Friendship Check-Up

malane

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Friendship Check-Up Plan

Students will complete a brief self-assessment to evaluate their collaboration, empathy, and communication skills, providing baseline data to inform future social-emotional lessons.

Understanding students’ relationship skills helps tailor targeted SEL instruction, promotes empathy and effective teamwork, and supports a positive classroom climate.

Audience

5th Grade Students

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Guided individual survey with group debrief

Materials

Friendship Check-Up Survey, - Pencils, - Clipboards, and - Timer

Prep

Prepare Check-Up Materials

5 minutes

Print enough copies of Friendship Check-Up Survey for each student
Gather pencils, clipboards, and set a timer
Review survey questions to ensure clarity for students

Step 1

Introduction

2 minutes

Explain the purpose: a Friendship Check-Up to see how we work and relate with classmates
Emphasize honesty—there are no right or wrong answers
Ensure students know responses are confidential and supportive

Step 2

Distribute Survey

1 minute

Hand out one copy of the survey and a clipboard to each student
Instruct students to write their names and answer honestly

Step 3

Individual Completion

6 minutes

Start the timer for 6 minutes
Students complete the survey independently
Circulate to clarify instructions or questions

Step 4

Collection & Quick Debrief

6 minutes

Collect all surveys
Facilitate a brief discussion: ask volunteers to share which relationship skills they feel strongest in and where they’d like support
Note observations to guide future SEL lessons

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Slide Deck

Friendship Check-Up

A quick, confidential self-assessment to understand our relationship skills and guide future lessons.

Welcome students! Introduce today’s activity as a Friendship Check-Up. Explain we’ll take 15 minutes to assess our collaboration, empathy, and communication skills. Emphasize honesty and that there are no right or wrong answers.

Purpose

• Gauge our collaboration skills
• Explore how empathetic we are
• Reflect on our communication abilities

Read each bullet aloud and briefly expand. Explain why knowing our strengths and areas to grow helps everyone work better together.

How to Complete

Write your name at the top
Answer each statement honestly
Work quietly and independently

Explain step by step. Distribute clipboard, pencil, and the printed Friendship Check-Up Survey. Ensure each student writes their name.

Begin Survey (6 Minutes)

• Start now!
• Use your clipboard and pencil
• I will signal when time is up

Start a visible timer for 6 minutes. Walk around the room to clarify any student questions, but refrain from coaching answers.

Quick Debrief

• Which relationship skill do you feel strongest in?
• Which skill would you like more support with?

Collect surveys and transition into discussion. Use these prompts to guide a 6-minute debrief. Note responses for planning future SEL lessons.

Worksheet

Friendship Check-Up Survey

Name: _______________________ Date: ________________

Instructions: For each statement below, circle the number that best describes how often you do each one.
1 = Never 2 = Sometimes 3 = Often 4 = Always

I listen carefully to my friends when they talk.
1 2 3 4
I offer help when a classmate needs assistance.
1 2 3 4
I try to understand how my classmates feel.
1 2 3 4
I share my ideas with my group respectfully.
1 2 3 4
I take turns and work cooperatively in group activities.
1 2 3 4
I show kindness to classmates who seem upset.
1 2 3 4
I help my classmates solve problems when we work together.
1 2 3 4
I use polite words and a friendly tone when speaking to classmates.
1 2 3 4
I ask questions when I don’t understand something.
1 2 3 4
I include others in games and activities at recess or during class.
1 2 3 4

Reflection Questions

Which relationship skill do you feel you’re strongest in?
Which skill would you like to improve most?

Thank you for your honest answers!