Objective

To learn why friendship is important and how to make friends.

Materials

Big Al by Andrew Clements Yoshi

Paper (written on top: THIS IS WHAT MAKES ME A GOOD FRIEND)

Crayons, markers, or colored pencils

Introduction

Ask students for their ideas on what makes someone a good friend. Discuss what qualities are and help students to identify good and bad qualities that could affect friendship. Also discuss why friends are important.

Procedure/Activities

Read the book aloud to the class. Allow students to make observations about the pictures in the book or comment on what Big Al and other fish are doing to make friends. After reading, make a list with the students about what strategies Big Al tried to make friends. What worked, what didn’t. Give each student a piece of paper. The paper reads “This is what makes me a good friend”. Each student will draw a picture of something they do, which makes them a good friend to others.

Conclusion

At the end of the lesson, students will have knowledge of behaviors that are helpful in making friends and behaviors that can hurt friendships.

Homework/Follow-up

Some students may want to present or share their pictures with other students. Student pictures should be displayed around the room.

Submitted by: Melanie Parkinson

Professional School Counseling Program

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Interning 2002-2003

Highwood Hills Elementary School (Saint Paul, MN)

Harding High School (Saint Paul, MN)