Merrell’s Strong Start—Grades K–2

A Social & Emotional Learning Curriculum

Second Edition

by Sara A. Whitcomb, Ph.D. University of Massachusetts Amherst and Danielle M. Parisi Damico, Ph.D. Amplify Education, Inc. Brooklyn, New York

About the Authors

Sara A. Whitcomb, Ph.D., Associate Professor, School Psychology, Department of Student Development, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Dr. Whitcomb is Associate Professor in the School Psychology program in the Department of Student Development at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. She teaches courses pertaining to developmental psychopathology, psychology in the classroom, behavioral assessment, and school-based consultation. Dr. Whitcomb works with several school districts on their implementation of schoolwide positive behavior interventions and support, and her current research efforts include investigation of quality implementation features and consultation related to school-based behavioral and social-emotional learning efforts.

Danielle M. Parisi Damico, Ph.D., Research Scientist, Amplify Education, Inc.

Dr. Parisi Damico is Research Scientist with Amplify, an educational technology company. She is a school psychologist whose work emphasizes prevention and early intervention for improving academic and social outcomes for students. She conducts research and provides professional development in the areas of response to intervention/multi-tiered systems of support, evidence-based instructional practices, and data-based decision making.

Being a Good Friend

SEL Competencies Addressed in This Lesson

Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of this lesson is to teach students basic communication and friendship-making skills.

• Students will discriminate between a nice voice and a not so nice voice.
• Students will practice listening skills.
• Students will learn the importance of eye contact and body language when relating with others.

Materials Needed

• Henry (stuffed animal mascot)
• Chart paper
• A book from the literature list (or one of your choice)
• Drawing paper
• Crayons

Review

2 MINS. To activate prior knowledge, review and discuss previous topics and main ideas. Obtain three to five adequate ideas from the previous lesson. Make sure to provide feedback.

Introduction

2 MINS. Communicate clearly the lesson’s purpose and objectives.

Optional Focusing Activity

Sample Script Let’s get focused for today’s lesson. Sit crisscross applesauce or put both feet on the floor [for students sitting in chairs]. Place your hands on your lap and close your eyes. Let’s try five balloon breaths today.

Read a Book from the Literature List

10 MINS. Read a book from the following list of examples or choose your own book to share with students:

• Peanut Butter & Cupcake by Terry Border
• How To Grow a Friend by Sara Gillingham
• Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
• Yo! Yes? by Chris Raschka
• My Best Friend by Mary Ann Rodman

Be sure to point out all of the actions or ways in which the characters behave as good friends. Use the following questions to guide your discussion:

• Which people were friends in the story?
• How did they talk to each other?
• How did they become friends?
• What were some of the things they did together?

Talking and Listening

8 MINS. Communicate the necessary body clues for talking nicely, and give examples and nonexamples of a friendly voice.

Sample Script Today, we’re going to learn about how friends talk and listen to each other. To be a kind friend, we should smile and use a nice voice. A nice voice is soft and gentle and not loud like yelling.

Approaching Others

10 MINS. Explain how to begin a friendship or an activity with friends.

Sample Script When we’re friends, we listen to each other and use nice voices. Part of being a good friend is noticing others as they come up to you and showing them that you care. When you move close to another person and smile and say hi, you’re taking notice.

Sharing and Working Together

5 MINS. Explain the importance of maintaining friendships through sharing and working together. Elicit from the students some examples of sharing and working together.

Sample Script It is important to always treat our friends with kindness so that we can stay friends. We should try our best to listen to our friends and use a nice voice.

Make a Class Book

5 MINS. As a closure activity, have the students each make a page for a class book. Use Supplement 8.1, and ask students to dictate or write examples of what a good friend does. Then have them draw a picture. If time permits and students are willing, have a few children share their drawings with the class.

Extension Activity: Feelings Journal Writing Prompt

Share the following Henry scenario with your group.

Sample Script Henry’s friend Olive is telling him about a special art project that she and her brother are working on at home. Henry is having a hard time listening.

Extension Activity: Animal Friends

Purpose and Objective

The purpose of this lesson is for students to practice initiating interactions with others with whom they do not usually interact.

Procedure

1. Show students a clip of the PBS Nature documentary “Animal Odd Couples.”
2. Ask students some questions about the video clips.
3. Instruct students to find someone with a headband that would be an unlikely friendship match to their own animal headband.
4. Close the activity with questions for the students.