Lesson Plan
Navigating the Social Current
Students will be able to identify characteristics of healthy and unhealthy friendships, analyze common friendship conflicts, and apply strategies for effective conflict resolution and building supportive peer relationships.
Understanding friendship dynamics is crucial for social-emotional well-being. This lesson provides students with the tools to cultivate positive friendships, navigate challenges, and develop essential social skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Audience
7th-8th Grade
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, group activities, and self-reflection.
Materials
Smartboard or Projector, Friendship Dynamics Slide Deck, Healthy vs. Unhealthy Friendships Activity, Conflict Resolution Worksheet, and Discussion Guide: Friendship Dilemmas
Prep
Preparation Steps
15 minutes
- Review all generated materials: Friendship Dynamics Lesson Plan, Friendship Dynamics Slide Deck, Healthy vs. Unhealthy Friendships Activity, Conflict Resolution Worksheet, and Discussion Guide: Friendship Dilemmas.
- Ensure projector/smartboard is set up for the slide deck.
- Print copies of the Healthy vs. Unhealthy Friendships Activity (one per small group).
- Print copies of the Conflict Resolution Worksheet (one per student).
- Arrange classroom for small group work and whole-class discussion, if possible.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up: What is Friendship?
10 minutes
- Begin with a quick warm-up question: "What's one word you would use to describe a great friend?" Allow students to share their ideas briefly.
- Introduce the lesson using Friendship Dynamics Slide Deck (Slide 1-2). Explain that today we'll be exploring the 'Social Current' of friendships.
- Facilitate a brief class discussion about the importance of friendships and what makes a good friend.
Step 2
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Friendships
15 minutes
- Present slides (Slide 3-5) on characteristics of healthy and unhealthy friendships.
- Divide students into small groups (3-4 students).
- Distribute the Healthy vs. Unhealthy Friendships Activity.
- Instruct groups to discuss the scenarios and categorize them as healthy or unhealthy, providing reasoning. Circulate to offer support and facilitate discussion.
Step 3
Navigating Conflict
15 minutes
- Bring the class back together. Discuss key takeaways from the activity.
- Introduce the concept of conflict in friendships using slides (Slide 6-8).
- Distribute the Conflict Resolution Worksheet.
- Guide students through the worksheet, discussing different conflict resolution strategies. Encourage them to share personal (anonymous) experiences and how these strategies could apply.
Step 4
Friendship Dilemmas Discussion & Wrap-up
10 minutes
- Use the Discussion Guide: Friendship Dilemmas to facilitate a whole-class discussion on various friendship challenges.
- Encourage students to share insights and strategies.
- Conclude with key takeaways from Friendship Dynamics Slide Deck (Slide 9-10), emphasizing the importance of building supportive relationships and self-care in friendships.
- Assign the Conflict Resolution Worksheet for homework if not completed in class.
Slide Deck
Navigating the Social Current: Understanding Friendship Dynamics
How do we build and maintain awesome friendships?
Welcome students and introduce the lesson topic. Ask them to think about what makes a good friend.
Today's Journey: Friendship Exploration!
What we'll explore:
- Healthy vs. Unhealthy: Spotting the signs
- Conflict Crew: Handling disagreements
- Friendship Builders: Making connections stronger
Explain the day's objectives: identifying healthy/unhealthy friendships, managing conflict, and building supportive relationships.
Healthy Friendships: Your Social Superpowers!
Healthy friendships are like a strong, supportive team:
- Respect & Trust: You feel safe and valued.
- Support & Encouragement: They cheer you on!
- Open Communication: You can talk about anything.
- Equality: You both give and take.
- Fun & Laughter: You enjoy spending time together.
Introduce the concept of healthy friendships. Ask students for examples of what these look like.
Unhealthy Friendships: Watch Out for the Rip Tides!
Signs a friendship might be struggling:
- Lack of Trust/Dishonesty: Secrets and lies.
- Constant Criticism/Put-downs: You feel worse after being with them.
- Control/Manipulation: One person always calls the shots.
- Jealousy/Possessiveness: They don't want you to have other friends.
- Uneven Effort: You do all the work to maintain the friendship.
Introduce unhealthy friendship characteristics. Emphasize that these can be subtle and important to recognize.
Activity Time: Spot the Signs!
Work in small groups to read different friendship scenarios.
Your Mission:
- Decide if the scenario shows a healthy or unhealthy friendship.
- Explain why you think so, using the characteristics we just discussed.
Transition to the activity. Explain that they will be analyzing scenarios.
Conflict: It's Not Always a Bad Word!
Even the best friendships have disagreements.
Conflict is:
- A normal part of any relationship.
- An opportunity to grow and understand each other better.
It becomes a problem when... it's not handled respectfully or constructively.
Lead into the topic of conflict. Acknowledge that conflict is normal.
Conflict Resolution: Your Toolkit for Peace!
How to handle disagreements:
- Talk it Out (I-Statements): Express how you feel without blaming.
- Listen Actively: Really hear what the other person is saying.
- Compromise: Find a solution that works for both.
- Take a Break: Step away if emotions are running high.
- Seek Help: If you can't resolve it, talk to a trusted adult.
Discuss different strategies for resolving conflicts peacefully. Encourage students to think about which strategy works best in different situations.
Worksheet Wisdom: Practice Your Skills!
Let's work through some conflict scenarios.
Your Task:
- Read each scenario.
- Think about how you would apply conflict resolution strategies.
- Write down your approach.
Introduce the worksheet for students to apply conflict resolution strategies.
Discussion: Friendship Dilemmas!
Let's share our thoughts on some common friendship challenges.
What would you do? How would you feel?
Facilitate a class discussion using the discussion guide. Encourage open sharing and respectful debate.
Riding the Social Current: Key Takeaways
- Healthy friendships make us feel good and supported.
- Unhealthy friendships can be draining – recognize the signs!
- Conflict is normal, and we have tools to resolve it.
- Building strong friendships takes effort, communication, and respect.
- Your social well-being matters!
Conclude the lesson by summarizing key points and reinforcing the value of healthy friendships and social well-being.
Activity
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Friendships: Spot the Signs!
Instructions: Read each scenario below. In your group, discuss whether the friendship described is healthy or unhealthy. Explain why you think so, using the characteristics we discussed in class.
Scenario 1: The Secret Keeper
Sarah and Emily have been best friends since kindergarten. Emily recently told Sarah a very personal secret and asked her not to tell anyone. The next day, Sarah found out that Emily had told another friend the same secret, asking them not to tell anyone either. Sarah feels hurt and confused.
Is this friendship healthy or unhealthy?
Why?
Scenario 2: The Cheerleader
Alex is trying out for the school play, and he's really nervous. His friend, Ben, has been helping him practice lines and gives him encouraging feedback. Even when Alex messes up, Ben says, "You got this! Just keep practicing." Alex feels more confident knowing Ben is in his corner.
Is this friendship healthy or unhealthy?
Why?
Scenario 3: The Controller
Maria always wants to hang out with Jessica, but only if they do what Maria wants to do. If Jessica suggests something else, Maria often gets upset or says she'll find someone else to hang out with. Jessica feels like she can't suggest her own ideas anymore.
Is this friendship healthy or unhealthy?
Why?
Scenario 4: The Equal Exchange
Sam and Chris often take turns choosing what movie to watch or what game to play. Last week, Sam helped Chris study for a big math test, and this week, Chris is helping Sam practice for his soccer tryouts. They both feel like they contribute equally to the friendship.
Is this friendship healthy or unhealthy?
Why?
Scenario 5: The Gossip Machine
When Maya hangs out with Chloe, they often spend a lot of time talking negatively about other students, making fun of what they wear or how they act. Maya sometimes feels uncomfortable, but she joins in because she doesn't want Chloe to talk about her.
Is this friendship healthy or unhealthy?
Why?
Worksheet
Conflict Resolution: Your Toolkit for Peace!
Instructions: Read each scenario below. In the space provided, describe how you would use conflict resolution strategies to handle the situation. Remember to use "I-statements" and consider active listening, compromise, or seeking help.
Scenario 1: The Borrowed Item
Your friend, Liam, borrowed your favorite hoodie last week and promised to give it back clean. You just saw him wearing it, and it has a big stain on the sleeve. You feel annoyed because it was your favorite, and he didn't keep his promise.
How would you approach Liam and resolve this conflict?
Scenario 2: The Group Project Disagreement
You and your friends, Chloe and Marcus, are working on a group project. You all have different ideas about how to present the project. Chloe wants to do a poster, Marcus wants a video, and you think a presentation with slides is best. Everyone is getting a little frustrated because you can't agree.
How would you help your group reach a compromise and move forward with the project?
Scenario 3: Feeling Left Out
Lately, your friends have been making plans without you. You see their social media posts about hanging out, and it makes you feel sad and excluded. You're not sure if they're doing it on purpose or if it's just happening by accident.
How would you talk to your friends about how you're feeling? What kind of "I-statements" could you use?
Scenario 4: A Misunderstanding
You overheard your friend, Sofia, telling another person something about you that isn't true. You're upset and confused because you thought you could trust her. You want to clear things up but aren't sure how to start the conversation.
What steps would you take to address this misunderstanding with Sofia? When might it be helpful to involve a trusted adult?
Discussion
Discussion Guide: Friendship Dilemmas
Instructions for Teacher: Use these prompts to facilitate a whole-class discussion. Encourage students to share their thoughts, experiences (without naming names), and ideas for navigating these common friendship challenges. Remind them to be respectful of diverse perspectives.
Discussion Question 1: The New Friend
Imagine your best friend suddenly starts spending all their time with a new group of friends and seems to be ignoring you. How would this make you feel? What would you do or say to your friend?
Discussion Question 2: Peer Pressure in Friendship
What if a friend tries to convince you to do something you know is wrong or makes you uncomfortable? How do you say no while trying to maintain the friendship? What are the potential consequences of giving in or standing firm?
Discussion Question 3: Outgrowing a Friendship
Sometimes, as people grow and change, their interests and priorities shift, and they might naturally drift apart from a friend. How do you recognize when a friendship might be running its course? How can you handle this situation with kindness and respect for both yourself and your friend?
Discussion Question 4: Repairing a Rift
You had a big fight with a friend, and both of you said things you regret. Neither of you has spoken since. What steps can be taken to try and repair the friendship? What does it take to truly forgive and move past a disagreement?
Discussion Question 5: Supporting a Friend in Need
What if you notice a friend struggling with something, like bullying, family issues, or feeling really down? How can you be a supportive friend and help them, while also knowing when to ask a trusted adult for help?