Lesson Plan
Building Better Bonds Lesson Plan
Students will identify four communication styles and strengthen friendship skills by practicing active listening in paired scenarios.
Effective peer relationships rely on clear communication and attentive listening; building these skills increases students’ confidence in forming supportive, lasting friendships.
Audience
10th Grade
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and paired role-play
Materials
Prep
Review and Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print and cut out Active Listening Scenario Cards
- Display or print the Communication Styles Chart
- Ensure each student has a Reflection Journals Template
- Set up a Session Timer for each activity segment
Step 1
Warm-Up Icebreaker
2 minutes
- Ask students to share one word that describes a good friend
- Quickly go around the circle to hear each response
- Emphasize listening attentively without interrupting
Step 2
Introduce Communication Styles
3 minutes
- Show the Communication Styles Chart
- Briefly explain the four styles: passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, assertive
- Ask for a volunteer to give a real-life example of one style
Step 3
Active Listening Practice
6 minutes
- Pair students and hand out Active Listening Scenario Cards
- One student reads the scenario while the other practices active listening (paraphrase, ask clarifying questions)
- After 3 minutes, switch roles and use a new card
- Use the Session Timer to keep pairs on track
Step 4
Group Debrief & Reflection
4 minutes
- Reconvene as a whole group
- Ask pairs to share one insight or challenge they encountered
- In journals, have students write one personal goal for improving their listening
- Collect or remind students to keep their reflection for next session
use Lenny to create lessons.
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Slide Deck
Building Better Bonds
• 15-minute Tier 2 group session
• 10th Grade students
• Objectives:
– Identify four communication styles
– Practice active listening to build friendships
Welcome everyone. Today’s session is “Building Better Bonds.” Our objective is to help you identify four communication styles and practice active listening to strengthen friendships. We have 15 minutes total. Let’s get started!
Warm-Up Icebreaker
• Share one word that describes a good friend
• Go around the circle to hear each response
• Focus on attentive listening
Icebreaker (2 minutes): Ask each student to share one word that describes a good friend. Go quickly around the circle. Emphasize listening attentively without interrupting.
Communication Styles
• Display Communication Styles Chart
• Four styles:
– Passive
– Aggressive
– Passive-Aggressive
– Assertive
• Ask for a volunteer example
Introduction (3 minutes): Display the Communication Styles Chart and briefly explain each style. Invite a volunteer to give a real-life example of one style.
Active Listening Practice
• Pair up and get Active Listening Scenario Cards
• Student A reads scenario; Student B practices active listening:
– Paraphrase
– Ask clarifying questions
• After 3 minutes, switch roles with a new card
• Use Session Timer
Active Listening Practice (6 minutes): Pair students and distribute scenario cards. Guide them through two 3-minute rounds, using the session timer to keep on track.
Group Debrief & Reflection
• Share one insight or challenge from practice
• Write one personal listening goal in your
Reflection Journals Template
• Collect journals or remind students to keep them
Debrief & Reflection (4 minutes): Reconvene as a group. Ask pairs to share one insight or challenge. Have students write a personal listening goal in their reflection journals.
Activity
Active Listening Scenario Cards
Use these scenario cards in pairs to practice active listening. One student reads the card aloud, and the other listens, paraphrases, and asks clarifying questions.
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Group Project Stress
“I feel like no one in my group is doing their part on our science project. I’m really stressed that the grade will suffer, and I don’t know how to bring it up without upsetting them.” -
Surprise Party Planning
“I want to plan a surprise birthday party for our best friend, but I’m worried it won’t be perfect. I’m also scared she might find out if I make a mistake.” -
Feeling Left Out
“Over the weekend, everyone hung out without inviting me. It made me feel left out and unsure if they even want me around anymore.” -
Family Conflict
“My parents have been arguing a lot at home, and I feel caught in the middle. I don’t know who to talk to or how to make things better.” -
Excitement and Nerves
“I just got accepted into the art program, and I’m so excited. But I’m also nervous about starting, meeting new people, and if I’ll fit in.” -
Balancing Commitments
“I have a big football game this Friday and two tests on Monday. I’m struggling to balance practice and studying; I’m worried I’ll let someone down.”
Use these prompts to practice paraphrasing what you hear, asking clarifying questions, and validating feelings. Keep each round to 3 minutes before switching roles.
Reading
Communication Styles Chart
This chart summarizes four common communication styles, along with their definitions and examples. Use this to recognize how you and others share feelings, needs, and opinions.
| Style | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Passive | Avoids expressing thoughts or feelings; puts others’ needs first at own expense. | “Sure, I don’t mind doing your homework for you.” |
| Aggressive | Expresses feelings and opinions in a forceful or hostile way; may hurt or intimidate others. | “Why are you always late? You never care about my time!” |
| Passive-Aggressive | Indirectly expresses negative feelings; may use sarcasm or backhanded comments instead of speaking up directly. | “Oh, it’s fine—I’ll just do everything myself, as usual.” |
| Assertive | Honest and respectful expression of needs, feelings, and ideas, while considering others’ rights. | “I feel left out when plans are made without me. Could we agree to include everyone next time?” |
Journal
Reflection Journals Template
Use this journal to reflect on today’s Building Better Bonds session. Answer each prompt in full sentences and use the space provided to think deeply about your listening skills and friendship growth.
1. What did you learn about the four communication styles from the Communication Styles Chart?
2. Describe a moment during the active listening practice when you successfully paraphrased or asked a clarifying question. What did you say, and how did it help your partner feel heard?
3. What challenge did you encounter while listening? Was there a moment you found it difficult to stay focused or to respond supportively? Explain and consider one strategy you can use next time.
4. Write one personal goal for improving your active listening skills before our next session. How will you practice this goal in your daily life?
5. Reflect on how strengthening your listening and communication skills can help you build better friendships. Give one specific example of a situation where these skills will be useful.
Keep this journal for our next session. We’ll revisit your goals and celebrate your progress in building better bonds!