Our Friendship Recipe

Every great friendship needs the right ingredients and the perfect steps to make it amazing! Think about what makes a friendship strong and positive.

Ingredients (Qualities of a Good Friend)

What are the essential qualities that go into a good friendship? List at least 5 "ingredients" and explain why each is important.

1. Ingredient:
   
   
   
   Why it's important:
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Ingredient:
   
   
   
   Why it's important:
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Ingredient:
   
   
   
   Why it's important:
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Ingredient:
   
   
   
   Why it's important:
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Ingredient:
   
   
   
   Why it's important:
   
   
   
   
   
   

Instructions (How to Use the Ingredients)

What are the steps you take to put these ingredients together and create a strong friendship? Think about actions you and your friend would do.

1. Step 1:
   
   
   
   What it looks like:
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Step 2:
   
   
   
   What it looks like:
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Step 3:
   
   
   
   What it looks like:
   
   
   
   
   
   

Friendship Qualities Journal: Week 1 Reflection

Take some time to think about what we discussed today about being a good friend.

1. Thinking about yourself: What is one quality you already have that makes you a good friend? How do you show it?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Thinking about others: What is one quality you admire in a friend? How does that quality make your friendship better?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Growing as a friend: What is one new "ingredient" or "instruction" you want to add to your own friendship recipe this week? How will you try to use it?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Friendship Challenge Scenarios

Sometimes friendships face bumps in the road! Read each scenario below and discuss with your group how you would handle the situation to keep the friendship strong and avoid drama. Think about what you would say, what you would do, and how you would try to understand everyone's feelings.

Scenario 1: The Misunderstanding

You hear from another friend that your best friend, Maya, was talking about you behind your back. You're feeling hurt and confused. When you see Maya, she acts completely normal.

Discussion Questions:

• What are your first feelings?
• How could you approach Maya to talk about what you heard?
• What would be a respectful way to express your feelings?
• What if Maya denies it? What would you do next?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 2: Feeling Left Out

Your usual group of friends starts making plans without you. You see their posts on social media having fun together, and you feel sad and excluded. When you ask them about it, they say, "Oh, we thought you were busy."

Discussion Questions:

• How does feeling excluded impact your emotions?
• What is a calm and clear way to tell your friends how you feel?
• What could your friends do to make you feel included again?
• How can you advocate for yourself without being accusatory?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 3: The Disagreement

You and your friend, Chloe, are working on a school project together. You both have very different ideas about how to do it. You think your idea is better, and Chloe thinks her idea is better. You're starting to get frustrated with each other.

Discussion Questions:

• How can you and Chloe listen to each other's ideas respectfully?
• What are some ways you could try to compromise?
• What if you absolutely cannot agree? What's the next step?
• How can you focus on the project and not let the disagreement harm your friendship?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 4: Different Interests

You and your friend, Sarah, used to do everything together, but lately, you've developed new interests (like coding club!) that Sarah isn't interested in. Sarah seems upset that you're spending less time with her.

Discussion Questions:

• How can you balance new interests with existing friendships?
• What could you say to Sarah to reassure her while still pursuing your new hobbies?
• How can you find new ways to connect with Sarah, even if your interests diverge a bit?
• Is it okay for friends to have different interests? Why or why not?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Conflict Resolution Steps: Working Through Friendship Bumps

Having disagreements with friends is normal, but how you handle them can make your friendships stronger! Use these steps to help you navigate tricky situations.

The 5 C's of Conflict Resolution

1. Calm Down: Before you say or do anything, take a deep breath. When you're upset, it's hard to think clearly. Find a way to calm your emotions.

   • What does calming down look like or feel like for you?
     
     
     
     
     
     

2. Communicate Clearly: Express your feelings and thoughts using "I" statements. Focus on the problem, not on blaming your friend.

   • Write an example of an "I" statement you could use: (e.g., "I feel ____ when you ____ because ____.")
     
     
     
     
     
     

3. Consider Perspectives: Try to see the situation from your friend's point of view. What might they be feeling or thinking? Empathy is key!

   • Why is it important to consider your friend's perspective?
     
     
     
     
     
     

4. Compromise (or Collaborate): Can you find a solution that works for both of you? Sometimes it means meeting in the middle or working together to find a new idea.

   • Think of a time you compromised with someone. What was the outcome?
     
     
     
     
     
     

5. Choose a Solution: Once you've discussed and perhaps compromised, choose the best path forward. This might involve apologizing, forgiving, or agreeing to try something new.

   • What makes a solution "good" for everyone involved?
     
     
     
     
     
     

Practice Scenario

Your friend borrowed your favorite book and returned it with a torn page. You're upset.

Using the 5 C's, outline how you would handle this situation:

1. Calm Down:
   
   
   
2. Communicate Clearly:
   
   
   
3. Consider Perspectives:
   
   
   
4. Compromise (or Collaborate):
   
   
   
5. Choose a Solution:
   
   
   

Empathy Charades / Scenarios

Option A: Empathy Charades (Pairs)

Cut out the emotion cards below. In pairs, one person picks a card and acts out the emotion without speaking. The other person guesses the emotion and then says or does something empathetic in response. Switch roles!

Emotion Cards (Cut Out)

Option B: Empathy Scenarios (Small Groups)

Read each scenario and discuss with your group how you would show empathy to the person in the situation. What would you say? What would you do? How would you try to understand their feelings?

Scenario 1: Lost Project

Your friend, Lily, is frantically searching for her science project. She worked really hard on it, and it's due tomorrow. She looks like she's about to cry and says, "I can't find it anywhere! I'm going to fail!"

• What would you say to Lily to show you understand how she feels?
  
  
  
• What could you do to help her?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 2: Tough Game Loss

Your friend, Chloe, just finished a soccer game where her team lost badly. She missed a crucial shot and feels responsible for the loss. She's sitting by herself, looking down, and avoiding eye contact.

• How can you approach Chloe and show you understand her disappointment?
  
  
  
• What comforting words or actions could you offer?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 3: New Kid Feeling Shy

There's a new student, Samira, in your class. She sits quietly by herself during lunch and recess. You notice she looks a little nervous and doesn't seem to know anyone yet.

• How can you show empathy to Samira, even if she hasn't said anything?
  
  
  
• What could you do to make her feel more welcome and included?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Empathy Reflection Journal: Week 3

Take some time to think about what we discussed today about empathy and understanding others.

1. Observing Empathy: Think about a time recently when someone showed you empathy. What did they do or say that made you feel understood?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Practicing Empathy: Describe a situation this week where you tried to show empathy to a friend, family member, or even someone you don't know well. What did you do or say?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. The Impact of Empathy: How do you think showing empathy helps to build stronger, more positive friendships? What's one benefit you see?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

What Makes Us Unique? Discussion Guide

Let's explore the amazing ways we are all different and how those differences make our friendships stronger and more interesting!

Discussion Questions:

1. Unique Qualities: Think about yourself. What are some things that make you uniquely you? (e.g., hobbies, talents, personality traits, family traditions, background, favorite things, how you express yourself)
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Beyond Similarities: We often become friends with people who are similar to us. That's great! But what are the benefits of having friends who are different from you? How can someone with different interests or perspectives enrich your life?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Learning and Growing: Have you ever learned something new or seen something in a different way because of a friend who had a different background, belief, or way of thinking?
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Celebrating Differences: How can we actively celebrate the differences in our friends? What does it look like to appreciate someone for their unique qualities, even if you don't fully understand them or share those qualities?
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. What is Inclusion? What does it mean for a group of friends to be truly "inclusive"? How can you make sure everyone in your friend group feels seen, heard, and valued?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Friendship Web of Strengths

Every person brings unique strengths, talents, and qualities to a friendship. When we put them all together, we create a strong, vibrant, and supportive web of friendship!

Option A: Drawing Your Web (Individual or Small Group)

On a piece of paper, draw a large circle or cloud. In the center, write "Our Friendship Group." Around the circle, write down different positive qualities, strengths, or interests that each person in your group brings. Draw lines connecting them to the center and to each other, showing how they all contribute to the group.

Ideas for strengths/qualities:

• Funny
• Creative
• Good Listener
• Adventurous
• Kind
• Problem-Solver
• Positive Attitude
• Good at Sports
• Loves Reading
• Helps Others
• Brave
• Organized

Option B: Interactive Yarn Web (Group Activity)

1. Have everyone sit in a circle.
2. The teacher starts by holding a ball of yarn and sharing one positive quality or strength they bring to a friendship (e.g., "I am a good listener.").
3. The teacher then holds onto the end of the yarn and tosses the ball to another student who they believe also demonstrates that quality or a different positive quality.
4. The student who catches the yarn shares a quality they bring to a friendship, holds onto a piece of the yarn, and tosses the ball to another student.
5. Continue until everyone has shared and the yarn creates a beautiful "web" in the center. Discuss how the web represents how all our unique qualities connect us and make our friendships strong and inclusive.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Friendships

Friendships are meant to be a source of joy and support! Let's think about the different ways friends can act and how those actions make a friendship healthy and strong, or unhealthy and difficult.

Part 1: Sorting Friendship Actions

Read each action below. Decide if it's a Healthy Friendship Action or an Unhealthy Friendship Action. Write 'H' for Healthy or 'U' for Unhealthy in the box next to each statement.

Part 2: My Friendship Boundaries

Boundaries are rules you set for yourself about how you want to be treated in a friendship. They help you stay safe and happy.

1. What does a healthy friendship feel like to you? (Describe the emotions, trust, and respect)
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What are 3 important boundaries you want to have in your friendships? (Think about what you will and won't accept, or what you need from a friend.)

   • Boundary 1:
     
     
     
     
     
     
   • Boundary 2:
     
     
     
     
     
     
   • Boundary 3:
     
     
     
     
     
     

3. How would you communicate one of these boundaries to a friend if you needed to? (Use "I" statements!)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Setting Boundaries Journal: Week 5 Reflection

Take some time to reflect on what we discussed today about healthy friendships and setting boundaries.

1. Understanding Your Needs: What is one specific thing you realized today that you need in a friendship to feel respected and happy?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Challenging Yourself: Setting boundaries can be tough! What is one small step you can take this week to practice setting a boundary, or to stand up for your self-respect in a friendship?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Positive Impact: How do you think clearly communicating your boundaries will ultimately make your friendships stronger and more authentic?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

My Friendship Blueprint: Designing My Future Friendships!

You've learned so many valuable skills and insights in 'Friendship Goals!' Now it's time to create your personal blueprint for building and maintaining the amazing friendships you want in the future.

Think of this as your guide to create a strong, supportive, and joyful friendship 'house' for yourself.

Part 1: My Friendship Foundation

What are the most important values or qualities that will form the foundation of your friendships going forward? (List 3-5 core beliefs or traits you'll build upon, like trust, honesty, kindness, empathy, respect, fun, etc.)

1. Foundation Stone 1:
   
   
   
2. Foundation Stone 2:
   
   
   
3. Foundation Stone 3:
   
   
   
4. Foundation Stone 4:
   
   
   
5. Foundation Stone 5:
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: My Friendship Walls (What I Will Do)

What specific actions or strategies will you use to build and strengthen your friendships? (Think about communication, empathy, handling conflict, inclusion, setting boundaries.) List at least 3 actions you will take.

1. Action 1:
   
   
   
2. Action 2:
   
   
   
3. Action 3:
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: My Friendship Roof (What I Hope For)

What kind of environment do you want your friendships to create for you and your friends? What feelings or experiences do you hope to share? (e.g., laughter, support, feeling understood, adventure, peace, safety)

• I hope my friendships are filled with:
  
  
  
  
  
  

Part 4: My Friendship Superpower! (Drawing/Sketch)

Draw a small picture or symbol in the space below that represents your personal friendship superpower or your ideal friendship. Be creative!

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