LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Identify and describe the benefits of having unlikely friendships; describe ways to meet unlikely friends; read about three unlikely friendships and explain why they are successful.

HEALTH ED STANDARDS

NHES 4: Demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health and avoid or reduce health risks.

 

KEY VOCAB

fundamental

stereotypes

adrenaline

extrovert

compassion

Lesson Plan: With a Friend Like You...

It’s natural to be drawn to people with similar interests. But there’s surprising power in unlikely friendships.

1. Preparing to Read

Before you read the article “With a Friend Like You...,” ask your students the following pre-reading question:

Would you rather have friends that are just like you or different from you? Why?

2. Reading and Discussing

  • Have your students read the article “With a Friend Like You...” independently; read the article out loud to them; or have students partner-read the article out loud.
  • After they’ve read the article, revisit the pre-reading question. Have their answers changed?

3. Building Comprehension and Vocab

Check students’ comprehension of and engagement with the story with the following assessment tools:

  • Quiz

  • Vocab Builder

4. Expanding SEL Opportunities

Continue the learning journey with the following extension activity:

In MY UNLIKELY FRIEND, students will write a short story in either first or third person inspired by the time they met their most unlikely friend. Remind them to include lots of descriptive detail and dialogue to show how this person is different from them, how they felt when they first met this person, how they realized this person was a potential friend, and how having an unlikely (but successful) friendship has benefitted them.

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