Introduction

Social-Emotional Learning is a crucial aspect of a child’s development. One essential skill for students to learn is how to make plans with friends. This involves communication, collaboration, and empathy. In this blog post, we will discuss an activity that teaches students the process of making plans with their peers. We will also provide discussion questions to further explore this topic and suggest related skills that can be developed alongside it.

No-Prep Activity

This no-prep activity, called “Plan a Fun Day,” can be easily implemented in the classroom setting without any additional materials or preparation. Here’s how it works:

1. Divide students into small groups of 3-4.
2. Ask each group to imagine they’re planning a fun day together. The goal is for them to come up with a plan that everyone in the group agrees on.
3. Give the groups 10-15 minutes to discuss and decide on the details of their plan. Encourage them to consider the following aspects:
   • Activity: What will they do during their fun day?
   • Location: Where will the activity take place?
   • Time: When will they meet and how long will the activity last?
   • Transportation: How will they get to and from the location?
4. Once the time is up, have each group present their plan to the class. Encourage them to explain how they reached their decisions and how they ensured everyone’s preferences were considered.

Discussion Questions

After completing the activity, use these discussion questions to stimulate further conversation about making plans with friends:

1. Why is it important to consider everyone’s preferences when making plans with friends?
2. What are some strategies you can use to reach a compromise when friends have different ideas for activities or locations?
3. How can good communication skills help when making plans with friends?
4. Why is it essential to discuss the time and transportation when making plans?
5. How can you show empathy and understanding when friends can’t make it to a planned event?

Related Skills

While teaching students how to make plans with friends, it’s important to introduce other related skills that can help them in their social interactions. These skills include:

• Active listening: Paying attention to what others are saying and responding appropriately.
• Conflict resolution: Finding ways to resolve disagreements and maintain positive relationships.
• Assertiveness: Expressing one’s thoughts and feelings honestly while respecting others’ opinions.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
• Responsibility: Following through on commitments and being accountable for one’s actions.

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about the importance of teaching students how to make plans with friends, we encourage you to explore more ideas and resources to support their Social-Emotional Learning journey. Sign up for free samples of various skills and activities to continue fostering a positive learning environment for your students.