Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) · 3rd Year · Myself and Others · 3.º Período

Friendship and Peer Relationships

Exploring the qualities of a good friend and learning how to be inclusive in play and group activities.

TL;DR:Friendship is a central theme in the lives of 9-year-olds. As they move into 3rd Year, social dynamics become more complex, and the need for explicit instruction in relationship skills grows. This topic, under the 'Myself and others' strand, focuses on the qualities of a good friend, such as loyalty, empathy, and honesty, and the practical skills of inclusion.

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

About This Topic

Friendship is a central theme in the lives of 9-year-olds. As they move into 3rd Year, social dynamics become more complex, and the need for explicit instruction in relationship skills grows. This topic, under the 'Myself and others' strand, focuses on the qualities of a good friend, such as loyalty, empathy, and honesty, and the practical skills of inclusion.

Students learn how to navigate the 'ebb and flow' of friendships, understanding that it is normal for interests to change. A key focus is on 'inclusive play', ensuring that no one is left out during break times. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation, where they can troubleshoot common playground dilemmas together.

Key Questions

1. What makes a good friend?
2. How can I include others in my games?
3. How do friendships change over time?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Best friends must do everything together.

What to Teach Instead

Teach that healthy friendships allow for space and other friends. Collaborative investigations into 'different friends for different things' help students value a variety of relationships.

Common Misconception

If you have a fight, the friendship is over.

What to Teach Instead

Explain that conflict is a natural part of any relationship. Role playing 'repair' strategies helps students see that disagreements can actually make a friendship stronger if handled well.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle

The Friendship Recipe

In small groups, students 'cook up' the perfect friend by deciding which 'ingredients' (traits) are essential and which are just 'toppings'. They must agree on the top five traits.

35 min·Small Groups

Role Play

The Inclusion Expert

Students act out a scene where a group is playing a game and a new person wants to join. They practice three different ways to welcome the newcomer warmly.

30 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

Fixing a Friendship

Students discuss a time they had a small disagreement with a friend and what they did to make it better, focusing on the power of an apology.

20 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

How can active learning help students understand friendship?

Friendship is a social skill that requires practice. Active learning strategies like role play and 'The Friendship Recipe' allow students to experiment with social behaviors in a safe environment. They can see the immediate positive impact of inclusive language and practice the 'scripts' they need to navigate real-world playground social dynamics.

How do I deal with 'cliques' in 3rd Year?

Use random grouping for active learning missions to break up established groups. Focus on the 'Inclusion Expert' role play to explicitly teach the value of expanding social circles.

What if a student is consistently isolated?

Use 'Think-Pair-Share' to pair them with different supportive peers. Observe their interactions during active learning to see if they need specific coaching on social cues or 'joining in' strategies.

How does this connect to the NCCA 'Relating to others' strand?

It directly addresses the goal of 'developing and practicing the skills of listening, communicating, and cooperating'. It builds the foundation for healthy relationships throughout their lives.