Understanding Friendship Groups

Lesson Objectives

• Recognise how different friendship groups are formed.
• Identify personal friendship circles and understand their dynamics.
• Reflect on friendships and identify valued friends.

Curriculum Link

This lesson aligns with the PSHE Association Programme of Study for Key Stage 2, specifically within the "Relationships" strand. It supports pupils in recognising different types of friendships, understanding social groups, and valuing positive relationships.

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Resources Needed

• Large sheets of paper
• Coloured markers
• Pre-prepared scenario cards (examples provided)
• Individual reflection sheets

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Lesson Structure (30 minutes)

1. Introduction – How Friendship Groups Form (5 minutes)

Teacher-led discussion:

• Ask students: “How do people become friends?” and “What makes a strong friendship?”
• Display a mind map on the board with Friendship Groups in the centre.
• Encourage students to suggest different types of friendship groups (e.g., sports teams, classmates, neighbours).

2. Group Activity – Friendship Circles (10 minutes)

Activity:

• Give each student a large sheet of paper.
• In the centre, they draw themselves and create circles around them, writing names within each circle to represent different friendship groups (e.g., family, school friends, club friends).
• Allow students to discuss in pairs:
  • Why do we have different groups of friends?
  • Are some friendships stronger than others? Why?

3. Scenario Discussion – How Friendship Groups Change (10 minutes)

Small group task:

• Provide scenario cards (e.g., "You join a new club and meet different friends", "A close friend moves to another school").
• Groups discuss and decide:
  • How might this situation change friendships?
  • What can we do to maintain friendships or build new ones?
• Groups share their ideas with the class.

4. Reflection – Valuing Friendships (5 minutes)

Personal reflection:

• Each student completes a short reflection sheet identifying:
  • Who are the friends they value the most?
  • What makes these friendships special?
  • How can they continue to be a supportive friend?
• Class discussion on how recognising and valuing friendships helps well-being.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Teacher observes participation in discussions and group work.
• Student reflection sheets provide insight into understanding of friendships.

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Differentiation

• Support: Pair students who need extra help with a supportive partner. Provide sentence starters for reflection sheets.
• Challenge: Ask advanced learners to explore how conflicts can arise in friendship groups and propose solutions.

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Plenary – Key Takeaways (5 minutes)

• Recap: Friendship groups naturally change, and that’s okay!
• Reiterate: Valuing and respecting friends helps build strong, supportive relationships.
• Exit question: “What is one thing you can do to be a better friend today?”

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This lesson engages students in a reflective, interactive approach to understanding friendship dynamics, ensuring they leave with a strengthened awareness of their relationships. 🌟