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Friendship Fixers

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Lesson Plan

Gossip Detectives Lesson Plan

Students will learn to recognize and prevent relational aggression—gossip, exclusion, and rumor-spreading—and practice inclusive responses through detective-themed scenarios and role-play.

Preventing relational aggression builds empathy, strengthens peer relationships, and fosters a safe, supportive classroom climate where all students feel valued.

Audience

7th Grade

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussions, scenario analysis, and role-play detective mission.

Materials

Whiteboard and markers, - Relational Aggression Scenario Cards, - Detective Notepads, - Scenario Response Chart, and - Role-Play Reflection Sheet

Prep

Prepare Materials

Before class

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Ask students: “What does gossip sound like? How can excluding someone hurt them?”
  • Introduce the theme: students are becoming ‘Gossip Detectives’ on a mission to spot and stop relational aggression.
  • Write mission statement on the whiteboard: Identify, Understand, and Prevent Gossip and Exclusion.

Step 2

Discussion: Recognizing Relational Aggression

10 minutes

  • Define relational aggression: hurting others through social means (gossip, exclusion, rumors).
  • Solicit student examples and list them on the whiteboard.
  • In pairs, students briefly share any times they’ve seen or experienced these behaviors.

Step 3

Detective Scenario Analysis

10 minutes

Step 4

Role-Playing Activity

15 minutes

  • Provide each student with a Detective Notepad and a Role-Play Reflection Sheet.
  • In pairs, students choose one scenario to role-play twice: first enacting the aggressive behavior, then demonstrating a prevention or intervention strategy.
  • Observers use notepads to note effective communication and empathy techniques.
  • After each role-play, pairs complete the reflection sheet.

Step 5

Reflection and Debrief

5 minutes

  • Gather as a class and ask: “What strategies helped prevent or stop gossip and exclusion?”
  • Highlight key strategies: direct communication, inclusive invitations, speaking up for peers, and seeking help when needed.
  • Reinforce that everyone can be a ‘Gossip Detective’ by noticing and acting kindly.
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Lesson Plan

Friendship Fixers Lesson Plan

Students will identify and understand relational aggression behaviors and practice positive communication strategies through scenarios and role-play to strengthen respectful friendships.

Preventing relational aggression fosters empathy, builds trust, and ensures a safe, inclusive classroom where students feel valued and supported.

Audience

7th Grade

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, scenario analysis, and role-play.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Before class

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Ask students: “What is relational aggression? How might it show up in our friendships?”
  • Share lesson objective: Becoming “Friendship Fixers” to stop gossip, exclusion, and rumors.
  • Write key terms on the whiteboard: Gossip, Exclusion, Rumors.

Step 2

Defining Relational Aggression

8 minutes

  • Present definition: hurting others through social manipulation.
  • Solicit student examples and write them under each key term on the whiteboard.
  • In pairs, students discuss a time they witnessed or experienced relational aggression.

Step 3

Scenario Analysis

12 minutes

Step 4

Role-Play Practice

15 minutes

  • Provide Friendship Fixer Notepads and Role-Play Reflection Sheet.
  • In pairs, choose a scenario to role-play: first depict the aggressive behavior, then act out a “Friendship Fixer” intervention.
  • Observers note effective communication and empathy strategies on notepads.
  • After each role-play, pairs complete the reflection sheet.

Step 5

Reflection and Closing

5 minutes

  • Gather as a class and discuss: “Which strategies worked best to stop or prevent relational aggression?”
  • List top strategies on the whiteboard: direct communication, inclusive invitations, speaking up, seeking help.
  • Encourage students to apply these strategies daily to be Friendship Fixers.
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Slide Deck

Friendship Fixers: Preventing Relational Aggression

Detective Friends

A one-session lesson for 7th graders to build respectful friendships and stop gossip, exclusion, and rumors.

Introduce the lesson and outline the session.

Lesson Objectives

Checklist

• Identify types of relational aggression
• Understand impact on friendships
• Practice positive communication strategies
• Role-play interventions to stop hurtful behaviors

Read objectives aloud and confirm understanding.

What Is Relational Aggression?

Whisper

Relational aggression is hurting others through social manipulation—using words or actions to damage friendships.

Explain that relational aggression is social harm, not physical.

Types of Relational Aggression

Exclusion

• Gossip: Sharing private information to harm someone’s reputation
• Exclusion: Intentionally leaving someone out
• Rumors: Spreading false or unverified information

Ask students for real-life examples under each type.

Why It Matters

Lonely Child

• Damages trust and friendship bonds
• Creates loneliness and anxiety
• Leads to bigger conflicts if unchecked

Connect the impact to students’ own experiences.

Key Definitions

Dictionary

• Gossip: Talking about someone behind their back
• Exclusion: Leaving peers out of activities on purpose
• Rumors: Repeating information without verifying truth

Clarify each term with a quick illustration.

Scenario Analysis Activity

Group Activity

• Form groups of 3–4
• Use Relational Aggression Scenario Cards
• Identify aggression type and potential harm
• Record positive responses on Friendship Fixers Strategy Charts

Distribute materials and set a 12-minute timer.

Sample Scenario

Smartphone Secret

“Alex posts a secret they heard about Jamie on social media without permission.”

  • What type of aggression is this?
  • How might Jamie feel?

Show how to break down the scenario step by step.

Brainstorming Strategies

Brainstorm

• List at least two positive ways to respond
• Focus on inclusion and respect
• Use empathy and clear communication

Encourage groups to think broadly and creatively.

Role-Play Practice

Role Play

• In pairs, pick a scenario
• First, act out the aggressive behavior
• Then, role-play a “Friendship Fixer” intervention
• Observers note strategies on Friendship Fixer Notepads

Explain the dual role-play structure.

Effective Communication Strategies

Communication

• Use “I” statements (e.g., “I feel…”)
• Invite others (e.g., “Can I join?”)
• Speak up kindly (e.g., “Let’s talk this out.”)
• Seek help when needed (trusted adult)

Model each communication tip with a short demo.

Practicing Empathy

Empathy

• Listen actively without interrupting
• Acknowledge and name feelings
• Offer support (e.g., “I’m here for you.”)
• Validate experiences honestly

Highlight the importance of genuine listening.

Reflection Questions

Writing

• Which strategy felt most natural?
• What was challenging?
• How did your intervention change the outcome?

Give students 3 minutes to write their reflections.

Group Debrief

Discussion

Share one strategy your group found most effective for stopping relational aggression.

Guide volunteers to share one successful strategy.

Closing & Takeaways

Teamwork

• Be a Friendship Fixer every day
• Notice and act kindly toward peers
• Support friends and speak up against hurtful behaviors

Reinforce that daily small actions build a positive culture.

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Friendship Fixers • Lenny Learning