Welcome students! Today we’re talking about how to build healthy friendships. First, we’ll warm up by thinking about what makes someone a good friend, then learn key qualities, discuss scenarios, and end with a fun activity.

Ask students: “What makes someone a good friend?” Encourage 3–4 responses and record on chart paper. Then point out the four qualities on the slide and give kid-friendly definitions.

Explain each skill with examples: listening to a friend’s story (listening), saying “thank you” and “please” (kind words), noticing when someone is sad (care). Ask for quick student examples.

Put students in pairs and hand out the Friendship Discussion Guide. Read each scenario aloud and have pairs decide: healthy or unhealthy? Prompt: “How could someone show more respect or empathy here?”

Distribute the Best Buddies Activity Sheet. Guide students through each step, modeling on the board. Circulate to support drawing and writing.

Invite 3–4 volunteers to share one quality and their action step. Reinforce positive examples and thank everyone for participating.