FRIENDS intervention planning – Item 162

This FRIENDS intervention planning resource pack is ready to go. Just print and deliver!

This resource has been updated.

This pack is suitable for WHOLE CLASS as well as group work. If there are teachers out there who have children who just don’t get along then try running this as an intervention during PSHE time. Each lesson will take approximately 40 minutes to an hour.

It is perfect for an ELSA or teaching assistant who has to work with a group of children with friendship issues.

Included in this pack:

• FRIENDS certificates (children colour in a letter after each lesson and take them away at the end of the intervention).
• 7 planning sessions which could be done over several weeks.
• 28 positive friendship cards
• The Key to deserving good friends worksheet
• Five posters looking at skills for empathy.
• Skills for empathy bookmarks for the children to take away
• A ‘Friend’ venn worksheet.
• Heart friends template
• How to apologise bookmark for the children to take away after the lesson.

Lesson objectives for the FRIENDS intervention planning

• I can find things I have in common with someone else

Children will explore interests with a person in the group or class and find common interests.

• I understand that I must respect my friend.

Children will explore respectful and disrespectful behaviour towards others focusing on the playground. They will design a poster showing a respectful playground.

• I understand the importance of including people in games, play, conversation and outings.

Children will play games to illustrate what it feels like to be included or not included.

• I understand the importance of empathy for being a good friend and for having a good friend.

Children will learn five skills to help them develop empathy for others.

• I understand why I need friends and why my friends need me.

Children will explore why they need friends. Why friends are important.

• I can tell you some of my qualities for being a good friend.

Children will explore their positive qualities essential for friendship.

• I can understand how important it is to say sorry if I am wrong.

Children will look at how to apologise in this lesson.

News from an amazing member Jennie West who purchased this intervention and used it!

Recently, I completed the NHS Emotional First Aid training and as part of our ongoing commitment we are expected to present how we have implemented our training in our schools at a follow-up session.

During the training I presented the FRIENDS Intervention as a programme I have used in school for groups in Y3 to Y6. The children enjoy the programme and I particularly like the way it enables us to teach empathy and help the children to realise the impact they have on others. It has now been agreed that for my follow-up project I will roll out this intervention across Year 4. Currently 2 groups have completed the FRIENDS Intervention, 1 group of 4 will do the Talkabout programme as they have particular needs and the remainder of the class will make up 3 groups who will complete the FRIENDS Intervention by the end of Term 5.

We are hoping that by introducing this across a year group we can increase their awareness and support them in supporting each other. Hopefully, by being proactive and involving all the children rather than those that tend to come to our attention we can have a positive impact on friendships within the class.