Good Friend Recipe Lesson Plan Good Friend Recipe
Week 1: Friendship Goals Program
6th Grade Girls
30 Minutes • Tier 2 Group
Objective
Students will be able to identify key characteristics of a good friend and understand the importance of positive friendship qualities.
Rationale
Understanding what makes a good friend helps students build healthy relationships, recognize positive behaviors in others, and embody those traits themselves. This is crucial for navigating social dynamics in middle school.
Prep Checklist
Review slides & activity sheets
Print Recipe Activity (1 per student)
Projector set up for slides
Markers/Colored Pencils
Instructional Steps
1
Welcome & Warm-up
5 MIN
Welcome students to the first session of Friendship Goals!
Teacher Script: "Hi everyone! Welcome to 'Friendship Goals!' Over the next six weeks, we're going to explore what it means to be a good friend, how to handle tricky social situations, and how to be accepting of everyone. Today, we're starting with the big question: What makes a good friend?"
Ask students to quickly share one word that comes to mind when they think of a "good friend." Record responses on the board.
2
Introducing Good Friend Qualities
10 MIN
Present the Friendship Goals Slide Deck - Week 1 . Lead a brief discussion on what qualities are essential for a strong friendship.
Teacher Script: "Let's dive a little deeper. What are some specific actions or characteristics that a good friend shows? Think about friends you admire, or even times you felt like a really good friend yourself. What was happening?"
3
Activity: Our Friendship Recipe
10 MIN
Distribute the Our Friendship Recipe Activity . Students will create a "recipe" for good friendship, listing ingredients (qualities) and instructions (actions).
Teacher Script: "Now, let's get creative! We're going to make a 'Friendship Recipe.' Think about all those amazing qualities we just talked about. What 'ingredients' go into a perfect friendship? And what 'steps' do we need to follow to make that friendship strong?"
4
Share & Reflect
5 MIN
Invite students to share a key ingredient or instruction from their "Friendship Recipe."
Teacher Script: "Who would like to share a special ingredient or a crucial step from their friendship recipe? What did you find to be most important?"
Introduce the Friendship Qualities Journal as a reflection. Emphasize that friendships are built on mutual respect.
Required Materials
Slide Deck - Week 1 Friendship Recipe Activity Friendship Qualities Journal
Good Friend Recipe Slides Friendship Goals
Week 1: What is a Good Friend?
#FRIENDSHIPGOALS
Qualities of a Good Friend
Trustworthy
Reliable and keeps your secrets safe.
Supportive
Cheers you on and helps you out.
Kind
Says and does thoughtful things.
Respectful
Listens to your different opinions.
Honest
Tells the truth gently.
Fun
Enjoyable to spend time with!
Activity: Friendship Recipe
What ingredients make a perfect friendship?steps do you follow to bake a truly great friendship?
Let's start cooking up some connections!
Building Strong Friendships
"Friendships are like gardens – they need care, kindness, and understanding to grow!"
What is one thing you'll take away today?
Our Friendship Recipe Activity Our Friendship Recipe
Think about what makes a friendship strong and positive.
Name: ________________________
Date: _________________________
Part 1: The Ingredients
What essential qualities go into a good friendship? List 5 "ingredients" and explain why each is important for the flavor of a great friendship!
Ingredient 1:
Why it's important:
Ingredient 2:
Why it's important:
Ingredient 3:
Why it's important:
Ingredient 4:
Why it's important:
Ingredient 5:
Why it's important:
Part 2: The Instructions
How do you put these ingredients together? Write the "steps" for building and maintaining a strong friendship.
1
Step Title:
What it looks like in real life:
2
Step Title:
What it looks like in real life:
3
Step Title:
What it looks like in real life:
Friendship Qualities Journal Friendship Journal
Week 1: Reflection
"True friendship is not about being inseparable—it's about being separated and finding nothing changes."
1
Thinking about yourself
What is one quality you already have that makes you a good friend? How do you show it in your daily life?
2
Thinking about others
What is one quality you admire in a friend? How does that quality make your friendship better?
3
Growing as a friend
What is one new "ingredient" or "instruction" you want to add to your own friendship recipe this week? How will you try to use it?
Navigating Bumps Lesson Plan Navigating Bumps
Week 2: Friendship Goals Program
6th Grade Girls
30 Minutes • Tier 2 Group
Objective
Students will learn to identify common friendship challenges and practice strategies for resolving conflicts respectfully.
Rationale
Learning to navigate disagreements and tricky social situations is essential for maintaining healthy friendships and reducing drama during middle school.
Prep Checklist
Review slides & scenarios
Print Scenarios Activity
Print Conflict Steps Worksheet
Cut out scenario cards (optional)
Instructional Steps
1
Welcome & Warm-up
5 MIN
Teacher Script: "Last week, we talked about what makes a good friend. Today, we're going to tackle something that happens in almost every friendship: challenges and disagreements. Who can share a time a friendship felt tricky or a disagreement came up?"
Discuss how challenges are normal and that our reaction matters.
2
Understanding Challenges
10 MIN
Present the Slide Deck - Week 2 . Discuss common bumps (misunderstandings, feeling left out, differing opinions).
Teacher Script: "Sometimes, even with the best ingredients, our friendship recipe can hit a snag. What are some common bumps in the road? How do these situations make you feel?"
3
Activity: Friendship Challenges
10 MIN
Distribute Friendship Challenge Scenarios . Divide students into small groups to discuss their assigned scenario.
Teacher Script: "Now, let's put on our problem-solving hats! Talk about how you would handle these situations to keep the friendship strong and avoid drama. Think about what you would say and do."
4
Share & Cool Down
5 MIN
Bring groups together to share strategies. Distribute Conflict Resolution Steps Worksheet .
Teacher Script: "Great job! What was one important thing you learned about dealing with challenges today? Remember, it's okay to have disagreements, but it's how we handle them that defines our friendships."
Required Materials
Slide Deck - Week 2 Challenge Scenarios Conflict Steps Worksheet
Navigating Bumps Slides Navigating Bumps
Dealing with Friendship Challenges
Friendship Bumps in the Road
Even the best friendships can have difficult moments. What snags have you hit?
Misunderstandings
Feeling Left Out
Arguments
Different Opinions
Challenges ≠ End of Friendship
Friendship challenges are normal! They are opportunities to:
Learn how to communicate
Understand each other more
Grow stronger together
Building Stronger Bonds
Dealing with challenges respectfully builds trust. Remember to:
1
Listen Actively
2
Communicate Clearly
3
Willing to Compromise
No Blame Zone
Focus on solving the problem, not pointing fingers.
Friendship Challenge Scenarios Activity Friendship Challenge Scenarios
Practice navigating the "bumps" to keep friendships strong.
Small Group Discussion
1
The Misunderstanding
You hear Maya was talking about you behind your back. You're hurt and confused, but Maya acts normal when she sees you.
Discussion Notes:
2
Feeling Left Out
Your group makes plans without you. You see their social media posts and feel sad. They say, "We thought you were busy."
Discussion Notes:
3
The Project Disagreement
You and Chloe have very different ideas for a school project. Both think your way is best. Frustration is building fast.
Discussion Notes:
4
Different Interests
You joined coding club and Sarah isn't interested. Sarah is upset that you're spending less time with her lately.
Discussion Notes:
Strategy Brainstorm
What are 3 things any of these situations need for a peaceful resolution?
Conflict Resolution Steps Worksheet The 5 C's
Conflict Resolution for Friendships
1
Calm Down
Take a breath. It's hard to think when you're upset. Find your center.
What does "calming down" look like for you?
2
Communicate Clearly
Use "I" statements. Focus on how you feel, not blaming the other person.
Write an "I" statement (e.g., "I feel ___ when ___.")
3
Consider Perspectives
Try on their shoes! Why might they be acting or feeling this way?
Why is empathy important in a conflict?
4. Compromise & 5. Choose a Solution
Find a "win-win" where both of you feel respected. This might mean meeting in the middle or working together on a brand new plan.
Practice: The Torn Book
"Your friend borrowed your favorite book and returned it with a torn page. You are really upset."
Calm Down:
Communicate:
Perspective:
Compromise:
Solution:
Empathy Superpowers Lesson Plan Empathy Superpowers
Week 3: Friendship Goals Program
6th Grade Girls
30 Minutes • Tier 2 Group
Objective
Students will define empathy and practice recognizing and responding to others' emotions and perspectives.
Rationale
Developing empathy allows students to build deeper, more supportive friendships and understand different viewpoints, which reduces misunderstandings.
Prep Checklist
Review empathy slides
Print Charades/Scenario cards
Cut out scenario cards
Print Reflection Journals
Instructional Steps
1
Welcome & Warm-up
5 MIN
Teacher Script: "Last week, we talked about how to handle tricky friendship situations. Today, we're going to explore a super important 'ingredient' for strong friendships: empathy. Who can tell me what empathy means to them?"
Have students share one emotion they've felt recently.
2
Introducing Empathy
10 MIN
Present Slide Deck - Week 3 . Explain the difference between sympathy and empathy.
Teacher Script: "Empathy is like trying on someone else's shoes to see what their walk is like. It's not just feeling bad for them, but trying to understand *why* they feel the way they do."
3
Activity: Empathy Practice
10 MIN
Use Empathy Charades/Scenarios . Students act out emotions or discuss responses in pairs/small groups.
Teacher Script: "Now, let's practice our empathy skills! In pairs, act out an emotion or discuss how to show empathy in a given situation. Remember to really put yourself in the other person's shoes."
4
Share & Reflect
5 MIN
Teacher Script: "Excellent work today! What's one way you plan to show more empathy to a friend or family member this week?"
Introduce the Empathy Reflection Journal for home reflection.
Lesson Material
Empathy Slides
Lesson Material
Charades/Scenarios
Lesson Material
Reflection Journal
Empathy Superpowers Slides Step into My Shoes
The Superpower of Empathy
What is Empathy?
"The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person."
Empathy is NOT Sympathy
Sympathy: Feeling sorry for someone.
Empathy: Feeling with someone and understanding their perspective.
Empathy in Action
Listen
Give your full attention without interrupting.
Validate
"That sounds really frustrating/exciting."
Ask
"How can I help you right now?"
Your Friendship Superpower!
When you show empathy, you help your friends feel heard, understood, cared for, and less alone.
Deepen your connections!
Empathy Charades & Scenarios Activity Empathy Practice
Week 3 Activity
A
Option 1: Empathy Charades
Cut out these cards. One person acts out the emotion without speaking. The other person guesses the emotion and offers an empathetic response!
Sad / Upset
Frustrated
Excited
Confused
Lonely
Proud
Anxious
Happy
Scared
B
Option 2: Empathy Scenarios
Scenario 1: Lost Project
Lily worked hard on her science project and can't find it. It's due tomorrow. She looks like she's about to cry.
Your Empathetic Response:
Scenario 2: Tough Game Loss
Chloe missed a crucial shot in a soccer game and her team lost. She's sitting by herself avoiding eye contact.
Your Empathetic Response:
Scenario 3: The New Kid
Samira is a new student. She sits quietly by herself during lunch and looks nervous. She hasn't met anyone yet.
Your Empathetic Response:
Empathy Reflection Journal Empathy Journal
Reflection • Week 3
Name: ________________________
1
Observing Empathy
Think about a time recently when someone showed you empathy. What did they do or say that made you feel truly understood?
2
Practicing Empathy
Describe a situation this week where you tried to show empathy to a friend or family member. What did you do or say to "step into their shoes"?
3
The Impact of Empathy
How do you think showing empathy helps to build stronger, more positive friendships? What's one benefit you see for yourself and your friends?
Celebration Colors Lesson Plan Celebrate Our Colors
Week 4: Friendship Goals Program
6th Grade Girls
30 Minutes • Tier 2 Group
Objective
Students will recognize and appreciate the unique qualities of themselves and others, fostering an inclusive environment.
Rationale
Embracing diversity and promoting inclusion helps students build a wider circle of friends, reduces prejudice, and creates a more supportive social environment.
Prep Checklist
Review slides - Week 4
Yarn or string for Activity
Print Unique Discussion guide
Markers/Art supplies
Instructional Steps
1
Similarities & Differences
5 MIN
Teacher Script: "Today, we're going to celebrate something really special: what makes each of us unique! Let's share one thing that makes you unique and one thing you have in common with at least one other person in the group."
2
Exploring Diversity
10 MIN
Present Slide Deck - Week 4 . Discuss how different backgrounds and interests enrich friendships.
Teacher Script: "Sometimes we gravitate towards people who are just like us. But amazing friendships can also form when we connect with people who are different. Why do you think it's important to have friends with different perspectives?"
3
Activity: Friendship Web
10 MIN
Facilitate the Friendship Web of Strengths activity. Use yarn to physically connect students as they share strengths.
Teacher Script: "Let's create a 'Friendship Web of Strengths'! Each of you brings something wonderful. We're going to visually connect how different strengths weave together to make our group strong and inclusive."
4
Share & Reflect
5 MIN
Teacher Script: "Look at all the incredible strengths in this group! How can we make sure everyone always feels included and valued in our friendships outside this group?"
Week 4 Slide Deck Unique Discussion Guide Web of Strengths Activity
Celebration Colors Slides Celebrate Our Colors
Valuing Diversity & Inclusion
What Makes Us Shine?
Our differences make our friendships more vibrant and interesting!
Special
Unique talents & hobbies.
Different
Family traditions & backgrounds.
Perspective
New ways of thinking.
The Power of Inclusion
Inclusion means making sure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Learn New Things
Gain Perspectives
Expand Your Circle
Belonging
Activity: Web of Strengths
Let's create a web to show how our different qualities connect us and make our group stronger!
Stronger Together!
What Makes Us Unique Discussion Guide What Makes Us Unique?
Discussion Guide • Celebrating Differences
1. Unique Qualities
Think about yourself. What are some things that make you uniquely YOU?
2. Beyond Similarities
What are the benefits of having friends who are DIFFERENT from you? How can they enrich your life?
3. Learning & Growing
Have you ever learned something new because of a friend with a different background or way of thinking?
4. Celebrating Differences
How can we actively celebrate the differences in our friends? What does appreciation look like?
What is Inclusion?
What does it mean for a group of friends to be truly "inclusive"? How can you make sure everyone feels seen and valued?
Friendship Web of Strengths Activity Friendship Web of Strengths
Connecting Our Unique Talents
Every Strength Counts
Every person brings unique strengths to a friendship. When we put them all together, we create a strong, supportive web!
Ideas for Qualities
Funny Creative Good Listener Kind Adventurous Problem-Solver Brave Positive
Interactive Option
Teacher-Led Yarn Web
Sit in a circle.
Teacher shares a personal strength and tosses yarn to a student.
That student shares their strength, holds the yarn, and tosses the ball to another person.
Continue until a beautiful web connects everyone!
Drawing Your Web
Write "Our Friendship Group" in the center. Branch out with the unique strengths you bring!
Draw your web of strengths here...
My Friendship Rules Lesson Plan My Friendship Rules
Week 5: Friendship Goals Program
6th Grade Girls
30 Minutes • Tier 2 Group
Objective
Students will identify characteristics of healthy vs. unhealthy friendships and learn strategies for setting boundaries.
Rationale
Understanding healthy boundaries empowers students to protect their well-being, reduce drama, and cultivate respectful friendships.
Prep Checklist
Review slides - Week 5
Print Healthy vs Unhealthy Worksheet
Print Boundaries Journal
Instructional Steps
1
What's Okay?
5 MIN
Teacher Script: "Today, we're going to talk about how to protect ourselves and make sure our friendships are always good for us. What does 'self-respect' mean to you in a friendship? What is something it's always okay to say 'no' to?"
2
Healthy vs. Unhealthy
10 MIN
Present Slide Deck - Week 5 . Discuss behaviors like trust vs. gossip, support vs. jealousy.
Teacher Script: "What happens when the 'good ingredients' are missing? What does an unhealthy friendship *feel* like vs a healthy one?"
3
Activity: Defining Boundaries
10 MIN
Distribute Healthy vs. Unhealthy Friendships Worksheet . Students categorize behaviors and identify personal boundaries.
Teacher Script: "Your rules for how you want to be treated are your boundaries. Let's practice telling the difference between actions that help or hurt a friendship."
4
Share & Setting Boundaries
5 MIN
Teacher Script: "It takes courage to set boundaries, but it's a huge step towards having fulfilling friendships. What's one small boundary you can practice setting this week?"
Week 5 Materials: Slides • Healthy vs Unhealthy Worksheet • Boundaries Journal
My Friendship Rules Slides My Friendship, My Rules
Self-Respect & Healthy Boundaries
Healthy vs. Unhealthy
Healthy
• Trust & Honesty
• Mutual Respect
• Support & Cheers
• Good Communication
Unhealthy
• Gossip & Betrayal
• Jealousy & Control
• Pressure & Fear
• Feeling Ignored
What are Boundaries?
"Invisible lines you draw to protect your feelings, time, and energy. They are YOUR rules for how others treat you."
"I don't like when friends gossip."
"I need alone time sometimes."
"I'm not comfortable sharing that secret."
Protecting Your Garden
Setting boundaries is a way to take care of yourself and ensure your friendships are respectful, supportive, and happy.
Respect Yourself First!
Healthy vs Unhealthy Friendships Worksheet Healthy vs. Unhealthy
Recognizing positive and negative friendship traits.
1
Sorting Friendship Actions
Action H / U 1. Your friend always listens to you, even when they disagree. 2. Your friend makes fun of you in front of other people. 3. You feel pressured to do things you don't want to do. 4. Your friend celebrates your successes and cheers you on. 5. Your friend spreads rumors or gossips about others. 6. You feel comfortable telling your friend how you honestly feel. 7. Your friend tries to control who you can be friends with.
2
My Friendship Boundaries
1. What does a healthy friendship feel like to you?
2. What are 3 important boundaries you want to have?
#1
#2
#3
3. How would you communicate one of these boundaries?
Practice using an "I" Statement!
Setting Boundaries Journal Setting Boundaries Journal
Reflection • Week 5
1
Understanding Your Needs
What is one specific thing you realized today that you need in a friendship to feel respected and happy?
2
Challenging Yourself
Setting boundaries can be tough! What is one small step you can take this week to practice setting a boundary or standing up for your self-respect?
3
Positive Impact
How do you think clearly communicating your boundaries will ultimately make your friendships stronger and more authentic?
Respect begins with YOU.
Future Blueprints Lesson Plan My Future Blueprint
Week 6: Friendship Goals Program
6th Grade Girls
30 Minutes • Final Session
Objective
Students will reflect on their learning and create personal goals for building and maintaining positive friendships in the future.
Rationale
Reflecting on learned skills and setting future goals empowers students to apply knowledge proactively, ensuring continued social-emotional growth.
Session Checklist
Projector for Week 6 slides
Print Friendship Blueprint Activity
Print Superpower Exit Tickets
Markers/Colored pencils
Instructional Steps
1
Quick Wins Warm-up
5 MIN
Teacher Script: "Wow, we've reached our last session! What's one 'win' or one new thing you've tried about friendships since we started this program?"
Briefly recap the journey: ingredients, empathy, boundaries, and inclusion.
2
Reflecting on the Journey
10 MIN
Present Slide Deck - Week 6 . Lead discussion on the most valuable lessons learned.
Teacher Script: "What surprised you the most, or what do you feel more confident about now? How will you carry these lessons forward into 7th grade and beyond?"
3
Activity: My Friendship Blueprint
10 MIN
Distribute My Friendship Blueprint Activity . Students design their personal guide for future friendship success.
Teacher Script: "Today, you're designing your own 'Friendship Blueprint'! What will your blueprint include to make friendships strong, healthy, and full of joy?"
4
Share & Celebrate
5 MIN
Teacher Script: "You now have powerful tools to create the kind of friendships you deserve. Keep practicing these skills and being the amazing friends you are!"
Collect Friendship Superpower Exit Tickets as they leave.
Friendship Goals Program • Final Session
Blueprint Activity Exit Ticket
Future Blueprints Slides My Future Blueprint
The Final Session: Planning for Success
Our Friendship Journey
1
Good Friend Qualities
2
Handling Challenges
3
Showing Empathy
4
Celebrating Differences
5
Setting Boundaries
Which was most important to YOU?
Design Your Future Friendships!
Create a personal blueprint for the kind of friendships you want to build and how you will make them strong, supportive, and joyful.
Shine Your Superpowers!
You now have the tools to create the respectful and joyful friendships you deserve.
You've Got This!
My Friendship Blueprint Activity My Friendship Blueprint
Designing My Future Connections
Part 1: My Friendship Foundation
What core values will form the base of your future friendships?
Stone 1
Stone 2
Stone 3
Stone 4
Stone 5
Part 2: The Walls (My Actions)
What specific actions will YOU use to build and strengthen your friendships?
Part 3: The Roof (My Hopes)
What feelings or experiences do you hope your friendships are filled with?
Part 4: My Friendship Superpower!
Draw a symbol or picture representing your ideal friendship here...
Friendship Superpower Exit Ticket Friendship Superpower
Exit Ticket • Final Reflection
One big takeaway from the program:
One superpower you'll use this week:
(e.g., Empathy, Boundary Setting, Inclusive Action)
Friendship Goals
6-Week Journey Complete!
Stay Incredible
