Lesson Plan
Friendly Class Connections Lesson Plan
Students will demonstrate kindness by using positive verbal and non-verbal behaviors—speaking kindly, active listening, helping peers, and smiling—during group and partner activities. They will practice these behaviors through guided scenarios, role-plays, and self-reflection.
Fostering positive peer interactions builds a respectful, supportive classroom culture, improves communication skills, and strengthens students’ social-emotional development.
Audience
3rd Grade Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive mini-lesson, guided practice, role-plays, and reflection
Prep
Prepare Classroom Materials
10 minutes
- Print and display Positive Behavior Posters around the classroom
- Cut and sort Friendly Interaction Scenario Cards into envelopes or trays for small groups
- Make enough copies of Listening Practice Worksheets for each student
- Prepare sets of Role-Play Cue Cards and place them in a visible area
- Set out Reflection Journals or paper and pencils at each desk
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Gather students on the rug and introduce the lesson’s goal: to learn ways to interact positively with classmates
- Show Positive Behavior Posters one at a time and read the key behavior (talk nicely, listen, help, smile)
- Ask students for quick examples of when they’ve seen these behaviors
Step 2
Mini-Lesson on Positive Behaviors
10 minutes
- Focus on one behavior at a time (talk nicely, active listening, helping, smiling)
- Use a poster as a visual aid and model each behavior with a student volunteer
- Invite a second volunteer to practice, prompting peers to give thumbs-up when they see correct behavior
Step 3
Scenario Practice
15 minutes
- Divide students into small groups and distribute Friendly Interaction Scenario Cards
- Each group reads a scenario and discusses which positive behaviors apply
- Students complete Listening Practice Worksheets by noting behaviors they would use in the scenario
- Circulate and provide feedback, praising accurate examples
Step 4
Role-Play Activity
10 minutes
- Pair students and give each pair a Role-Play Cue Card
- Pairs act out their cue, demonstrating at least two positive behaviors
- After each role-play, classmates identify behaviors they observed and give constructive feedback
Step 5
Reflection and Closing
5 minutes
- Have students write in their Reflection Journals about one behavior they plan to use today
- Invite a few volunteers to share their reflections
- Summarize the lesson and encourage students to practice these behaviors throughout the day
Slide Deck
Friendly Class Connections
Learn how to talk nicely, listen, help, and smile to support classmates!
Welcome, everyone! Today we're going to learn how to interact in kind and friendly ways with our classmates. We'll practice talking nicely, listening, helping, and smiling to build a supportive classroom community.
Our Agenda
- Introduction to Positive Behaviors
- Mini-Lesson on Each Behavior
- Scenario Practice
- Role-Play Activity
- Reflection & Closing
Point to each item as you read it aloud. This will help students know what to expect and stay focused.
Positive Peer Behaviors
- Talk Nicely
- Active Listening
- Helping Others
- Smiling
Introduce the four behaviors by showing the Positive Behavior Posters. Ask for a quick thumbs-up if they’ve seen someone use each behavior.
Talk Nicely
Use kind words and a friendly tone when speaking with classmates.
Explain that ‘talk nicely’ means using kind words and a friendly tone. Model a ‘not kind’ vs. ‘kind’ example with a volunteer.
Active Listening
Look at the speaker, nod, and show you’re paying attention.
Model active listening: face your partner, make eye contact, nod, and say ‘I understand.’ Have a volunteer practice.
Helping Others
Offer to help classmates with tasks or when they need support.
Discuss ways to help peers: sharing supplies, answering questions, offering to be partners. Show a quick demonstration.
Smiling
Smile to show friendliness and make others feel welcome.
Explain that smiling is a non-verbal way to show friendliness. Practice with the class: on your best teacher smile—go!
Scenario Practice
In groups:
- Read your scenario card
- Identify the positive behaviors you’d use
- Complete your Listening Practice Worksheet
Divide students into small groups. Distribute Friendly Interaction Scenario Cards and Listening Practice Worksheets. Circulate to support and prompt discussion.
Role-Play Activity
In pairs:
- Act out your cue card
- Show at least two positive behaviors
- Classmates give feedback on what they observed
Pair students up and give each a Role-Play Cue Card. Encourage them to include at least two behaviors. After each pair shares, have classmates point out the behaviors they saw.
Reflection & Closing
- Write one behavior you’ll practice today
- Share with the class (if you want)
- Let’s keep building kindness!
Ask students to write one behavior they plan to use today in their Reflection Journals. Invite a few volunteers to share. Summarize: When we talk kindly, listen, help, and smile, our classroom feels friendlier!
Keep Practicing!
Remember to talk nicely, listen, help, and smile every day!
Close by reminding students that practicing these behaviors makes everyone feel safe and happy. Challenge them to notice and praise a peer who shows kindness today.
Worksheet
Listening Practice Worksheet
Name: ____________________ Date: ____________
Instructions: Read each scenario below. For each one, write which positive behavior you would use (talk nicely, active listening, helping, or smiling) and explain why it helps create a friendly classroom.
Scenario 1
Your classmate looks upset because they can’t figure out a math problem. They keep erasing their paper and sighing.
Behavior I would use: ___________________________________________
Why this behavior helps:
Scenario 2
You’re working in a group and one partner is talking a lot. You have an idea you want to share but they keep going.
Behavior I would use: ___________________________________________
Why this behavior helps:
Scenario 3
During a game at recess, a classmate drops all their supplies on the ground and can’t pick them up quickly.
Behavior I would use: ___________________________________________
Why this behavior helps:
Scenario 4
A friend just shared a funny joke and everyone is laughing. You want to show them you enjoyed it.
Behavior I would use: ___________________________________________
Why this behavior helps:
Remember: Using kind words, listening with your full attention, offering help, and smiling all make our classroom a happier place!
Activity
Friendly Interaction Scenario Cards
Instructions for Students: In your small group, read the scenario on your card. Discuss which positive behaviors you could use (talk nicely, active listening, helping, or smiling) and why they would help.
Scenario Card 1
A new student just joined your class and is standing alone at recess. They look shy and nervous to play with anyone.
Scenario Card 2
During a group project, one teammate has been very quiet and hasn’t had a chance to share their ideas.
Scenario Card 3
A classmate accidentally knocks over another student’s water bottle, spilling water on their desk and papers.
Scenario Card 4
Your friend is trying to open their snack but can’t get the wrapper off. They look frustrated.
Scenario Card 5
A student answers a question out loud but gets it wrong. They smile nervously and look embarrassed.
Scenario Card 6
You notice a peer looking upset and on the verge of tears because they received a low score on a quiz.
Remember: Think about which behaviors you’ll use to make your classmate feel supported and welcome!
Activity
Role-Play Cue Cards
Instructions for Students: In pairs, read your cue card. Act out the scenario using at least two positive behaviors (talk nicely, active listening, helping, or smiling). After each role-play, classmates can name the behaviors they observed.
Cue Card 1: Welcoming a New Friend
One of you is the new student who looks shy at recess. The other greets them, smiles, and offers to show them a fun game.
Behaviors: Talk nicely, smile
Cue Card 2: Active Listening Partner
One student is telling a story about their weekend. The other practices active listening—making eye contact, nodding, and asking a question to show they care.
Behaviors: Active listening, talk nicely
Cue Card 3: Snack-Time Helper
A classmate’s snack spills on the floor. One student helps pick up the pieces while smiling and saying, “It’s okay, I can help you clean up.”
Behaviors: Helping, smile
Cue Card 4: Idea Encourager
During a group project, one partner shares an idea but peers keep talking over them. One student stops others politely, listens fully, and says, “I like your idea!”
Behaviors: Active listening, talk nicely
Cue Card 5: Cheerful Supporter
Your friend tries a new game move and misses. Show support by smiling, giving a thumbs-up, and saying, “Great try! You’ll get it next time.”
Behaviors: Smiling, talk nicely
Cue Card 6: Comforting a Classmate
You notice a peer looking upset after receiving a low quiz score. Sit next to them, ask “Do you want to talk?” and offer to study together later.
Behaviors: Active listening, helping
Remember to use clear voices, friendly tones, and positive body language!
Journal
Reflection Journal
Name: _______________________ Date: _________________
1. Which positive behavior did you practice today?
Describe the situation and how it felt to use that behavior.
2. Which behavior was the most challenging for you?
Explain why it was challenging and what you can do next time to practice it more.
3. Think of a time outside our classroom (at home, on the playground, or elsewhere) when you could use one of these positive behaviors.
What behavior will you choose, and why?
4. My goal for this week is: _______________________________
I will practice this by: ___________________________________
Use your reflection journal each day to track your progress and celebrate your kindness!