The Friendship Garden

Kristin Puk

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

The Friendship Garden

Nurturing Relationships

In this lesson, students will plant seeds that symbolize different qualities of friendship. As the seeds grow, students will learn about the importance of nurturing relationships, both in the garden and in their social interactions. This lesson is important as it combines hands-on science with social-emotional learning, helping students understand the value of care and attention in friendships.

Audience

2nd Grade Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Nurturing Relationships

Materials

Small pots or cups, Soil, Seeds (e.g., beans or flowers), Watering can, Printable Friendship Quality Cards, and Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin by discussing what makes a good friend.
Introduce the concept of planting seeds as a metaphor for growing friendships.

Step 2

Planting Seeds

15 mins

Provide each student with a pot, soil, and seeds.
Explain that each seed represents a quality of friendship (e.g., kindness, patience).
Have students plant their seeds and label them with a friendship quality.

Step 3

Nurturing Discussion

10 mins

Discuss how plants need water, sunlight, and care to grow, just like friendships need attention and kindness.
Use the Printable Friendship Quality Cards to guide the discussion.

Step 4

Reflection Activity

10 mins

Ask students to draw or write about how they can nurture their friendships, similar to how they care for their plants.
Share ideas with the class.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Recap the lesson by highlighting the importance of nurturing both plants and friendships.
Encourage students to observe their plants' growth over time and relate it to their friendships.

Worksheet

Friendship Quality Cards

These cards list different qualities of friendship, such as kindness, patience, and empathy. They are used to help students identify and discuss the qualities they want to nurture in their friendships.

Kindness

Patience

Empathy

Trust

Support

Honesty

Discussion

Friendship Garden Discussion

This discussion helps students reflect on the qualities of friendship and how they can nurture these qualities in their relationships.

What qualities make someone a good friend?

Encourage students to think about their own friendships and what they value in a friend.

How is taking care of a plant similar to taking care of a friendship?

Guide students to understand the need for regular attention and care in both plants and friendships.

What can you do to help a friendship grow?

Discuss actions like spending time together, listening, and being supportive.