Active learning ideas
Building positive friendships is a cornerstone of the Junior Cycle Wellbeing indicators, particularly 'Respected' and 'Connected.' For 1st year students, the social landscape changes rapidly as they meet peers from different primary schools and backgrounds. This topic explores the qualities of healthy friendships, such as trust, empathy, and mutual respect, while also addressing the importance of inclusivity in a diverse classroom.
Activity 01
Groups create posters listing 'ingredients' for a good friend and 'toxins' to avoid. Students circulate the room, adding sticky notes with specific examples of how these traits look in real life, such as 'listening without interrupting.'
What makes a good friend?
Activity 02
The class debates the difference between being 'friendly' and being 'friends.' This helps students understand that while they must be respectful to all classmates, deep friendships take time and shared values to build.
How can we make sure everyone feels included in our class?
Activity 03
Students act out scenarios where a peer is being left out of a group chat or a lunch table. They practice 'upstander' phrases to invite others in, focusing on body language and tone.
How do we handle minor disagreements with friends?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
A good friend should always agree with you and never hang out with other people.
Students often confuse loyalty with possessiveness. Through peer discussion, students learn that healthy friendships allow for independence and the freedom to have different opinions.
If we have one argument, the friendship is over.
Many young teens lack conflict resolution skills. Using role plays to practice 'I statements' helps students see that disagreements are a normal part of relationships and can be resolved through communication.
Methods used in this brief
Settling into Post-Primary School
Exploring the transition from primary to post-primary school, identifying new routines, and managing change effectively.
8 methodologies
Understanding Myself and My Values
Reflecting on personal strengths, interests, and the core values that guide everyday decisions and behaviours.
8 methodologies