Lesson Plan

Buddy Troubles Lesson Plan

Students will recognize common friendship conflicts and practice simple, peaceful resolution strategies to foster empathy and cooperation.

This lesson helps first graders build essential social skills—empathy, communication, and problem-solving—leading to a more positive, inclusive classroom community.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Friendship and Feelings

5 minutes

Step 2

Identify Common Conflicts

8 minutes

Step 3

Practice Resolution Strategies

10 minutes

Step 4

Reflect and Draw

7 minutes

lenny

Slide Deck

Buddy Troubles

Welcome students! Today we’ll learn how friends can feel and what to do when we have a disagreement. Introduce yourself and read the title aloud. Then walk them through the agenda quickly.

How Do Friends Make Us Feel?

Display the [Feelings Faces Chart](#feelings-faces-chart). Point to each face as you name the feeling. Ask: “How do you feel when a friend shares with you? When you disagree?” Invite a few responses.

Common Friendship Conflicts

Show 2–3 cards from [Conflict Scenario Cards](#conflict-scenario-cards). Read each scenario. After each, ask: “What went wrong? How did each friend feel?” Chart key words (“hurt,” “angry,” “left out”).

Solution Strategies

Reveal the [Friendship Solutions Poster](#friendship-solutions-poster). Read each strategy and model a quick example (e.g., sharing a crayon). Encourage students to repeat.

Time to Role-Play!

Pair students up and hand out [Role-Play Cue Cards](#role-play-cue-cards). Explain: “Act out the problem, then use a solution from our poster.” Circulate, prompt polite words, praise positive examples.

Draw Your Solution

Pass out drawing paper and crayons. Explain: “Draw a time you solved a problem with a friend using one of our strategies.” After 5 minutes, invite volunteers to share.

Great Job!

Congratulate the class on their great ideas and respect. Remind them to use these strategies whenever they have a friend trouble. Wrap up and transition to next activity.

lenny

Worksheet

lenny
lenny

Activity

lenny
lenny

Activity

lenny
lenny

Activity

lenny
lenny

Script

lenny
lenny
lenny

Buddy Troubles

user image

Cynthia Cook

Tier 1
For Schools
lenny-learning-logo

Lenny Learning

Create Lesson

CASEL

Health & Wellness

Behavioral Supports

Counseling & Therapy

Family Engagement

School Climate

Special Education

Academic Integration

Seasonal

Career & Life Skills

Arts & Creativity

My Lessons

My Lessons

Video Library

Video Library

Support

Support

Log In