Choosing+Good+Friends


 * Lesson Name: Choosing Good Friends**


 * Submitted by** Jen Ratchye Rinaldi

1C – Student demonstrates awareness of his/her external supports
 * Standard**(s):

//Paper/Pencil// //SEL Journal// //“Walter the Farting Dog, Trouble at the Yard Sale” by Kotzwinkle/Murray//
 * Materials**:


 * Time**: 30 minutes

Students will identify positive qualities to look for when choosing friends.
 * Goals**:


 * Assessments/Activities:**

__Gathering__: Call students back to the carpet area, and read the book “Walter the Farting Dog, Trouble at the Yard Sale”. This is a silly book that students will enjoy, especially if they’ve been exposed to the Walter series before. __Activity__: At the conclusion of the book, ask students to list off all the friends that in the book that Walter thought he had. Make a chart of the names that students share with you. Then, ask students to think about who Walter’s friends truly were, and ask students how they know that those individuals truly were Walter’s friends. Explain to students that sometimes we are wise in choosing our friends, and other times we may choose people to be friends with us who aren’t really a good choice. Talk about the importance of good qualities in people, and ensuring we’re choosing to be friends with people that exhibit those qualities. Explain the ramifications for choosing to be friends with people who don’t exhibit positive qualities. Discuss the qualities that Walter’s true friends had, and let students know that you’re going to ask them to independently list positive qualities to look for in chosen friendships. __Debrief/Closing__: Ask students to take out their SEL journals and write down qualities that make up a good friend. Let students know they will be asked to share their lists.

Level 3.0 – Student is able to generate a minimum of 10 positive qualities to look for in friendships. Level 2.0 – With assistance, student is able to generate at least five positive qualities to look for in friendships.
 * Assessment**: