What Makes a Good Friend? | Listening & Empathy Lesson for Ages 8–10

Does your child struggle to recognize when a friend is upset, listen without interrupting, or respond with empathy?

Being a good friend involves more than being nice or spending time together. Children must also learn how to listen carefully, notice emotional clues, and offer support when a friend’s words do not fully explain how they feel.

Through the relatable story “Listening Beyond the Words,” children explore what happens when Khloe says she does not care about being left out, even though her behavior suggests that she feels hurt. They will practice looking beyond someone’s words and responding with care, patience, and understanding.

Your child will practice how to:

• Identify important qualities of a good friend
• Listen without interrupting or changing the subject
• Notice facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice
• Recognize when someone’s words may not match their feelings
• Ask caring and respectful follow-up questions
• Show empathy without trying to dismiss the feeling
• Offer support when a friend feels hurt or left out

Inside this lesson:

• A relatable, age-appropriate social story
• Guided comprehension and discussion questions
• A visual teaching page about listening and empathy
• Practice activities and real-life social scenarios
• Personal reflection and skill-building pages

How to use this lesson

This lesson supports approximately one week of learning and practice. Read the story, complete a few pages at a time, and encourage your child to practice listening for both words and emotional clues during everyday conversations.

No teaching experience is required. Simply download, print, and work through the lesson together.

Perfect for:

• Homeschool learning
• Parent-guided practice at home
• Classroom SEL instruction
• Small-group learning
• Counseling or behavior-support sessions
• After-school programs

Please note:

✓ Designed for ages 8–10; may also suit younger children depending on their maturity level and support needs
✓ One complete printable lesson
✓ Instant digital download
✓ Delivered in printable PDF format
✓ Nothing will be shipped
✓ Also included in the complete 8-lesson Friendship & Social Skills Unit

Help your child understand that a good friend does more than hear the words—they pay attention, show empathy, and help others feel understood.