Building Bridges: Friendship Skills

Brytnee Peacock

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Building Bridges: Friendship Skills

Support student in making friends

This lesson is designed to help an 11th-grade student with severe social anxiety develop skills and strategies for making friends. Through experiential learning and trauma-informed teaching, the student will engage in activities that promote self-awareness, empathy, and communication. This lesson is important as it provides a safe space for the student to explore social interactions and build confidence in forming friendships.

Audience

11th Grade Student with Social Anxiety

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Experiential Learning, Trauma-Informed Teaching, Inquiry-Based Learning, Active Learning

Materials

Discussion Questions, Friendship Skills Worksheet, Pens, and Paper

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Welcome the student and explain the purpose of the lesson: to explore ways to make friends and feel more comfortable in social situations.
Briefly discuss the importance of friendships and how they can positively impact our lives.

Step 2

Discussion

10 mins

Use the Discussion Questions to facilitate a conversation about past experiences with making friends.
Encourage the student to share their thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment.
Discuss the possibility that the student may not want to pursue friendships at this time and validate their feelings.
Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding in building friendships.

Step 3

Worksheet Activity

10 mins

Introduce the Friendship Skills Worksheet.
Guide the student through each question, encouraging them to reflect on their own experiences and strategies for making friends.
Offer support and suggestions as needed.

Step 4

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points discussed during the lesson.
Encourage the student to practice the strategies discussed in real-life situations.
Provide positive reinforcement and remind the student that building friendships takes time and effort.

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Discussion

Discussion Questions

A set of questions designed to facilitate a conversation about making friends and overcoming social anxiety.

What are some challenges you face when trying to make friends?

Encourage the student to be open about their experiences and feelings. Validate their emotions and provide reassurance.

Can you think of a time when you successfully made a new friend? What helped you in that situation?

Help the student identify positive experiences and the factors that contributed to their success.

What qualities do you look for in a friend?

Guide the student to reflect on the traits they value in friendships and how they can find these in others.

How do you feel about making friends right now? Is it something you want to pursue?

Allow the student to express their current feelings about friendships, and validate their choice whether or not to pursue them.

Worksheet

Friendship Skills Worksheet

A worksheet to help the student reflect on their experiences and strategies for making friends.

List three qualities you admire in a friend.

Think about friends you have or wish to have.

Describe a situation where you felt comfortable making a new friend. What made it easier?

Consider the environment, people involved, and your feelings.

What are some activities you enjoy that could help you meet new people?

Think about hobbies, clubs, or events you might like.