Lesson Plan

Friendship Foundations Plan

Students will identify key qualities of friendship and practice cooperative communication through fun group activities, aiming to strengthen empathy and teamwork.

Building strong friendships supports social–emotional growth and fosters a positive classroom environment. This lesson helps 2nd graders develop empathy, communication skills, and inclusive behaviors by experiencing friendship in action.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Step 2

Warm-Up: Compliment Circle

5 minutes

Step 3

Discussion: Friends in Action

10 minutes

Step 4

Activity: Pair Up Puzzles

15 minutes

Step 5

Cool-Down: Thumbs-Up Reflection

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Friends in Action!

Welcome students! Introduce this deck by explaining that they will see friends taking kind actions. Encourage students to watch closely and think about what makes each action friendly.

Scenario 1: Sharing Is Caring

Read the scenario aloud. Ask: “What did Alex do? How do you think Jamie felt when Alex shared the crayon?” Emphasize sharing as a friendship skill.

Scenario 2: Helping a Friend

Ask: “Why did Mia help Sam? How might Sam feel afterward?” Highlight that offering help is an important way to show you care.

Scenario 3: Including Others

Invite students to describe how Taylor made Jordan feel included. Discuss why inviting someone to play is a kind choice.

Scenario 4: Teamwork in Class

Point out how Ava and Chris communicated. Ask: “How did teamwork help them finish faster?”

What Did You Notice?

Use these prompts to guide reflection. Encourage students to share examples from their own experiences.

Lesson Plan

Friendship Foundations Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Introduction

Step 2

Warm-Up: Compliment Circle

Step 3

Discussion: Friends in Action

Step 4

Activity: Pair Up Puzzles

Step 5

Cool-Down: Thumbs-Up Reflection

Slide Deck

Friends in Action!

Scenario 1: Sharing Is Caring

Scenario 2: Helping a Friend

Scenario 3: Including Others

Scenario 4: Teamwork in Class

What Did You Notice?

Warm Up

Activity

Cool Down

How Do We Build Friendship?

tmarshall