Active learning ideas
Friendships in 6th Class are often intense and can be a source of both great joy and significant stress. The NCCA curriculum focuses on the qualities of a good friend, the importance of healthy boundaries, and the skills needed to navigate peer pressure. As students prepare for secondary school, the ability to say 'no' to negative influences while maintaining positive relationships becomes a vital life skill.
Activity 01
Students are given scenarios where a friend is pressuring them to do something they are uncomfortable with (e.g., sharing a password or being mean to someone). They practice three different ways to say 'no' while staying calm and firm.
What makes a good friend?
Activity 02
Students debate the pros and cons of having one 'best' friend versus a larger group of friends. They must consider factors like loyalty, inclusion, and what happens when a single friendship has a conflict.
How can I say no to negative peer pressure?
Activity 03
Students list the top three qualities they value in a friend. They share with a partner and then discuss as a class which qualities are most important for a friendship to last through the transition to secondary school.
How do friendships change over time?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Being a good friend means always agreeing with them.
Teach that true friendship involves honesty and the ability to disagree respectfully. Role plays can help students practice how to tell a friend they disagree without ending the friendship.
Peer pressure is always obvious and 'mean.'
Explain that peer pressure can be subtle, like the 'need to fit in.' Using collaborative investigations into social media trends can help students identify these more subtle forms of influence.
Methods used in this brief
Family Dynamics and Support
Recognizing the different types of families and the roles, responsibilities, and support systems within them. Pupils discuss how families adapt to changes and challenges.
8 methodologies
Resolving Conflict and Empathy
Developing skills to resolve disagreements peacefully and understanding others' perspectives. Pupils practice active listening and empathetic communication.
8 methodologies