Building Strong Friendships | Printable Friendship Skills Lesson for Ages 8–10

Does your child struggle when a friendship changes, a friend becomes distant, or they begin to feel left out?

Strong friendships require more than getting along when everything feels easy. Children also need to learn how to check in, communicate when something feels different, make room for new friendships, and continue showing care through changes.

Through the relatable story “Things Have Felt Different,” children explore what happens when Addison notices that her longtime friendship with Jada no longer feels the same. They will learn how an honest friendship check-in can prevent assumptions, address hurt feelings, and help both friends understand each other.

Your child will practice how to:

• Recognize when a friendship begins to feel different
• Check in instead of immediately assuming the worst
• Express hurt or concern without blaming
• Listen to a friend’s perspective
• Understand that friends can also have other friendships
• Make time and show consistent effort
• Work through changes in a healthy way
• Identify the habits that help friendships grow stronger

Inside this lesson:

• A relatable, age-appropriate social story
• Guided comprehension and discussion questions
• A visual teaching page about healthy friendships
• 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 checking in, communicating honestly, and showing care in their own friendships.

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 strong friendships are built through honest communication, consistent effort, understanding, and care.