Lesson Plan

Friends Forever Quest

Students will recognize friendship conflicts and practice empathetic communication to repair relationships by role-playing scenarios and using the phrase “You’re still my friend!” to maintain positive connections.

Young children often say “I’m not your friend” in the heat of a disagreement, hurting feelings and weakening bonds. Teaching conflict-resolution strategies builds empathy, communication skills, and emotional resilience for healthier friendships.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Friendship

5 minutes

Step 2

Discuss Conflict Scenario

5 minutes

Step 3

Role-Play Practice

10 minutes

Step 4

Reflection & Drawing

7 minutes

Step 5

Class Share & Closing

3 minutes

Lesson Plan

Bounce Back Buddies

Students will learn three simple “Bounce Back” steps—Stop & Breathe, Use Kind Words, Repair & Reconnect—to handle friendship ups and downs and practice making up after disagreements.

First graders often cycle through hurtful “I’m not your friend” exchanges without lasting repair. Teaching clear, age-appropriate conflict-resolution steps builds empathy, emotional awareness, and the confidence to restore friendships quickly and kindly.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Friendship Feelings Check-In

5 minutes

Step 2

Introducing Bounce Back Steps

7 minutes

Step 3

Role-Play Make-Up

12 minutes

Step 4

Reflection and Pledge

6 minutes

Slide Deck

Bounce Back Buddies

Welcome students! Introduce yourselves and explain today’s lesson: fixing friendship ups and downs. Tell them we’re going to be Bounce Back Buddies and learn three simple steps to help friends feel better quickly.

Friendship Feelings Check-In

Ask: “What does it feel like when someone says, ‘I’m not your friend anymore’?” Write student words under Happy, Sad, and Confused faces on the [Friendship Feelings Chart](#friendship-feelings-chart). Emphasize how words can change feelings fast.

The 3 Bounce Back Steps

Introduce each step clearly. Model with a quick teacher–student example: you pretend to be upset, then you Stop & Breathe, Use Kind Words, and Repair & Reconnect.

Role-Play Make-Up

Explain that students will now practice in pairs. Hand out one [Bounce Back Buddies Role-Play Card](#bounce-back-buddies-role-play-cards) to each pair. Encourage them to use all three steps as they act out the scenario.

Reflection & Class Pledge

Distribute the [Bounce Back Reflection Worksheet](#bounce-back-reflection-worksheet). Explain that they will draw themselves using one Bounce Back step and write the step. Invite volunteers to share, then lead the class pledge.

Lesson Plan

Friends Forever Quest

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Introduction to Friendship

Step 2

Discuss Conflict Scenario

Step 3

Role-Play Practice

Step 4

Reflection & Drawing

Step 5

Class Share & Closing

Lesson Plan

Bounce Back Buddies

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Friendship Feelings Check-In

Step 2

Introducing Bounce Back Steps

Step 3

Role-Play Make-Up

Step 4

Reflection and Pledge

Slide Deck

Bounce Back Buddies

Friendship Feelings Check-In

The 3 Bounce Back Steps

Role-Play Make-Up

Reflection & Class Pledge

Worksheet

Activity

Bounce Back Buddies

Alexis McAndrew