Lesson Plan
Friend or Frienemy? Lesson Plan
Students will learn to identify and differentiate positive friendship behaviors from frienemy actions and practice responding with kindness to build healthy relationships.
Early awareness of supportive versus hurtful peer behaviors equips 1st graders to create respectful friendships, reduce conflicts, and develop empathy.
Audience
1st Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive sorting, role-play, and reflection.
Materials
- Friendship Behavior Sorting Cards, - Frienemy Role-Play Scenarios, - Friendship Reflection Worksheet, and - Whiteboard and Markers
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print and cut out Friendship Behavior Sorting Cards.
- Review and familiarize yourself with each scenario in Frienemy Role-Play Scenarios.
- Make copies of the Friendship Reflection Worksheet for each student.
- Ensure whiteboard and markers are ready for class discussion.
Step 1
Introduction and Brainstorm
5 minutes
- Gather students on the carpet and explain that today they’ll explore what makes someone a good friend or a frienemy.
- On the whiteboard, draw two columns labeled “Friend” and “Frienemy.”
- Ask students to shout out examples of kind actions and hurtful actions; record their ideas under the correct column.
Step 2
Sorting Activity
10 minutes
- Divide students into small groups and give each group a set of Friendship Behavior Sorting Cards.
- Instruct groups to sort each card under “Friend” or “Frienemy” headings on their desk.
- Circulate to prompt discussion: “Why did you put this action here?”
- After 5 minutes, have one representative from each group share a few sorted cards and their reasoning.
Step 3
Role-Play Scenarios
10 minutes
- Assign each group one scenario from Frienemy Role-Play Scenarios.
- Explain that students will act out the scenario, first demonstrating the frienemy behavior, then showing a positive friendship response.
- Give groups 3 minutes to plan and 2 minutes per group to perform.
- After each performance, ask the class how the second version showed better friendship behaviors.
Step 4
Reflection and Closure
5 minutes
- Distribute the Friendship Reflection Worksheet.
- Ask students to draw or write one thing they will do this week to be a better friend.
- Invite a few volunteers to share their commitment.
- Summarize the lesson by reinforcing that kind actions build trust, while hurtful behaviors can damage friendships.
Slide Deck
Friend or Frienemy?
Let’s learn how to be good friends and spot frienemies!
Welcome the class to the lesson. Introduce the topic: today we’ll learn what makes someone a good friend and how sometimes friends can act like frienemies. Use a friendly, excited tone.
Introduction & Brainstorm
• Draw two columns: Friend | Frienemy
• Ask students for kind actions and hurtful actions
• Write each idea under the correct column
Explain that a friend does kind things and a frienemy does hurtful things. Draw two columns labeled “Friend” and “Frienemy” on your board. Invite students to shout out examples and record their ideas.
Sorting Activity
• In groups, use your Sorting Cards
• Place each card under Friend or Frienemy
• Talk about: “Why did you choose this?”
Divide students into small groups. Distribute the Friendship Behavior Sorting Cards. Encourage groups to talk through each card and decide where to place it. Circulate and ask probing questions.
Role-Play Scenarios
• Each group gets a scenario card
• Act out the frienemy version
• Then show a positive friendship response
• Class shares: What made the second version better?
Assign each group one scenario. Have them decide how to act it out first as a frienemy, then as a good friend. Time their planning and performances. After each, lead a quick discussion on the friendship version.
Reflection & Closure
• Draw or write one way you’ll be a better friend
• Share your idea with the class
• Remember: Kind actions build trust!
Hand out the reflection worksheet. Ask students to draw or write one thing they will do this week to be a better friend. Invite volunteers to share. Reinforce that small acts of kindness build strong friendships.
Be a Good Friend!
Everyone can choose kindness. You are ready to be a great friend!
Encourage students to use what they learned every day. Praise their good ideas. End on a positive, upbeat note.
Activity
Friendship Behavior Sorting Cards
Below are the cards for the sorting activity. Cut them out and place each card under the “Friend” or “Frienemy” column during the lesson.
Cards:
- Offers to share a snack
- Shares art supplies with you
- Helps you clean up toys
- Invites you to join a game
- Says “good job” when you do well
- Plays fair and takes turns
- Helps you when you are sad
- Takes your toy without asking
- Calls you a mean name
- Laughs when you make a mistake
- Tells other kids your secret
- Excludes you from their group
- Teases you about your clothes
- Says they won’t play with you
Activity
Frienemy Role-Play Scenarios
Cut these scenario cards out. In your group, first act out the “Frienemy” version, then practice the “Friend” version to show a kinder choice.
Scenario 1: Sharing Toys
- Frienemy Version: You grab your friend’s toy and run away laughing.
- Friend Version: You ask, “Can I play with this, too?” and offer to take turns.
Scenario 2: Excluding a Friend
- Frienemy Version: You point at your friend and say, “You can’t play with us!” then walk off.
- Friend Version: You say, “Come play with us!” and include them in the game.
Scenario 3: Teasing
- Frienemy Version: You notice your friend’s new hat and say, “That looks silly!” while giggling.
- Friend Version: You say, “I like your hat! It’s so cool.” and ask them where they got it.
Scenario 4: Telling Secrets
- Frienemy Version: You know your friend’s secret and you tell it out loud to everyone.
- Friend Version: You whisper, “I promise I won’t tell anyone,” and keep their secret safe.
Worksheet
Friendship Reflection Worksheet
Today you learned how to spot kind friend behaviors and tricky frienemy actions. Now it’s your turn to think of ways you can be a great friend!
1. Draw a Kind Action
Draw a picture of you doing something kind for a friend.
Use your crayons or pencils to show what you would do.
2. Write Your Friendship Promise
Write one thing you will do this week to be a better friend.
Start your sentence like this: I will be a good friend by ___
Great job! Keep your promise and show kindness every day. 😊
Warm Up
Friend or Frienemy Warm-Up
Let’s get our brains ready to think about friendships!
1. Draw a Friend Action
In the box below, draw one thing a good friend might do to make you feel happy.
2. Draw a Not-So-Nice Action
In the box below, draw one thing someone might do if they are acting like a frienemy (not a true friend).
3. Turn & Share
Turn to your partner and show your drawings. Tell them which action you like more and why it’s important to be kind.
Cool Down
Friendship Exit Ticket
Today you learned about kind friend behaviors and tricky frienemy actions. Let’s finish with a quick exit ticket!
Write ONE word that describes what friendship means to you:
Great job! Keep your word in mind and show kindness every day. 😊