Online activity 1: What makes a good friend?

A list of statements is provided for the children to sort into two sets - 'a good friend would…' and 'a good friend wouldn't...'. They drag and drop the statements into the most appropriate set. Encourage the children to discuss their choices and to reach a consensus where possible. However, there are certain to be differences of opinion and this is an opportunity to explain to the children that an important aspect of managing relationships with their friends is to accept that we are all entitled to an opinion, and that the views of others are valid - even if you don't agree with them.

Online activity 2: You need a friend

The children are given a set of pictures from which to choose in order to write a story called 'You need a friend'. They drag and drop one of the pictures onto the writing scaffold and create their own story. The story can then be printed out.

Activity sheet 1: All about my friend

This sheet is designed to support the children in thinking about the unique characteristics of a good friend and to record what they enjoy doing together. The children should work with a friend. Each of them has an activity sheet. They can then compare their answers.

Activity sheet 2: What makes a good friend?

This sheet can be used to record the results of a class, year group, key stage or even a whole school about what the children believe makes a good friend. They are reminded that not everyone will have the same opinion. There is room on the sheet for children to write other comments of their own.

Extension ideas

• Arrange children in groups to role play Tommy's story.
• Ask children to extend the story they wrote in Online activity 2: You need a friend. Perhaps Tommy could be depicted as the helpful friend, lending support in a time of need.
• Older or more able children could analyse the results of the survey (Activity sheet 2: What makes a good friend?) and enter the results into a spreadsheet.
• Ask children to create a storyboard depicting a group of friends working together to solve a problem.
• Challenge the children to find out more about the work of The Children's Society and ask them to prepare a short talk to present to another class.

Assembly ideas

• The activities in this unit could make a valuable and interesting contribution to an assembly about friendship. The children could act out a short scene about Tommy and/or a time in their own lives when they needed a friend. You could share a story book about friendship and take the opportunity to reinforce your school ethos on working co-operatively and considering others.
• You could create a 'Charter of Friendship' there and then with the year group or key stage. If you are able to use an interactive whiteboard during the assembly, you could share the case study about Tommy and then ask for the children's ideas about what they think makes a good friend. You could engage the help of a confident writer to make a list of the children's suggestions on a flip chart. The list could then be typed up, illustrated and displayed in a prominent position in the school.

Certificates

When you have completed this My Life unit with your pupils, you can register or login to access a certificate. You can type in the name of each student and print the personalised certificates. No names will be stored by us. Just register free and return to this page. A link to the certificate will appear in the Activity sheets box.