Introduction
In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of building strong friendships for middle school students. Friendships play a crucial role in the social-emotional development of young people, as they learn to listen to each other, help one another, and enjoy good times together. We will also explore how to identify and handle problematic friendships that can negatively impact a student’s well-being.
No-Prep Activity
The “Friendship Role-Play” is a simple, no-preparation activity that can help students understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy friendships. Divide the students into small groups and provide them with various scenarios, such as the one mentioned in the prompt, where they need to act out both positive and negative interactions between friends. After each scenario, ask the students to reflect on the actions and emotions of the characters and discuss how they could improve the situation.
Discussion Questions
- How can you tell if a friend is being supportive or unsupportive in a given situation?
- What are some ways to express your feelings when a friend is not treating you well?
- How can you help a friend who may be struggling with their own friendships?
- Why is it important to surround yourself with friends who make you feel good about yourself?
- How can you be a better friend to others?
Related Skills
In addition to understanding the importance of strong friendships, middle school students should also develop other related social-emotional skills, such as:
- Empathy: Learning to understand and share the feelings of others.
- Communication: Expressing oneself clearly and listening actively to others.
- Conflict resolution: Addressing problems or disagreements in a healthy and constructive manner.
- Self-awareness: Recognizing one’s own emotions and understanding how they influence behavior.
- Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with others to achieve common goals.
Next Steps
To help your students develop these essential skills and strengthen their friendships, consider incorporating social-emotional learning (SEL) resources into your curriculum. For free samples of these resources, including activities, lesson plans, and more, visit Everyday Speech’s sample materials. By using these tools, you can support your students in building strong, positive relationships that will contribute to their overall well-being and success.
