space, Your Peace
Warm-Up: Line in the Sand
What does it mean to "draw a line in the sand" in a friendship?
Why would you do it?
Boundaries
Your Personal Force Field
What are they?
Rules you set for yourself.
They show others how to treat you.
Why matter?
Keep you safe & comfortable.
Prevent "Drama Burn-out!"
Steering Clear of Drama
Protecting your peace
Getting involved in other people's conflicts can make things worse.
"It's okay to listen, but you don't have to carry the load."
Why Stay Out?
Reduces your stress levels.
Avoids "friendly fire" blame.
Encourages them to talk directly.
Boundary Battle
Role-Play Challenge
10 MINUTES
Your Mission:
Identify the boundary.
Say 'No' kindly but firmly.
Role-play the win!
Use your scenario card!
Our Boundary Boosters!
What was challenging about setting it?
What did you learn about staying out?
What makes a boundary healthy?
Boundary Booster
Name ONE healthy boundary you could set, or one reason why it's good to stay out of drama.
Protect Your Peace!
Boundary Role Play Scenarios Boundary Battle
Friendship Frenzy // Session 2
Activity
Role-Play Cards
Mission Instructions
Choose one scenario below with your group. Discuss and prep your "Super-Solution" role-play!
Identify the boundary that needs setting.
Use kind but firm "I" statements.
Show how to stay out of the drama.
Role-play a positive outcome.
Scenario 1: The Secret Keeper
"Your friend, Alex, loves to tell you all the latest gossip about other students, even people you don't know well. Lately, the gossip has been about a mutual friend, Sam, and it's making you uncomfortable. Alex expects you to listen and react."
Your Challenge:
How can you tell Alex that you don't want to hear or talk about gossip without hurting their feelings or making them angry?
Scenario 2: The Constant Borrower
"Your friend, Jamie, often asks to borrow your things – lunch money, homework answers (just to 'check theirs'), or your favorite hoodie. You like Jamie, but you're starting to feel used, and it's becoming a problem."
Your Challenge:
How can you set a clear boundary with Jamie about borrowing your things, so they understand your limits without feeling rejected?
Scenario 3: The Group Conflict
"Two close friends, Chris and Taylor, are in a big argument. They've both been coming to you separately, trying to get you to take their side and badmouthing each other. You feel stuck in the middle and uncomfortable with the negativity."
Your Challenge:
How can you explain that you care about both but won't take sides, and encourage them to talk to each other directly?
Friendship Frenzy // Drawing the line for peace ✌️
Heartfelt Habits Lesson Plan Session 3: Heartfelt Habits
Friendship Frenzy: Drama-Free Friends
Time 20 MIN
Why It Matters
Kindness and honesty are foundations of strong, trusting friendships. Learning to address jealousy helps students overcome negative emotions that can harm their relationships.
Objective
Students will understand the importance of kindness and honesty in friendships and develop strategies for recognizing and managing feelings of jealousy.
Prep
Review Session 3 Slides
Review Jealousy Jitters Guide
No physical materials needed besides guide
Audience
7th Grade / Tier 2 Group
Facilitation Guide
Time Activity Facilitator Notes 3 MIN Warm-Up: True Colors
| Ask: "What does it mean to be a 'true friend'? What qualities come to mind?" Discuss honesty and kindness. |
| 4 MIN |
Introduction: Pillars of Friendship
| Introduce kindness and honesty. Lead a quick think-pair-share about a friend's kindness or hard honesty. |
| 8 MIN |
Understanding Jealousy
Group Discussion.
| Explain that jealousy is normal but manageable. Use the Jealousy Jitters guide to facilitate discussion on scenarios. Emphasize insecurity as the root. |
| 5 MIN |
Cool-Down: Friendship Fortune
| Students write one promise about being kinder or managing jealousy. Collect as exit tickets. |
Heartfelt Habits Slides Friendship Frenzy!
Drama-Free Friends
Session 3: Heartfelt Habits
Warm-Up: True Colors
What does it mean to be a "true friend"?
Trustworthy?
Supportive?
Fun to be with?
The Pillars of Friendship
Kindness
Being considerate, compassionate, and friendly. Showing care through your words and your actions.
Honesty
Being truthful and sincere. Telling the truth (even when it’s hard) with respect.
The Green-Eyed Monster
Understanding Jealousy
What is it?
A feeling of envy towards someone else’s success, possessions, or relationships.
Why does it pop up?
Feeling left out.
Worrying about losing a friend.
Comparing yourself to others.
Jealousy Jitters
Let's talk about real-life situations and how to handle those tricky feelings in a healthy way.
Discuss
Reflect
Solve
Taming the Monster
1
Acknowledge the feeling.
2
Talk it out with a trusted adult.
3
Focus on your own strengths.
Celebrate your friend!
A true friend wants you to shine!
Friendship Fortune
What's ONE PROMISE you can make to yourself about being a kinder friend or handling jealousy?
Jealousy Jitters Guide Jealousy Jitters
Friendship Frenzy // Session 3
Name:
Date:
Instructions
Discuss these scenarios with your group. There are no right or wrong answers—just honest reflection and ideas for healthy responses. Be ready to share!
Scenario 1
The New Best Friend
"Your best friend, Riley, recently started spending a lot of time with a new student, Jordan. They have inside jokes and walk home together. You feel a pang of jealousy every time you see them laughing."
What emotions might you be feeling?
Is it okay to feel jealous? Why?
What is a healthy vs. unhealthy response?
How can you strengthen the friendship?
Scenario 2
The Spotlight Stealer
"You and Sam both tried out for the play. Sam got the lead; you got a small part. Everyone is congratulating Sam, and you feel a mix of happiness and intense jealousy."
Difference between jealousy & being a good friend?
Positive actions you could take?
Scenario 3
The Talent Show-Off
"Taylor is really good at drawing. Their work is always praised. You also draw, but you feel like yours isn't as good and feel resentful of the attention Taylor gets."
Where do these feelings come from?
How can you use this to motivate yourself?
Friendship Frenzy // Celebrating others helps us shine too ✨
Letting Go Lesson Plan Session 4: Knowing When to Let Go
Friendship Frenzy: Drama-Free Friends
Time 20 MIN
Why It Matters
Learning to recognize and exit unhealthy friendships empowers students to protect their emotional well-being and seek out more positive, supportive connections.
Objective
Students will be able to identify characteristics of unhealthy friendships and develop strategies for navigating and, if necessary, ending such relationships respectfully.
Prep
Review Session 4 Slides
Print/Cut Red Flags, Green Flags Sort cards
Setup for group work
Audience
7th Grade / Tier 2 Group
Facilitation Guide
Time Activity Facilitator Notes 3 MIN Warm-Up: Friendship Pulse Check
| Ask: "What does a great friendship feel like? What does a not-so-great one feel like?" Brainstorm keywords. |
| 8 MIN |
Activity: Red Flags, Green Flags Sort
Categorizing behaviors.
| In groups, sort cards into "Green Flags" (healthy) and "Red Flags" (unhealthy). Emphasize that persistent red flags are concerning. |
| 6 MIN |
Discussion: When to Say Goodbye
| Guide discussion on unhealthy friendships (draining, negativity). Discuss safe/respectful strategies for stepping back or ending connections. |
| 3 MIN |
Cool-Down: My Friendship Compass
| Ask students to write one quality they value most in a healthy friend. Collect as an exit ticket. |
Letting Go Slides Friendship Frenzy!
The Final Session
Session 4: Knowing When to Let Go
Warm-Up: Friendship Pulse Check
Great Friendship
What does it feel like?
Not-So-Great
What's the vibe?
Think of feelings, actions, or vibes!
Flags & Signals
Green Flags
Signs of a healthy, supportive friendship.
Red Flags
Signs that it might be unhealthy or draining.
Work in your small groups to sort the cards!
Understanding the Signals
Common Green Flags?
Worrying Red Flags?
Any Yellow Flags?
When is a friendship unhealthy?
Make you feel constantly drained or sad.
Involve constant criticism or put-downs.
It's one-sided (you give, they take).
Pressures you to do things you're uncomfortable with.
Navigating Change
1
Try to talk directly (if safe).
2
Set firmer boundaries.
3
Gradually create distance.
4
Seek support from a trusted adult.
It's Okay to End It.
It's about protecting yourself, not punishing others.
My Friendship Compass
What is ONE QUALITY you value most in a healthy friend?
Stay Drama-Free! ✌️
Friendship Flags Sort Activity Flag Sort Challenge
Friendship Frenzy // Session 4
Group Activity
Instructions
Cut out the cards below. Work with your group to sort them into two piles: GREEN FLAGS (Healthy) and RED FLAGS (Unhealthy). Be ready to explain your choices!
Your friend celebrates your successes genuinely.
Your friend constantly talks about others behind their back.
You feel comfortable being yourself around your friend.
You often feel drained or anxious after being with your friend.
Your friend listens when you talk and offers support.
Your friend pressures you to do things you're uncomfortable with.
You and your friend respect each other's boundaries.
Your friend gets jealous easily when you spend time with others.
Your friend is honest with you, but does so kindly.
Your friend frequently criticizes you or puts you down.
You feel energized and happy after spending time together.
You feel like you have to change who you are to be accepted.
Your friend apologizes when they make a mistake.
Your friend only talks about themselves and doesn't ask about you.
You can trust your friend with secrets, and they keep them.
Your friend often breaks promises or lies to you.
You both make an effort to spend time together and include each other.
Your friend tries to control who you can and cannot be friends with.
Your friend encourages you to pursue your interests and goals.
Your friend always needs to be the center of attention.
Exit Ticket
My Friendship Compass
What is ONE quality you value most in a healthy friend, or ONE sign of an unhealthy friendship you will be mindful of moving forward?
