Understanding Friendship

Overview

This is the first lesson in the unit “Why Jesus Was Special,” designed to introduce EYFS and KS1 children to the concept of friendship. Through a chalk talk activity, children will begin to understand what makes a good friend — a foundation for exploring the relationships Jesus had and why he was special.

This session aligns with the Religious Education Curriculum Directory for England (Church of England Education Office, 2019) alongside the Statutory Framework for EYFS (2021) and the National Curriculum KS1 Framework (2014), focusing on developing personal, social, and emotional development and understanding religious concepts appropriate to their age.

Age Group

EYFS (Nursery/Reception, ages 3-5)
KS1 (Year 1 and Year 2, ages 5-7)

Class Size: 14 students (combined EYFS & KS1)

Duration

30 minutes

Learning Objectives ("I Can" Statements)

EYFS:
- I can talk about what makes a good friend.
- I can listen to what my friends say and share my ideas.
KS1:
- I can describe qualities of a good friend and how friends help each other.
- I can work in a small group to share my thoughts respectfully.
- I understand Jesus showed friendship and kindness to others.

Curriculum Links

EYFS:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Managing self and building relationships – developing confidence to speak in a familiar group and taking turns to speak (Statutory Framework for EYFS, 2021).
- Understanding the World: People and communities – talk about similarities and differences between themselves and others.
KS1 Religious Education (Christianity focus):
- Learning about Religion: Understanding key Christian concepts such as friendship, kindness and Jesus as a role model for relationships (RE Curriculum Directory, Church of England, 2019).
- Learning from Religion: Reflecting on why friendship is important and how Christians try to live (including Jesus’ example).

Success Criteria

I can share ideas about friendship with my family group.
I can listen to other children’s ideas respectfully.
I can explain one thing that makes a good friend.
KS1: I can link the idea of friendship to how Jesus was kind to others.

Resources

Large chalkboard or blackboard (or chalk paint area outside if weather permits)
Soft chalks or chalk markers in multiple colours
“Friendship Question” prompt cards with simple questions:
- What makes a good friend?
- How do good friends behave?
- Why is it nice to have friends?
Visual aid with simple Jesus and friends illustration
Large paper and crayons for EYFS alternative activity
Timers or a bell to manage group discussion times

Lesson Structure

1. Welcome and Introduction (5 minutes)

Gather children in a mixed-age circle, sitting close to the chalkboard/outdoor chalk area.
Briefly introduce the unit: “We are going to learn why Jesus was special. Today, we are thinking about friends – what makes someone a good friend.”
Use the Jesus visual aid and say: “Jesus was a very special friend to many people because he was kind and caring.”

2. Chalk Talk Activity (15 minutes)

Explain “chalk talk” — no talking while writing or drawing, just sharing ideas by adding to the board.
Children work in small family groups (EYFS and KS1 mixed if possible) positioned around the board.
Give each group one question card (rotate quickly every 5 mins if time allows).
Groups discuss quietly (with adult support for EYFS/SEN) and write/draw their answers using chalk on the board.
Encourage children to think about feelings, actions, words that show friendship (e.g., sharing, helping, saying kind things).
Teacher circulates, scaffolding language as needed, encouraging quieter students to participate.

3. Sharing and Reflecting (8 minutes)

Invite groups to stand by their drawings and share one idea from their talk with the class.
Prompt KS1 children to connect ideas to how Jesus treated his friends and others kindly.
Affirm every contribution warmly to build confidence.
Reiterate: “Good friends help us feel happy and safe, just like Jesus showed kindness to his friends.”

4. Wrap-up and Review (2 minutes)

Recap learning objectives with “I can…” statements read aloud together.
Quick thumbs-up/thumbs-down or show fingers to indicate how well they feel they understood friendship today.
Praise effort and participation.

Differentiation Strategies

EYFS/SEN support:
- Use sentence starters on cards (e.g. “A good friend…”) for reluctant writers.
- Provide drawing materials for those who struggle with writing.
- Adult to support small group discussions modelling language.
- Allow use of symbols/PECS for non-verbal children to communicate ideas.
KS1 extension:
- Challenge advanced learners to give examples of friendship stories from the Bible or their own lives.
- Encourage them to write a sentence explaining why Jesus was a special friend.

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

Create a “Friendship Pledge” poster listing qualities of a good friend, to display in the classroom.
Role-play short scenarios demonstrating good and bad friendship behaviour.
Write simple sentences or captions about Jesus’ friendships using word banks.
Draw or photograph themselves demonstrating a kind action at home or school.

Assessment for Learning

Formative assessment through observation during group discussion and chalk talk (listening for understanding and participation).
Children’s contribution on the board as evidence of conceptual grasp.
Teacher notes on verbal feedback given during share-out phase.
Quick exit check with thumbs/fingers to self-assess understanding.

Reflection for Teacher

Was every child involved and able to express ideas at their level?
Did the chalk talk activity promote respectful listening and turn-taking?
How well did children connect the idea of friendship with Jesus’ example?
Note which children may need revisiting or extension in future lessons.

Outdoor Learning Link (Optional)

If weather allows, chalk talk can be moved to the outdoor area with children writing/drawing on paved surfaces. This adds sensory engagement and movement, supporting kinesthetic learners.

By nurturing their understanding of friendship through interactive, respectful dialogue and linking it to Jesus as a special friend, this lesson supports the whole child and lays a solid foundation for deeper study across this unit.

This plan is designed to build teacher confidence with clear structure and opportunities to differentiate and extend learning, consistent with Rosenshine’s principles: daily review, questioning, scaffolding, and cumulative practice.