Introduction

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is an essential aspect of a student’s development. One important skill in SEL is learning how to make plans with friends. This involves communication, collaboration, and empathy. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps involved in making plans with friends and provide an engaging no-prep activity for educators to use in the classroom. We will also explore related skills and offer additional resources for further learning.

No-Prep Activity: Role-Play Scenarios

This no-prep activity is designed to help students practice making plans with friends through role-playing. The educator should divide the class into pairs. Each pair should take turns acting out scenarios in which they need to make a plan together.

1. Provide a list of common activities that friends might plan, such as going to the movies, having a picnic, or playing a sport.
2. Have each pair choose an activity from the list and then role-play a conversation where they discuss the following steps:
   • Talk about what they will do
   • Decide where they will go
   • Choose a time to meet
   • Figure out how they will get there
3. After each pair has completed their role-play, have them switch roles and choose a new activity to plan.

This activity allows students to practice their communication, collaboration, and empathy skills while having fun and engaging with their peers.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to communicate clearly when making plans with friends?
2. How can you show empathy when deciding on an activity to do together?
3. What are some challenges you might face when making plans with friends, and how can you overcome them?
4. How can you ensure that everyone’s preferences and needs are considered when making plans?
5. Why is it important to be flexible and open to change when making plans with friends?

Related Skills

There are several related skills that students can develop to enhance their ability to make plans with friends. These include:

• Active Listening: Paying close attention to what others are saying and responding appropriately.
• Conflict Resolution: Addressing disagreements and finding solutions that work for everyone involved.
• Time Management: Organizing and prioritizing tasks to ensure that plans can be carried out effectively.
• Decision-Making: Evaluating options and making choices based on personal preferences and the needs of others.

Next Steps

Teaching students how to make plans with friends is an essential aspect of their social-emotional development. By incorporating activities like the no-prep role-play scenario and engaging in discussions, educators can help students develop these skills in a fun and interactive way.

For more resources and free samples of skill-building activities, visit Everyday Speech’s sample materials page. Sign up to access a variety of engaging activities designed to enhance students’ social-emotional learning.