Welcome students as they arrive. Introduce yourself and session theme. Say: “Today we begin our Friendship Builders series! We’ll focus on empathy—understanding how others feel to become great friends.”

Read each objective aloud, pointing to bullets. Ask: “Why do you think empathy matters when making friends?”

Briefly walk students through today’s flow. Encourage them to watch the timer and stay engaged.

Use the [Empathy Warm-Up Script](#empathy-warm-up-script). Model one sharing, then invite pairs to turn and talk.

Open the [Friendship Story Reading](#friendship-story-reading). Show associated images on screen. Read slowly, using varied tone to highlight feelings.

Use the [Empathy Discussion Guide](#empathy-discussion-guide). Encourage multiple students to contribute. Record key thoughts on chart paper.

Demonstrate one turn. Emphasize eye contact, nodding, and repeating what you heard. Then hand out [Active Listening Activity Cards](#active-listening-activity-cards).

Arrange students into small groups and distribute the [Friendship Builders Game](#friendship-builders-game). Guide them through first turn and explain the point system.

Hand out the [Session 1 Reflection Worksheet](#session-1-reflection-worksheet). Encourage drawing or writing depending on ability.

Distribute the [Session 1 Quiz](#session-1-quiz). Remind students it’s short—just five questions about empathy and friendship.

Lead a slow, guided breathing exercise: in for 3, hold, out for 3. Summarize lesson and preview next session.

Build excitement for next week. Remind students to think about times they listened well or resolved a small disagreement.