Objectives

• To help children identify helpful ways of interacting with their peers
• To consider what makes a good friend
• To understand the support children can receive from a good friend when things in their own lives are difficult
• To understand aspects of the work of The Children's Society

Curriculum links

KS2 Citizenship and PSHE:

• Developing confidence and responsibility - 1a
• Developing good relationships - 4a, c, g

Every Child Matters:

• Enjoy and achieve
• Make a positive contribution

SEAL:

• Managing feelings
• Empathy
• Social skills

Using the case study materials

The case study features Tommy, whose parents separated when he was still very young. Tommy went to live with his father. He has serious trouble forming and maintaining relationships, and his view at the beginning of the case study is that he has to be 'hard' to make friends. Dealing with his anger is a big issue. He is persuaded to join a group at school that aims to help children like Tommy make positive friendships. He makes a good friend who doesn't like fighting and his behaviour improves, as does his understanding of the skills needed to form and maintain friendships.

• Share the story with the whole class. After the first showing ask the children to retell Tommy's story in their own words.
• At the end of the case study, on-screen questions prompt the children to consider what they think makes a good friend.
• Use the comprehension questions below to help the children focus on the types of behaviour they think are most helpful in friendships. Do they know what makes a good friend?

Comprehension questions

1. How did Tommy think he needed to act to make friends?
2. What do you think Tommy meant and felt when he said that he used to 'walk around with a frown on his face'?
3. Why do you think Tommy used to get into fights with his school mates?
4. What was it that helped Tommy to see that acting 'hard' was not helpful in friendships?
5. How did Tommy's behaviour change after he'd attended the club at school?
6. At the end of the story Tommy says, 'I walk around with a smile on my face.' Why do you think this is and how do you think he feels?