Power Up Lesson Plan Teacher Guide Friendship Power-Up!
Tier 2 Intervention | 5th Grade Girls
Duration 4 WEEKS
The Purpose
Developing confidence, setting healthy boundaries, and communicating assertively are crucial life skills that empower students to navigate friendships, build self-esteem, and establish respectful relationships, preventing misunderstandings and promoting mutual respect.
Materials Needed
Markers or pens
Friendship Power-Up! Slide Deck
Confidence Web Activity (Session 1)
Boundary Builders Activity (Session 2)
Communication Styles Sort (Session 3)
Role-Play Scenario Cards (Session 3)
Preparation
Review (15 mins)
Read through the Facilitator Script and Slide Deck before each session to familiarize yourself with the Damour communication concepts (Bulldozer/Doormat).
Print & Organize
Ensure you have enough copies of the specific session activity for both students. Prepare markers and a designated space for the "Friendship Toolkit" creation in Session 4.
Session Roadmap
1
Confidence Boosters (30 Minutes)
Focus: Internal strengths and positive self-talk.
Introduction to the group & program goals
Activity: Confidence Web (Identifying personal strengths)Discussion: Confident body language practice
2
Healthy Boundaries (30 Minutes)
Focus: Personal space, "yes/no" feelings, and mutual respect.
Definition of boundaries (The "Invisible Fence" concept)
Activity: Boundary Builders (Scenario analysis)Discussion: Recognizing the "uncomfortable" feeling
3
Assertive Communication (30 Minutes)
Focus: Speaking clearly using the Damour models.
Communication Styles: Bulldozer, Doormat, and Assertive
Activity: Communication Styles Sort & Role-Play ScenariosTool: "I feel... when... because... I need..." formula
4
Integration & Toolkit (30 Minutes)
Focus: Synthesizing skills and looking forward.
Reflective check-in on recent friendship challenges
Activity: Friendship Toolkit CreationFinal graduation and celebration of superpowers
Facilitator Guide Script Facilitator Guide
Friendship Power-Up! | Program Script
Guide Instructions
This script provides specific talking points. Text in bold is for you to read aloud. Text in [brackets] indicates student names or specific actions to take with the materials.
Session 1
Confidence Boosters
1. Welcome & Intro (5 min)
Goal: Set a positive tone and explain "Confidence."
"Hi [Girl 1's Name] and [Girl 2's Name]! I'm so glad you're here. We are going to explore ways to build even stronger, happier friendships. Today, we're starting with Confidence! What does a really good friendship feel like to you?"
2. Confidence Web Activity (15 min)
Goal: Visualizing personal strengths.
"Feeling good about yourself helps you speak up and be a great friend! In the center of this web, write your name. In the circles around it, write things that make you feel good or qualities you have—your 'confidence threads'!"
3. Body Language Practice (5 min)
Goal: Showing confidence physically.
"Confidence is also about how we show up. Let's practice standing tall, making eye contact, and using a clear voice. Stand up! Say 'Hi' in your most confident voice!"
Session 2
Healthy Boundaries
1. The "Invisible Fence" (5 min)
Goal: Define boundaries.
"Today we're talking about healthy boundaries. Think of them like invisible fences. They are your personal rules about what makes you feel comfortable and respected. Why do you think these rules are important?"
2. Boundary Builders (20 min)
Goal: Practice identifying "No" feelings.
"Let's look at some situations. Think about how you'd feel—comfortable or uncomfortable. If it's a 'No' for you, how would you protect your space?"
Session 3
Assertive Communication
1. Communication Models (8 min)
Goal: Introduce the Bulldozer and Doormat styles.
"A 'Bulldozer' rolls over others to get their way. A 'Doormat' lets others walk all over them. Our goal is to be 'Assertive'—clearly and respectfully saying what we need. Use the formula: 'I feel [feeling] when [situation] because [reason]. I need [request].'"
Power Up Slide Deck Presentation Friendship Power-Up!
Building Stronger Connections
CONFIDENCE • BOUNDARIES • COMMUNICATION
TEACHER NOTES: Welcome to Session 1! Agenda: Quick check-in, introduction, Confidence Web activity, and body language practice. Icebreaker: What's one thing you're looking forward to this week?
What Makes a Friendship STRONG?
How does it feel?
What are the ingredients?
"A good friendship makes you feel safe to be yourself."
TEACHER NOTES: Refer to Session 1 script. Ask: What are some important ingredients for strong connections? Listen for: Trust, kindness, honesty, and feeling good about yourself.
Confidence Boosters
Body Language
Stand tall (no slouching!)
Make eye contact
Use a clear, steady voice
Positive Self-Talk
"I can try my best!"
💪
POWER UP!
TEACHER NOTES: Session 1 focus. Practice: Stand up tall, shoulders back. Say "Hi!" clearly. Contrast this with slouching and whispering.
Healthy Boundaries
🏡
The "Fence"
Invisible rules about your comfort and safety.
📢
Clear Limits
Protecting your feelings, time, and stuff.
🤝
Mutual Respect
Respecting yourself and respecting others.
Boundaries help you say YES to yourself and NO to things that don't feel right.
TEACHER NOTES: Welcome to Session 2! Discuss: Why are personal rules important in friendships? Key: Avoiding misunderstandings and feeling safe.
Assertive Communication
🚜
Bulldozer
Pushing your way over others.
🚪
Doormat
Letting others walk all over you.
🦔
Spiky Mat
Passive-aggressive until you explode.
⭐
Assertive
Clear, Calm, Respectful.
"I feel [feeling] when [situation] because [reason]. I need [request]."
TEACHER NOTES: Session 3 focus. Use Dr. Lisa Damour's concepts. Goal: Avoid being the bulldozer OR the doormat. Practice the "I feel" phrase as a group.
Let's Practice!
Work together to act out different situations.
💪 BODY LANGUAGE
🗣️ I FEEL... PHRASES
TEACHER NOTES: Session 3 Practice. Use the Role-Play cards. Switch roles so each student practices being the one expressing the boundary. Provide immediate coaching on tone and eye contact.
Confidence Web Activity Confidence Web
Building your inner friendship power!
Name:
Date:
Instructions
In the center circle, write your name. In the circles around it, write things that make you feel good about yourself, things you are good at, or positive qualities you have. These are your confidence threads ! Connect them to the center with lines.
Me
Write name here
✨
Need ideas? Think about your hobbies, how you treat others, something you've learned recently, or a time you were brave!
Boundary Builders Activity Boundary Builders
Setting your "invisible fence" for healthy friendships.
Name:
Date:
Read each situation. Decide how you would feel—comfortable or uncomfortable . Then decide if you would say Yes or No . If you say No, write down what you could say to set a boundary.
1
Sharing Secrets
Your friend wants you to share a secret about another classmate that you promised not to tell. They say, "If you're really my friend, you'll tell me!"
How do you feel?
Comfortable Uncomfortable
Yes or No?
Yes No
What could you say or do to set a boundary?
2
Borrowing Belongings
Your friend always asks to borrow your favorite pencil, but they forget to give it back or it comes back broken. Today, they are asking again.
How do you feel?
Comfortable Uncomfortable
Yes or No?
Yes No
What could you say or do to set a boundary?
3
Too Much Time Together
Your friend wants to spend every single recess with you. You really like them, but sometimes you want to play with other friends or just have some alone time.
How do you feel?
Comfortable Uncomfortable
Yes or No?
Yes No
What could you say or do to set a boundary?
Communication Styles Sort Activity Style Sort
Bulldozer, Doormat, or Assertive?
Name:
Date:
🚜
Bulldozer
Rolls over others' feelings.
🚪
Doormat
Lets others walk over them.
⭐
Assertive
Clear, calm, and respectful.
Instructions: Read each situation. Decide which communication style is being used. Then, for "Bulldozer" or "Doormat" examples, write what an Assertive person would say instead!
Scenario 1
"We're doing MY idea for the project, and that's final! I don't care what anyone else wants."
Communication Style:
What would an assertive person say instead?
Scenario 2
Your friend keeps interrupting you, but you just keep quiet and let them talk, even though you have something important to say.
Communication Style:
What would an assertive person say instead?
Scenario 3
"It really hurt my feelings when you all went to the park without me. I'd like to be included next time."
Communication Style:
Why did you pick this style?
Scenario 4
Someone takes your pencil without asking. You whisper to a different friend, "Ugh, she ALWAYS takes my stuff. It's so annoying!" but you say nothing to the person who took it.
Communication Style:
What would an assertive person do or say instead?
Role Play Scenarios Activity Role-Play Challenge
Putting your assertive communication into action!
PRO-TIP
Use the Assertive Formula: "I feel when because . I need ."
Scenario 1: The Group Project
Workplace Power
Your friend isn't doing their share of the work on a project, and the deadline is tomorrow. You're worried about your grade.
Plan your assertive response:
I feel
when
because
I need
Scenario 2: Unwanted Advice
Play Power
Your friend keeps telling you how to play a game or do an art project, even though you didn't ask. You're feeling frustrated.
Plan your assertive response:
I feel
when
I need
Scenario 3: Different Interests
Choice Power
Your friend always wants to play the same game at recess. You want to try something different today, but they seem upset when you suggest it.
Plan your assertive response:
I feel
when
I need
Scenario 4: A Hurtful Comment
Feeling Power
Your friend made a joke that really hurt your feelings. You want them to know, but you don't want to start a big fight.
Plan your assertive response:
I feel
when
I need
Friendship Toolkit Worksheet Friendship Toolkit
Your personal collection of social superpowers!
Name:
Date:
Think about everything we've learned! Fill your toolkit with the phrases, rules, and strengths that will help you build amazing friendships.
Confidence Booster
My Favorite Positive Self-Talk:
One thing I'm proud of:
Boundary Rule
My "Invisible Fence" Rule:
It's okay for me to say NO when:
Assertive Action
My "I Feel" Formula Reminder:
I FEEL...
WHEN...
BECAUSE...
I NEED...
My Graduation Goal
How I will use my friendship superpowers this week:
