The Benefits of Friendship Groups for Elementary Students
Friendship is one of the most critical aspects of childhood, yet it's also one of the most complex. For many elementary students, navigating friendships can feel overwhelming. They may encounter conflicts at recess, struggle to communicate effectively, or feel unsure about how to resolve disagreements with their peers. As school social workers and counselors, we know that these challenges don’t just affect relationships—they also impact learning, behavior, and self-esteem.
This is where small group friendship counseling comes in. By working in a structured group setting, students not only gain the tools they need to build and maintain healthy friendships but also practice these skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Here are some key benefits of small group friendship counseling for elementary students:
1. Peer Learning and Support
Small groups create a sense of camaraderie. Students often realize they are not alone in their struggles, which fosters empathy and reduces feelings of isolation. They also learn from each other, observing how their peers handle situations and practicing new skills together.
2. Improved Social Skills
Friendship groups focus on essential social-emotional skills, including effective communication, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution. These skills not only improve friendships but also help students succeed in the classroom and beyond.
3. Safe Practice Space
Role-playing and group activities allow students to experiment with new strategies for managing conflicts, expressing feelings, and giving constructive feedback—all in a safe, low-pressure environment.
4. Focused Attention on Real-Life Scenarios
Whether it’s dealing with recess drama or navigating online friendships, small group sessions target real-world challenges students face daily. These practical scenarios make the learning applicable and memorable.
5. Increased Confidence
As students learn and practice these skills, they become more confident in their ability to navigate social situations, build positive relationships, and handle conflicts constructively.
Take Your Friendship Groups to the Next Level!
If you're ready to start or enhance friendship counseling at your school, I’ve created two fun and effective resources tailored for elementary students:
Boys Video Game-Themed 6-Week Friendship Group Curriculum
This curriculum is perfect for boys who love gaming and need help with friendships, resolving conflicts, and sportsmanship. The video game-inspired theme keeps students engaged as they "level up" their social skills through activities like:
Conflict Resolution Cheat Codes
Teamwork Challenges
Rumor Radar Worksheets
This program is ideal for addressing recess disagreements, competitive games, and social conflicts.
Camping-Themed 6-Week Friendship Group Curriculum
Great for any elementary student, this camping-themed group teaches students how to build trust, resolve disagreements, and communicate effectively. Through role-playing, worksheets, and fun camping activities, students will learn to manage peer conflicts at recess, in class, and even online.
Both curriculums include everything you need:
Detailed weekly lesson plans
Pre- and post-assessments to track progress
Engaging activities, role plays, and worksheets
Ready to Get Started?
Small group friendship counseling is a game-changer for students struggling to make and keep friends. Whether you're helping students level up with a video game theme or guiding them through camp-inspired teamwork, these resources are here to make your job easier and more impactful.
You can find both curriculums in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. Start making a difference today!
Explore the Video Game-Themed Curriculum | Explore the Camping-Themed Curriculum
Let’s help our students build stronger, healthier friendships—one session at a time!