LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Describe the benefits of close relationships, analyze healthy relationships, and identify what strengthens friendships.

HEALTH ED STANDARD

Demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health, and avoid or reduce health risks. (NHES 4)

KEY VOCAB

companionship, snafus, obligation, validation, blindsided, salvaging, oxytocin

Lesson Plan: How to Be a Good Friend

Recent studies show that having just one close friend as a teen–rather than a large group of friends–can lead to a greater sense of self-worth as an adult. This article will give teens tips on how to cultivate strong bonds.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Why are close friends important, and how can I give my friendships the attention they deserve?

 CLOSE-READING QUESTIONS

  1. Why is it better to talk to your friend directly if there’s tension, rather than involving someone else? Bringing another person into the situation leads to gossiping and can make the situation much worse. 
  2. If you get invited to a party and your friends don’t, what’s the best way to handle the situation, and why? Tell the truth, because if they find out through social media (or from someone else), your lie could end up hurting them even more. 
  3. How can observing the feelings and sensations in your body help you manage conflict? Noticing what’s happening can help slow everything down so you can think about how to respond instead of just lashing out.

Like What You See?

Then you'll love Choices, our health, social-emotional learning, and life-skills magazine for grades 7–12 

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 CRITICAL-THINKING QUESTIONS

  1. Do you have any friendships that are outside of your usual friend group? How do you manage to balance it with your usual friends? Answers will vary. 
  2. What was the last disagreement or conflict you had with a friend? What was the situation, and how could you use the tips from the article to handle it differently? Answers will vary. 
  3. When a friend posts something you disagree with, what’s the best way to handle it? When was the last time that happened to you? Possible answers: You need to let it go, and not attempt to make them change their mind. My cousin posts political memes that I don’t agree with, but I can’t make him change his mind, so it’s best not to let it impact our relationship.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

EXTENSION ACTIVITY

NHES 4, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY. CCRA.W.10

One of the best ways to strengthen a connection is by expressing gratitude. Using the THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND sheet, students will use prompts to express their thanks to a close friend for all of the things they appreciate about their bond

MAKING CONNECTIONS

NHES 4, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA. SL.1

Being a good listener is key to being a good friend, but many teens lack the skills needed to give people their undivided attention. In this activity, students will take turns being the listener, as they talk with different classmates to let them know YOU ARE HEARD.

Lesson Plan
Lesson Plan: How to Be a Good Friend

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