Lesson Plan
Friendship Jitters Lesson Plan
Students will be able to identify feelings of anxiety related to making new friends and learn strategies to manage these feelings positively, fostering confidence in social interactions.
Making new friends can be a source of excitement but also anxiety for many students. Learning to understand and cope with these feelings is vital for developing healthy social skills, building self-esteem, and creating a supportive classroom community.
Audience
4th Grade
Time
45-60 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussions, a visual story, and practical coping strategies.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Friendship Jitters Slide Deck, Markers or pens, Warm-Up: How Do You Feel?, Activity: Friendship Superpowers, Journal: My Friendship Path, and Cool-Down: One Step Forward
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Friendship Jitters Lesson Plan and all linked materials: Friendship Jitters Slide Deck, Warm-Up: How Do You Feel?, Activity: Friendship Superpowers, Journal: My Friendship Path, and Cool-Down: One Step Forward.
- Ensure whiteboard or projector is ready.
- Have markers or pens available for student use during activities.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up
10 minutes
- Begin by projecting the Warm-Up: How Do You Feel? on the board.
- Ask students to respond to the prompt: "Imagine it's the first day of school or you're meeting someone new. What's one feeling you might have?"
- Facilitate a brief class discussion, validating all feelings expressed. Introduce the concept of "Friendship Jitters" and how it's normal to feel a little nervous or anxious when trying to make new friends. (Refer to Friendship Jitters Slide Deck Slide 1-2)
Step 2
Understanding Friendship Jitters
15 minutes
- Use the Friendship Jitters Slide Deck (Slides 3-6) to explain what anxiety feels like in our bodies and minds when it comes to social situations.
- Discuss common thoughts and feelings students might have (e.g., "What if they don't like me?", "I don't know what to say.").
- Emphasize that these feelings are normal and that everyone experiences them sometimes. Share a personal, age-appropriate anecdote about a time you felt friendship jitters.
Step 3
Friendship Superpowers Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute the Activity: Friendship Superpowers.
- Explain that we all have
Step 4
Reflection & Cool-Down
5-10 minutes
- Distribute the Journal: My Friendship Path for individual reflection.
- Instruct students to write about one strategy they learned today and how they might use it to conquer their friendship jitters.
- Conclude with the Cool-Down: One Step Forward.
- Ask students to share one thing they can do or say next time they feel nervous about making a new friend.
Warm Up
Warm-Up: How Do You Feel?
Imagine it's the first day of school or you're meeting someone new. What's one feeling you might have?
Slide Deck
Friendship Jitters: Conquer Worry!
What does it mean to be a friend? How do you feel when you meet new people or start at a new school?
Welcome students and introduce the topic of friendship. Ask them to think about what it means to be a friend.
Do You Get Friendship Jitters?
It's normal to feel a little nervous or worried when you're trying to make new friends.
Have you ever felt:
- A little flutter in your tummy?
- Worried about what to say?
- Shy to speak up?
These are all signs of 'Friendship Jitters'!
Acknowledge that meeting new people can sometimes feel a bit scary or nerve-wracking. Introduce the idea of 'Friendship Jitters' as a normal feeling.
What Do Jitters Feel Like?
When you have friendship jitters, your body might feel:
- A racing heart
- Sweaty palms
- A "butterfly" feeling in your stomach
- Tight muscles
Your mind might think:
- "What if they don't like me?"
- "I don't know what to say."
- "I'll mess up!"
Explain what anxiety might feel like in their bodies using simple language. Encourage them to share if they've felt these things.
Worries Are Just Thoughts!
Your brain is trying to protect you, but sometimes it sends out worry signals even when there's no real danger.
- Recognize: Notice when you're feeling worried.
- Remember: It's okay to feel this way, and these feelings will pass.
- Challenge: Ask yourself, "Is this worry really true? What's the best thing that could happen?"
Introduce the idea that worries are just thoughts and can be managed. Explain that these feelings are temporary.
Unleash Your Friendship Superpowers!
Everyone has special qualities that make them a great friend!
These are your 'Friendship Superpowers'!
They help you connect with others and overcome those jitters.
What are some superpowers a friend could have?
Transition to discussing proactive strategies. Introduce 'Friendship Superpowers' as a way to think about their strengths in making friends.
Examples of Friendship Superpowers:
- Being a Good Listener: Paying attention when others talk.
- Kindness: Sharing, helping, and being nice.
- Having a Sense of Humor: Making others laugh.
- Being Adventurous: Trying new things and inviting others.
- Being Yourself! Being honest and genuine.
Briefly discuss some examples of 'Friendship Superpowers' to get them thinking before the activity.
Discover Your Superpowers!
Now it's YOUR turn to discover your own unique Friendship Superpowers!
Think about what makes you a wonderful person to be around. How can you use these strengths to connect with new friends?
Introduce the activity where students will identify their own superpowers and how to use them.
Quick Tips for Jittery Moments:
- Take a deep breath: Slowly breathe in and out.
- Smile: A friendly smile can make a big difference.
- Say "Hi!": A simple greeting is a great start.
- Ask a question: "What's your favorite game?" or "Have you read this book?"
- Find common interests: Look for things you both like.
Introduce simple, actionable steps they can take when they feel jitters.
You've Got This!
Making friends is a journey, and it gets easier with practice.
Remember your Friendship Superpowers and the strategies we learned today.
You are capable of making wonderful new friends!
Conclude by reiterating that making friends takes practice and that everyone can overcome their jitters.
Activity
Activity: Friendship Superpowers
Everyone has special qualities that make them a great friend! These are your unique Friendship Superpowers! They help you connect with others and overcome those jitters.
Part 1: Discover Your Superpowers!
Think about what makes you a wonderful person to be around. What are your strengths as a friend? Circle or list at least three of your Friendship Superpowers below. Add your own if you don't see it!
- Good Listener: You pay attention when others talk.
- Kind & Caring: You are nice to everyone and help when needed.
- Funny: You make people laugh and smile.
- Brave/Adventurous: You like to try new things and invite others along.
- Creative: You have great ideas for games or activities.
- Honest: You tell the truth.
- Enthusiastic: You get excited about things and share that energy.
- Respectful: You treat others how you want to be treated.
- Problem-Solver: You help find solutions when there are disagreements.
My Friendship Superpowers are:
Part 2: Superpower in Action!
Choose one of your Friendship Superpowers. How can you use this superpower to make a new friend or strengthen an existing friendship? Write down your idea below.
My chosen superpower:
How I will use it:
Journal
Journal: My Friendship Path
Think about what we discussed today regarding Friendship Jitters and your unique Friendship Superpowers.
-
What is one new thing you learned today about feelings of worry when making friends?
-
What is one of your special Friendship Superpowers? How will you use it to connect with a new friend?
-
Imagine you meet someone new tomorrow. What is one small step you can take to start a conversation or show you want to be friends, even if you feel a little nervous?
Cool Down
Cool-Down: One Step Forward
Think about everything we talked about today. What is one specific thing you can do or say the next time you feel nervous about making a new friend?
Bonus Challenge: Share your