My Wonder Studio

Note to parent or teacher: Here is a 20-minute 0–5 lesson plan on how to be a good friend.

Read “One Kind Deed at a Time: Build a Better Friendship.”

Talk about things that are important to build a good friendship (e.g., kindness, thoughtfulness, loyalty, etc.), and how to be the kind of friend who brings those qualities into a friendship.

Read “The Secret to Making Friends.”

Talk about how making new friends sometimes takes effort. Discuss what Wiggly’s life might’ve been like if he hadn’t decided to make friends. What did Wiggly gain from making friends?

Watch “Be a Friend.”

Read “Character ABC: B Is for Be a Friend.”

Do something to show a friend how much you care. You can write a note, give your friend a hug, or tell your friend what makes him or her special to you. Make a friend feel special today!

Color “Coloring Page—Character ABC: B Is for Be a Friend.” 

Note to parent or teacher: Here is a 20- to 30-minute lesson plan that highlights the lesson objectives: “Be able to identify what actions build friendships." (Character Building: Social Skills: Friendship-1b) 

Read “Love Goes on Forever.”

Read “Building Friendships.”

Read “Billy and the Beast.”

What stood out in the articles above about ways friendships can be built or maintained? (For example: By giving to another person, by actively showing concern and doing kind deeds for another person, by thinking less of oneself and more about what will encourage another person.)

Pray one or both prayers of “Pray a Way: Caring for Others.” You can find the coloring page for these prayers here.

Stop and pray a prayer for a friend in need.

Reinforce this understanding of how showing consideration helps to build friendships by reading the following stories and taking note of the result of considerate actions.

• “Friendships Magnify Joy.”
• “An Important Race.”
• “Trudge and Zippy.”
• “Tales of Farm Friends: The Cat Blanket.”

Choose and memorize a scripture from either “Crazily Cool Card Set: God’s Law of Love” or “Crazily Cool Card Set: Love.” Print and color the card to use for review.

If you like, here’s an e-card you can add a message to and send to a friend to enjoy.

Additional resources:

• “Friendship, a Cool Shade”
• “Power-Up Devotional #8: Spirit Fruit: Kindness”
• “What Are Friends For?”

Note to parent or teacher: Here is a 15-minute 0–5 lesson plan on the actions one can take to foster good friendships.

Watch “Be a Friend.”

Read “Building Friendships.”

Talk about any friends your child currently has and how it took time for each friendship to grow.

Discuss the actions that strengthen friendships (e.g., care, kindness, consideration) and the things that can harm a friendship (e.g., always wanting your own way, etc.).

Read “Swifty and Nobo.” Talk about Nobo’s behavior with his pigeon friends. What made everyone like Nobo? What made everyone not want to be around Swifty?

Here are two verses that talk about how to treat each other in a kindly manner:

• Luke 6:31
• Romans 12:10

Watch “What Are Friends for?”

The article “Newbie Peers” highlights the following learning objective: “Be able to state ways to reach out to those in need of friendship, and how to discern whom to reach out to; learn how to include others so no one feels left out.” (Character Building: Social Skills: Friendship-2c)

This article can be used as a springboard to discuss your child’s friendships and how his or her friendships are faring. If your child is shy in nature, it may be more difficult for him or her to befriend others than a naturally outgoing child. Take time to listen to what your child faces when befriending others.

Discuss the following with your child:

• Friendship is a universal need; it can span age, gender, and nationality. Name some examples of friendship from the Bible, ancient or recent history, or from a story or piece of fiction your child is familiar with.
• Reasons why people or peers may seem unfriendly.
• Brainstorm age-appropriate activities that your child can offer to his or her peers as a means of getting to know others and making new friends.