SOCIAL SKILLS ACTIVITIES Friendship Activities Small Group Counseling Curriculum

Friendship Builders is our research-based small group counseling curriculum designed for elementary school students aged 5–11. This interactive and developmentally appropriate program supports students in building essential social skills and forming positive peer relationships in a structured and supportive environment through engaging social skills activities, games, worksheets and more.

Through 10 research-based sessions, students learn and practice the foundational skills of friendship – such as communication, cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution. This curriculum promotes self-awareness, social responsibility, and respectful peer interaction while offering hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. Each session is tailored to meet the social-emotional needs of young learners, making it a valuable tool for fostering connection, inclusion, and confidence in school settings.

TEN SESSIONS INCLUDE:

Session 1: Welcome & Introduction to the Group

Session 2: Making New Friends

Session 3: Greeting Someone

Session 4: Using Kind Words

Session 5: Listening and Taking Turns

Session 6: Friendship Repairs and Solving Problems

Session 7: Friendship Qualities

Session 8: Teamwork and Sportsmanship

Session 9: Celebrating Our Differences

1Session 10: Termination and Review

Our Friendship Builders Small Group Counseling Curriculum includes:

• Note to Counselors
• Objectives & Goals
• Group Session Overview
• ASCA Mindset and Behavior STANDARDS
• Binder Cover Page & Spine Options
• Teacher Nominations and Follow Up Forms
• Parent/Guardian Letter and Consent Form
• Group Planning Sheet
• Name Tags
• Group Member Reminders
• Group Attendance Record
• Student Pre & Post Outcome Measures
• Teacher Pre & Post Outcome Measures
• Additional Data Collection
• Confidentiality Sign
• Passes – Hall, Class, Counselor, Social Worker & Psychologist
• Student Desk Reminders
• Counselor Chats Handout
• Certificates

TEN SESSIONS INCLUDE:

Below are the specific details for each individual session which can be used in isolation or as a comprehensive social skills and friendship curriculum.

• Session 1: Welcome & Introduction to the Group – Students are welcomed into a safe group environment and introduced to the purpose of the group. Together, the group sets expectations and norms, while beginning to build trust and connection.
• Session 2: Making New Friends – Students explore what it means to make a new friend. They learn the qualities of a good friend and begin practicing how to connect with others in positive, respectful ways.
• Session 3: Greeting Someone – This session focuses on social initiation skills. Students learn how friendly greetings help start conversations and build relationships. Verbal and non-verbal ways to greet others are explored.
• Session 4: Using Kind Words – Students discover the power of kind and respectful words in building and maintaining friendships. They reflect on how language affects emotions and relationships.
• Session 5: Listening and Taking Turns – This session focuses on communication skills essential to all friendships. Students learn how to listen actively, wait their turn, and respond with respect during interactions and group play.
• Session 6: Friendship Repairs and Solving Problems – Students learn how to manage common friendship challenges and conflicts. They explore simple problem-solving steps and practice ways to make amends when relationships are hurt.
• Session 7: Friendship Qualities – This session highlights important traits of a good friend, such as honesty, kindness, and loyalty. Students reflect on their own strengths and identify areas to grow as a friend.
• Session 8: Teamwork and Sportsmanship – Students explore how working together and showing fairness can strengthen friendships. The importance of cooperation, encouragement, and graceful responses to success and disappointment are emphasized.
• Session 9: Celebrating Our Differences – This session promotes empathy, inclusion, and respect for diversity. Students learn how to appreciate what makes each person unique and how these differences can enhance friendships and group connection.
• Session 10: Termination and Review – In the final session, students review what they’ve learned throughout the group. They reflect on their growth, celebrate their progress, and discuss how to continue using their new friendship skills in daily life.

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► Looking for more SEL workbook topics? We’ve got you covered!

• Behavior and Feelings Workbook
• Gossiping & Rumors Workbook for Teens 
• CBT Workbook – Thoughts Feelings Behaviors for Teenagers
• Self Esteem and Feelings Workbook
• Emotions & Self Care Workbook
• My Anger Management Workbook

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