Making Friends & Encouraging Each Other

Hello, Super Students! Have you ever thought about what makes a friendship so special? Friends make us laugh, play with us, and help us when we are sad. Having good friends makes school and life much more fun!

In this chapter, we will learn how to be an amazing friend, how to solve little problems that pop up, and how to make safe choices together. Let's begin our friendship adventure!


1. How to Be a Great Friend!

Getting along with friends is like being on a super team. Everyone has a part to play to make the team strong and happy. Here are the secrets to being a great friend and teammate.

The 3 Friendship Superpowers

1. Listen Carefully: When your friend is talking, try to be a 'Listening Detective'. Pay attention to their words and their feelings. This shows them you care about what they have to say.

2. Express Yourself Kindly: It's important to share your feelings too! A good way to do this is by using "I feel..." sentences.
For example, instead of saying "You always choose the game!", you could try, "I feel a bit left out when I don't get to choose the game. Can we pick together next time?"

3. Be Accepting: Everyone is different, and that's what makes us special! Your friend might love reading while you love running. You can still be best buddies. Accepting means liking your friends for who they are.

Being a Good Friend Online

The internet is like a giant digital playground. We need to be kind and respectful there, just like we are in the school playground.

- Respect Others Online: Always use kind words when you are messaging or playing games online. What you type can affect someone's feelings.

- Avoid Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is being mean or hurtful to someone online. This is never, ever okay. If you see it happening, or if it happens to you, it's very important to tell a trusted adult, like a parent or teacher, right away.

Key Takeaway

A great friend listens, shares their feelings kindly, and accepts their friends for who they are. Remember to be a good friend in person and online!


2. What to Do When We Disagree

Oops! Sometimes, even the best of friends have disagreements. Don't worry, this is normal! It doesn't mean you're not friends anymore. The important thing is learning how to solve the problem together. This is called conflict resolution.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Solving Problems

When you and a friend have a problem, try these simple steps. It's easy to remember: STOP, THINK, TALK!

Step 1: STOP & Calm Down
If you feel angry or upset, take a few slow, deep breaths. You can't solve a problem when you're feeling fizzy with anger.

Step 2: THINK About the Problem
Ask yourself: What is the problem really about? What do I want? What does my friend want?

Step 3: TALK It Out
Use a calm voice. Let your friend talk without interrupting. Then, share your side. Try to find a solution that works for both of you. This is called a compromise.

Example: You and your friend both want to use the one red crayon. After calming down (STOP) and thinking (THINK), you can TALK. Maybe you can agree to take turns, each using it for five minutes. That's a great solution!

Common Mistake to Avoid

Shouting, walking away angrily, or ignoring your friend won't solve the problem. This can make things worse. Always try to talk it out calmly.

Key Takeaway

Disagreements happen, but they can be solved! Remember to STOP, THINK, and TALK to find a solution that makes everyone feel better. Solving problems together makes your friendship even stronger.


3. Making Safe and Smart Choices

Part of being a good friend is helping each other stay safe. This means making good decisions, especially when you face a tricky choice, which is sometimes called a dilemma.

Personal Safety with Friends

Your safety is your number one priority! A true friend would never ask you to do something that is dangerous, breaks a rule, or just feels wrong. We can call these inappropriate requests.

- What is an inappropriate request?
It's when someone asks you to do something that gives you a worried or uncomfortable feeling in your tummy.
Examples: A friend asking you to lie to a teacher for them, to go somewhere without telling your parents, or to keep a secret that makes you feel bad.

- How to Say "No"
It is ALWAYS okay to say "no" to a friend if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. You don't have to be mean. You just have to be clear.

A Simple Rule: Say NO, GO, and TELL

1. Say NO: Use a firm and clear voice. "No, I don't want to do that." or "No, that's not a safe idea."

2. GO: Walk away from the situation. Go to a place where you feel safe.

3. TELL: Find a trusted adult immediately. This could be your mum, dad, a teacher, or another family member. Telling an adult isn't tattling; it's being brave and responsible.

Did You Know?

That little feeling in your tummy that warns you when something isn't right is often called your "gut feeling." It's like your body's own built-in safety alarm. It's very important to listen to it!

Key Takeaway

Your safety is most important. It is always okay to say 'no' to something that feels wrong. True friends will respect your decision to stay safe.