An elementary social-emotional learning curriculum focusing on developing self-regulation skills, emotional awareness, empathy, and active listening. Through interactive challenges, role-play cards, and structured worksheets, students learn to command their calm and cultivate meaningful friendships.
Friendship Detective Scenario Cards
Act It Out
Two students role-play the conflict on the card exactly as written. Encourage them to use realistic tone and body language to portray the character's feelings.
The Detective Debrief
The other group members act as "Friendship Detectives" to analyze: How did each character feel? What was the "bug"? How can they use the "wish" formula to solve it?
Phase 4: Weekly Kit integration
15 Mins
Guide students to their daily SEL journals or weekly activity logs. Encourage active writing/reflection on playground scenarios. Emphasize that being a Friendship Detective is a daily practice, not a one-time event. Provide 3 guiding prompts:
"Describe a time when you realized a friend was sad even though they didn't say it."
"Write down a Bug & Wish statement you could use next time a classmate takes your pencil."
"Why does listening make us better teammates on the field and in the classroom?"
Common Roadblocks
Heads-up
Students may struggle to formulate realistic "Wishes" and instead propose unrealistic punishments (e.g. "I wish you were suspended"). Steer them back to actionable boundary wishes like "I wish you would ask before borrowing."
Extension Challenge
Extra Credit
Invite groups to write their own custom scenario based on a recent playground experience. Introduce the concept of "Mediator Detectives," where a third-party student helps guide both friends through their Bug & Wish statements.
HEART MIND EXPLORERS • SEL LESSONS Page 2 of 2
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The Masterpiece Mess
"You spent 20 minutes painting a gorgeous poster. While reaching for a paint container, Sofia accidentally knocks over her water cup all over it."
Detective Clues:
Sofia gasps, covers her mouth with her hands, and tears start to pool in the corners of her eyes.
Resolution Prompt: Identify the difference between an accident and a mean choice. Practice forgiving and cleaning up together.
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The Game Rule Rumble
"You are playing four-square. Mason says the ball was out. You are absolutely sure it hit the line. The whole game stops to argue."
Detective Clues:
Mason is stomping, pointing at the line, and crossing his arms with a tight, angry mouth.
Resolution Prompt: Use "Rock, Paper, Scissors" or a quick democratic vote to resolve a rule disagreement instantly.
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The Quiet Partner
"You are paired with Chloe for a science project. You suggest drawing a volcano, but Chloe doesn't reply and just stares at the floor."
Detective Clues:
Chloe is biting her lip, twisting her pencil back and forth, and whispering "I don't know."
Resolution Prompt: Practice active listening. Ask Chloe an open question: "What is something you like to draw?" to include her.
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The Borrowed Eraser
"You reach for your special giant star eraser, but it is missing. You turn and see Jax using it without having asked you first."
Detective Clues:
Jax shrugs and says "I just needed to fix a mistake" with a bored, uncaring tone of voice.
Resolution Prompt: Practice setting a strong boundary with a Bug & Wish statement about your personal belongings.
HEART MIND EXPLORERS • FRIENDSHIP CARDS Page 2 of 2
🎟️ Exit Ticket
Rate yourself: "I practiced active listening this week: ⭐ / ⭐⭐ / ⭐⭐⭐."
Weekly Reflection Tracker Color in the stars at the end of each day!
