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Friendship Builders

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Lesson Plan

Friendship Builders Lesson Plan

Students will identify key qualities of good friends, practice empathy by analyzing scenarios, and apply conflict-resolution strategies through guided discussions and role-play.

Building strong friendship skills enhances emotional well-being, fosters a supportive classroom community, and equips students with tools to resolve peer conflicts positively.

Audience

5th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Discussion, empathy exercises, and role-play.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Greet students and introduce the lesson objective: building better friendships.
  • Pose the question: “What makes someone a good friend?”
  • Students turn and talk with a partner for 1 minute.
  • Invite 2–3 volunteers to share responses with the group.

Step 2

Exploring Friend Qualities

8 minutes

  • Display the Friend Qualities Chart on the board or hand out copies.
  • As a group, discuss each quality listed and why it matters in friendships.
  • Ask students to share real-life examples of these qualities.
  • Students jot down 1–2 top qualities on their paper and briefly explain their choices.

Step 3

Empathy Practice with Scenarios

8 minutes

  • Divide students into pairs and distribute one Empathy Scenario Cards per pair.
  • Pairs read their scenario and discuss: How might the person feel? Why?
  • After 3–4 minutes, reconvene and have each pair share their insights with the group.

Step 4

Conflict-Resolution Role-Play

7 minutes

  • Form two small groups; assign each group a conflict scenario from the Conflict-Resolution Role-Play Script.
  • Students role-play the scenario, demonstrating empathy and using friend qualities to resolve the conflict.
  • After each role-play, peers give positive feedback and suggest alternative respectful solutions.

Step 5

Reflection & Wrap-Up

2 minutes

  • Ask students to reflect silently: What friendship skill will they try this week?
  • Students write one action step on their paper.
  • Invite 2–3 volunteers to share their commitment.
  • Praise the group’s effort and remind them to practice these skills daily.
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Slide Deck

Friendship Builders

Tier 2 Group Lesson | 5th Grade | 30 minutes

Welcome students and introduce today’s session. Explain that over the next 30 minutes, we’ll explore qualities of good friends, practice empathy, and learn conflict-resolution strategies to strengthen our friendships.

Lesson Objectives

• Identify key qualities of good friends
• Practice empathy by analyzing scenarios
• Apply conflict-resolution strategies through role-play

Read aloud the objectives so students know the focus: identifying friend qualities, practicing empathy, and resolving conflicts respectfully. Encourage them to listen for each objective as we go.

What Makes a Good Friend?

• Turn and talk: “What makes someone a good friend?”
• Share 2–3 ideas with the group

Pose the warm-up question. Give students 1 minute to turn and talk with a partner, then invite volunteers to share. Connect their answers to today’s objectives.

Qualities of Good Friends

Friends show:
• Trustworthiness
• Kindness
• Respect
• Honesty
• Empathy

Display or hand out the Friend Qualities Chart. Guide a discussion on each quality listed. Ask students to share real-life examples, then have them jot down their top 1–2 qualities.

Empathy Practice

  1. In pairs, read your scenario card.
  2. Discuss: How might the person feel? Why?
  3. After 3–4 minutes, share your insights with the group.

Divide students into pairs and distribute one Empathy Scenario Card per pair. Instruct them to read, discuss how the person might feel and why, then share insights with the class.

Conflict-Resolution Role-Play

  1. In small groups, role-play your scenario.
  2. Demonstrate empathy and friend qualities.
  3. Peers give feedback and suggest respectful solutions.

Form two small groups and assign each a conflict scenario from the Role-Play Script. Students act out the scenario using empathy and friend qualities, then peers provide positive feedback and suggest alternatives.

Reflection & Next Steps

• Reflect: Which friendship skill will you try this week?
• Write one action step on your paper.
• Volunteers share their commitment.

Ask students to reflect silently on which friendship skill they will practice this week. Have them write one action step, then invite a few volunteers to share. Praise efforts and remind them to apply these skills daily.

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Worksheet

Friendship Builders Worksheet

Part 1: Qualities of Good Friends

Using the Friend Qualities Chart, list your top three qualities of a good friend and explain why each quality is important.

  1. Quality #1: ________________________________











    • Why it’s important:
  2. Quality #2: ________________________________











    • Why it’s important:
  3. Quality #3: ________________________________











    • Why it’s important:

Part 2: Empathy Practice

Choose one scenario from the Empathy Scenario Cards. Write the scenario title or number below and then answer the questions.

Scenario: ______________________________________

  1. How might the person in this scenario feel?



















  2. Why might they feel that way?



















  3. What could you say or do to show empathy in this situation?



















Part 3: Conflict-Resolution Role-Play Reflection

After completing your role-play from the Conflict-Resolution Role-Play Script, answer the following:

  1. Which conflict scenario did your group role-play?





  2. What strategies or friend qualities did you use to resolve the conflict?











  3. Do you think your solution was effective? Explain how it helped or how you might improve it next time.



















Part 4: Personal Action Plan

Think about what you’ve learned today. Choose one friendship skill to practice this week and write an action step you will take.

Friendship Skill I Will Practice: ________________________________

My Action Step:







Good luck practicing your friendship skills! Remember, small actions can make a big difference.

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Activity

Friend Qualities Chart

Use this chart to review each quality of a good friend and add your own examples or notes in the last column.

QualityDefinitionWhy It’s ImportantMy Notes / Examples
TrustworthinessKeeping promises and being reliableBuilds confidence and helps friends feel safe relying on you

KindnessShowing care, compassion, and thoughtfulnessMakes friends feel valued and supported

RespectValuing others’ feelings, opinions, and boundariesPromotes fairness, understanding, and harmonious interactions

HonestyBeing truthful and sincere in words and actionsCreates trust and clear communication

EmpathyUnderstanding and sharing in someone else’s feelingsHelps friends feel heard, understood, and cared for

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Activity

Empathy Scenario Cards

Cut these cards apart and give one to each pair. Read your scenario, then discuss how the person might feel and why.

Scenario 1: The New Kid

Liam just moved to our school. During a group art project, no one asked him to share his ideas or join the conversation.

Scenario 2: The Left-Out Player

At recess, most students are playing soccer. Jordan decides to sit on the bench and watch instead of playing because he’s not sure how to ask to join.

Scenario 3: The Disappointed Test-Taker

Sofia studied all week for the math test but still sees a low grade when the papers are handed back. She looks down and shuffles her feet.

Scenario 4: The Worried Pet Owner

Alyssa tells you her family dog ran away last night. She keeps glancing at the door, worried her dog won’t come home.

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Script

Conflict-Resolution Role-Play Script

Use these two scenarios to practice resolving conflicts with empathy and the qualities of good friends. Divide students into two groups, assign roles, and remind everyone to refer to the Friend Qualities Chart as they act.

Scenario 1: The Game Disagreement

Situation: Two friends both want to play different games during free time. Alex wants to play basketball; Taylor wants to play tag. Voices start to rise, and each feels upset.

Roles

  • Alex: Loves basketball and feels frustrated that Taylor doesn’t agree to play it.
  • Taylor: Prefers tag and feels ignored when Alex pushes only for basketball.
  • Observer(s): Watch for use of empathy, respect, and compromise. Take notes to share feedback.

Teacher Prompt

“Remember to show empathy by listening without interrupting, using respectful language, and finding a fair solution.”

Suggested Dialogue

Alex: “Taylor, I really looked forward to basketball today. I feel sad when you say no.”
Taylor: “I’m sorry, Alex. I didn’t realize you were so excited. I feel left out when we don’t play tag.”
Alex: “I understand. You enjoy tag because it’s active and fun. Can we take turns? We can start with a short game of tag, then switch to basketball.”
Taylor: “That sounds fair. Let’s do tag first for five minutes, then basketball!”

Observer Reflection Questions

  1. Which friend qualities did Alex and Taylor demonstrate?





  2. How did empathy help them reach a solution?





  3. What other compromise might work?





Scenario 2: The Broken Study Promise

Situation: Sam and Jordan agreed to study together after school for a science quiz. Sam forgot and went home. Jordan feels disappointed.

Roles

  • Jordan: Studied hard and waited for Sam, then felt hurt when Sam didn’t show up.
  • Sam: Forgot the plan, assumed Jordan would study alone, and feels bad when learning Jordan waited.
  • Observer(s): Listen for honest apologies, trust-building, and respect in the conversation.

Teacher Prompt

“Use honesty and trustworthiness to rebuild the friendship. Show you value each other’s time and feelings.”

Suggested Dialogue

Jordan: “Sam, I waited for you after school. When you didn’t come, I felt upset and alone.”
Sam: “I’m really sorry, Jordan. I lost track of time and forgot our plan. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
Jordan: “Thank you for saying that. I want to trust that we’ll both keep our promises.”
Sam: “I understand. Next time, I will set an alarm and text you if I’m running late. Can we still study together tomorrow?”
Jordan: “Yes, that would mean a lot to me. Let’s review our notes together.”

Observer Reflection Questions

  1. How did Sam show honesty and rebuild trust?





  2. What respectful words did Jordan use to express feelings?





  3. Which friendship skill will you remember from this scenario?





After both role-plays, invite each group to share one strength they saw and one suggestion for making the solution even stronger. Praise efforts and encourage students to use these skills in real-life friendships.

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Lesson Plan

Friendship Builders Curriculum

Over four 30-minute sessions, students will deepen friendship skills by exploring qualities, practicing empathy, honing communication, resolving conflicts, and setting personal goals.

A multi-week progression helps students build, reinforce, and apply key social skills—strengthening peer bonds and fostering a positive classroom community.

Audience

5th Grade

Time

4 sessions, 30 minutes each

Approach

Discussion, role-play, journaling, collaborative activities

Materials

Prep

Prepare Curriculum Materials

20 minutes

Step 1

Week 1: Discovering Friend Qualities

30 minutes

  • Warm-Up (5 min): Pose “What makes someone a good friend?” and turn & talk.
  • Chart Exploration (15 min): Distribute the Friend Qualities Chart. Discuss each quality and add personal examples.
  • Worksheet Reflection (8 min): Complete Part 1 of the Friendship Builders Worksheet, listing top three qualities and why.
  • Closure (2 min): Students name one quality they’ll demonstrate this week.

Step 2

Week 2: Practicing Empathy

30 minutes

  • Warm-Up (5 min): Quick review of last week’s top qualities.
  • Scenario Discussion (10 min): In pairs, use Empathy Scenario Cards to identify feelings and motivations.
  • Group Share (8 min): Each pair reports one insight; discuss how empathy strengthened their ideas.
  • Worksheet Application (5 min): Complete Part 2 of the Friendship Builders Worksheet: write feelings, reasons, and empathic responses.
  • Closure (2 min): Students share one empathic action they’ll try this week.

Step 3

Week 3: Communication Skills

30 minutes

  • Warm-Up (5 min): Discuss a time they felt truly heard by a friend.
  • Guide Review (8 min): Present the Communication Skills Guide—active listening, “I” statements, respectful tone.
  • Role-Play Practice (12 min): In small groups, use Active Listening Role-Play Cards to practice listening and using “I” statements. Peers give feedback.
  • Reflection (3 min): Students write one communication goal on their worksheet.
  • Closure (2 min): Volunteers share their communication goal.

Step 4

Week 4: Conflict Resolution & Commitment

30 minutes

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Friendship Builders • Lenny Learning