General Studies Study Notes: Making Friends

Hello everyone! Welcome to our notes on a super important topic: Making Friends! Having friends makes school and life so much more fun. In these notes, we'll learn some simple and amazing tips on how to meet new people, be a wonderful friend, and what to do when things get a little tricky. It's a skill that will help you your whole life!


How Do We Make a New Friend?

Meeting someone new can feel a bit shy, but it's easier than you think! Just like learning a new game, you can learn the steps to make a friend. Don't worry if it seems tricky at first, a friendly hello goes a long way!

Here are 3 Easy Steps:

1. Smile and Say "Hello!"
A simple, warm smile shows that you are friendly. You can wave and say "Hi" or "Hello".

2. Share Your Name
Tell them your name so they know who you are. You can say, "My name is..."

3. Ask a Friendly Question
This is a great way to start a conversation. You can ask about things you see them doing or things you like too.

Example Questions You Can Ask:

• "That's a cool drawing! Do you like to draw?"
• "What's your favourite game to play during recess?"
• "I like your backpack! Where did you get it?"

Key Takeaway:

Making a new friend starts with a simple, friendly action. A smile, a "hello," and a question are the perfect tools to begin a new friendship.


We Are All Different, and That's Awesome!

Appreciating Uniqueness

Look around your classroom. Is everyone exactly the same? Nope! Everyone is unique, which means we are all special and one-of-a-kind. Our differences are what make the world so interesting.

Think about a box of crayons. If every crayon was red, it would be boring! But with blue, green, yellow, and purple, you can draw a beautiful rainbow. Friends are like that too!

Some Ways We Are All Unique:

• Our Likes and Dislikes: Some of us love playing football, while others love reading books.
• Our Families: Our families come in all different shapes and sizes.
• Our Feelings: Some of us are very chatty, while others are quieter.
• Our Talents: You might be a great runner, and your friend might be an amazing singer.

Being a good friend means appreciating these differences and not expecting everyone to be just like you.

Did you know?

No two people in the entire world, not even twins, have the exact same fingerprints. This shows that every single person is truly unique!

Key Takeaway:

Everyone is special in their own way. A good friend respects and celebrates these differences. This is called appreciating the uniqueness of every individual.


What Are Your Friends Feeling?

Let's Talk About Emotions!

Everyone has feelings, or emotions. It's normal to feel happy, sad, angry, excited, or worried. Good friends try to understand each other's feelings.

It’s important to share how you feel using your words. For example, instead of just being quiet, you could say, "I feel sad because I miss my mum." This helps your friends understand you better.

What is Empathy?

Empathy is a very special friendship skill. It means trying to understand how someone else is feeling. It’s like trying to walk in their shoes for a moment.

If you see a friend looking sad, you can show empathy by:

• Asking, "Are you okay?"
• Saying, "I'm sorry you're feeling sad."
• Offering to help or just sitting with them quietly.

Quick Review Box

Emotions: These are your feelings (happy, sad, etc.). It's good to talk about them.
Empathy: This is understanding and caring about how someone else feels.


The Superpowers of a Good Friend

Our Roles and Responsibilities in a Friendship

Being a friend isn't just about playing together. It's also about having responsibilities to each other. A responsibility is like a promise to be a good friend.

What Good Friends Do (Your Responsibilities):

• Share and Take Turns: Whether it's toys or talking time, sharing makes everything fair.
• Be Kind: Use kind words and gentle hands. Avoid calling names or leaving people out.
• Listen: When your friend is talking, listen carefully. It shows you care.
• Help Each Other: If a friend falls down or needs help with something, offer a hand.
• Be Honest: Tell the truth, but always be kind about it.

Friends also have rights! This means you have the right to be treated well. You have the right to be listened to, to be treated with kindness, and to have your own ideas.

Key Takeaway:

A great friendship is a two-way street. You have a role to be a kind, listening, and helpful friend, and you have the right to be treated that way too.


Oops! We Had an Argument... Now What?

It's completely normal for friends to disagree sometimes. It happens to everyone! The important thing is knowing how to solve the problem peacefully.

Don't worry, a little argument doesn't mean your friendship is over. Here's what you can do:

Steps to Solve a Problem with a Friend:

1. Stop and Cool Down: If you feel angry, take a few slow, deep breaths. Count to ten.
2. Talk It Out: Use "I feel..." statements. Say, "I feel upset because we didn't play the game I wanted to play."
3. Listen to Their Side: Let your friend talk without interrupting. Try to understand their feelings too.
4. Find a Solution Together: Can you take turns? Can you play one game first, and the other game next? Find a fair answer.
5. Say Sorry: A real, honest "I'm sorry" can fix a lot of things.

Common Mistake to Avoid:

Shouting, pushing, or ignoring your friend usually makes the problem bigger. Always try to use your calm words first!


It's Brave to Ask for Help!

Sometimes, a problem with a friend might feel too big to handle on your own, and that is perfectly okay. Knowing when to ask for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

You should always ask a trusted adult for help when:

• Someone is being mean to you or your friend on purpose and won't stop (this is bullying).
• You or your friend gets hurt.
• You feel very worried or sad about a friendship and don't know what to do.
• A problem just won't go away, no matter how hard you try to solve it.

Trusted adults can be your parents, your teachers, or a school counsellor. They are there to help you feel safe and happy at school.

Key Takeaway:

You don't have to solve every problem alone. It is brave and smart to seek help from a grown-up when you need it.