Lesson Plan
Session 1 Lesson Plan
Build rapport and introduce friendship by engaging students in an icebreaker, establishing group norms, and exploring what makes a good friend through discussion and a creative tree activity.
Creating a welcoming environment and a shared understanding of friendship sets the foundation for empathy, communication, and positive peer interactions throughout the series.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials and Space
10 minutes
Step 1
Welcome & Name Icebreaker
5 minutes
Step 2
Establish Group Norms
5 minutes
Step 3
Introduce Friendship Concept
7 minutes
Step 4
Friendship Tree Activity
10 minutes
Step 5
Wrap-Up & Reflection
3 minutes
Worksheet
Activity
Slide Deck
Welcome to Friendship Builders: Session 1
Session 1 Agenda
Icebreaker: Friendship Ball
Establishing Our Group Norms
What Makes a Good Friend?
Friendship Tree Activity
Reflection & Next Week
Lesson Plan
Session 2 Lesson Plan
Students will practice identifying and understanding peers’ feelings through an Empathy Map and strengthen active listening skills via role-play, building empathy and connection with classmates.
Developing empathy and listening skills helps students form deeper, more supportive friendships and reduces misunderstandings in the classroom.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials and Space
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up: Feelings Charades
5 minutes
Step 2
Discuss Empathy
5 minutes
Step 3
Empathy Map Activity
10 minutes
Step 4
Active Listening Role-Play
7 minutes
Step 5
Wrap-Up & Reflection
3 minutes
Worksheet
Activity
Activity
Lesson Plan
Session 3 Lesson Plan
Students will learn and apply step-by-step conflict resolution strategies by practicing with real-life scenarios and cooperating in a group puzzle challenge to strengthen friendship and teamwork skills.
Learning structured problem-solving helps students navigate disagreements calmly, build mutual respect, and sustain positive friendships in the classroom community.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials and Space
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up: Conflict Reflection
5 minutes
Step 2
Introduce Resolution Steps
5 minutes
Step 3
Scenario Practice
10 minutes
Step 4
Cooperative Puzzle Challenge
7 minutes
Step 5
Wrap-Up & Reflection
3 minutes
Activity
Activity
Worksheet
Activity
Lesson Plan
Session 4 Lesson Plan
Students will collaborate to plan and build a structure using limited materials, then reflect on how clear communication and shared roles strengthen teamwork.
Hands-on group challenges encourage students to practice planning, turn-taking, and supportive communication—key skills for positive friendships and classroom cooperation.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials and Space
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up: Telephone Game
5 minutes
Step 2
Discuss Teamwork Qualities
5 minutes
Step 3
Building Challenge
15 minutes
Step 4
Reflection & Debrief
5 minutes
Activity
Slide Deck
Friendship Builders: Session 4
Session 4 Agenda
Warm-Up: Telephone Game
Discuss Teamwork Qualities
Building Challenge
Reflection & Debrief
Lesson Plan
Session 5 Lesson Plan
Students will practice giving and receiving genuine compliments to build inclusion and empathy, then create friendship bracelets to celebrate peer strengths.
Learning to acknowledge peers’ strengths fosters a supportive classroom, boosts self-esteem, and strengthens inclusion and friendship bonds.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials and Space
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up: Compliment Circle
5 minutes
Step 2
Compliment Cards Activity
8 minutes
Step 3
Discuss Why Compliments Matter
5 minutes
Step 4
Friendship Bracelet Craft
10 minutes
Step 5
Reflection & Closing
2 minutes
Activity
Activity
Lesson Plan
Session 6 Lesson Plan
Students will reflect on their friendship skills journey, celebrate their growth, and set personal goals for maintaining positive peer relationships.
Consolidating and celebrating learning boosts confidence, reinforces social skills, and motivates students to apply friendship strategies beyond the group.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials and Space
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up: Skill Recall Quiz
5 minutes
Step 2
Self-Reflection Journals
8 minutes
Step 3
Pair-Share Goals
5 minutes
Step 4
Friendship Pledge Activity
7 minutes
Step 5
Certificate Celebration & Closing
5 minutes
Worksheet
Activity
Reading
Script
