Friendship Circle

Tim Partlow

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Friendship Circle

Foster supportive community bonds

In this lesson, students will participate in a Friendship Circle where they will share compliments or appreciations about the person next to them. This exercise is designed to foster bonds among classmates and reinforce a supportive community environment. By engaging in this activity, students will develop social-emotional skills such as empathy, active listening, and positive communication, which are essential for building a harmonious classroom atmosphere.

Audience

Grades 2-5

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Foster supportive community bonds

Materials

Discussion Guide

Step 1

Introduction

2 minutes

Gather students in a circle.
Explain the purpose of the Friendship Circle: to share positive thoughts and build a supportive community.
Set the ground rules: listen actively, be respectful, and speak from the heart.

Step 2

Circle Sharing

10 minutes

Start the circle by sharing a compliment or appreciation about the person next to you.
Encourage each student to take a turn sharing something positive about the person next to them.
Remind students to listen actively and maintain a positive tone.

Step 3

Closure

3 minutes

Thank students for their participation and sharing.
Reflect on how it felt to give and receive compliments.
Discuss how these positive interactions can help build a stronger classroom community.

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Discussion

Discussion Guide

Guide for facilitating the Friendship Circle discussion.

What is one thing you appreciate about the person next to you?

Encourage students to think about positive qualities or actions of their peers.

How did it feel to receive a compliment?

Discuss the emotions and reactions students experienced.

How can we continue to support each other in the classroom?

Explore ways to maintain a positive and supportive environment.