Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) · 3rd Class · Myself and Others: My Friends and Family · 3.º Período

Making and Keeping Friends

Children discuss the qualities of a good friend and how to build strong friendships. They explore the importance of inclusion, sharing, and empathy.

TL;DR:Friendship in 3rd Class becomes more complex as social circles shift and the need for peer acceptance grows. The NCCA curriculum focuses on identifying the qualities of a good friend, such as loyalty, honesty, and kindness, and practicing the skills needed to maintain these bonds. Students explore the concept of inclusion, learning how to welcome others and recognize the impact of 'leaving people out.'

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• Strand: Myself and others, Strand Unit: My friends and other people
• Strand: Myself and others, Strand Unit: Relating to others

About This Topic

Friendship in 3rd Class becomes more complex as social circles shift and the need for peer acceptance grows. The NCCA curriculum focuses on identifying the qualities of a good friend, such as loyalty, honesty, and kindness, and practicing the skills needed to maintain these bonds. Students explore the concept of inclusion, learning how to welcome others and recognize the impact of 'leaving people out.'

Empathy is a central theme here. Children are encouraged to consider how their words and actions affect others' feelings. This topic is essential for creating a positive classroom climate where every student feels safe and valued. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation, where they can hear firsthand how different behaviors impact their classmates.

Key Questions

1. What makes someone a good friend?
2. How can we make sure everyone feels included?
3. How do our actions affect our friends' feelings?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

You have to be friends with everyone in the class.

What to Teach Instead

Teach that while you don't have to be 'best friends' with everyone, you must be *friendly* and respectful to everyone. Active discussion about the difference between 'friendship' and 'friendly behavior' helps clarify classroom expectations.

Common Misconception

Being a good friend means always agreeing with them.

What to Teach Instead

Explain that true friends can disagree respectfully. Use role plays to practice how to say 'no' or express a different opinion to a friend without being unkind or ending the friendship.

Active Learning Ideas

Gallery Walk

The Recipe for Friendship

In small groups, students create a 'Recipe for a Good Friend,' listing ingredients like '2 cups of kindness' or 'a dash of humor.' They display their recipes and move around the room to vote on the most important 'ingredient' using stickers.

40 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

Including Others

Students are given a scenario: 'You see someone standing alone at break time.' They think of three different ways to invite that person to join in, then share their ideas with a partner to choose the most welcoming approach.

15 min·Pairs

Simulation Game

The Empathy Glasses

Students take turns wearing 'imaginary glasses' that let them see a situation from a friend's perspective. They are given a conflict (e.g., a broken toy) and must describe how the *other* person is feeling and why, before suggesting a way to help.

30 min·Small Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I deal with 'cliques' forming in 3rd Class?

Use frequent rotation of groups for active learning tasks to ensure students work with everyone. Explicitly teach the skills of inclusion and praise students when you see them welcoming others into their play or work groups.

What are the best hands-on strategies for teaching friendship skills?

Role play is the gold standard for friendship skills. It allows students to practice the actual language of invitation, apology, and support. 'Friendship Stations' where students complete collaborative challenges also help them practice cooperation in real-time.

How does the NCCA curriculum address bullying at this age?

The curriculum focuses on prevention by building empathy and strong social skills. It teaches students to distinguish between 'falling out' and bullying, and empowers them with strategies to stand up for themselves and others safely.

How can active learning help students understand making and keeping friends?

Friendship is an active, social process. By using simulations and collaborative investigations, students aren't just hearing about kindness, they are practicing it. These activities provide a safe space to fail and try again, building the social 'muscle' needed for real-world relationships.