aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Personal development
What age group	Year or Grade 4
What topic	Social skills
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Beginning a Lesson on Social Skills for Year 4

Lesson Introduction: "The Friendship Circle"

Objective:

To encourage students to understand and develop important social skills that contribute to building positive relationships with their peers.

Materials Needed:

• A soft ball or plush toy
• A large open space (classroom or playground)
• A whiteboard and markers
• Colourful sticky notes

Activity Steps:

1. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: Begin the lesson by gathering the students in a circle. This can be done on the floor in the classroom or outside if the weather allows. Ensure everyone is comfortable and facing each other.

2. Introduce the Activity: Tell the students that today they will be working on their social skills—skills that help them make and keep friends! Explain that social skills are like the bricks that build strong relationships.

3. The Friendship Ball Toss:

   • Introduce the soft ball or plush toy as the "Friendship Ball."
   • Explain the basic rules: When a student catches the ball, they must share their name and one positive thing about being a good friend (e.g., "My name is Sam, and a good friend always listens.").
   • The student then tosses the ball to another classmate, who will do the same.

4. Building Connections:

   • As students share, encourage them to listen actively. Remind them that being a good friend also means listening, not just talking.
   • After everyone has had a turn, discuss how the positive qualities shared can help them become better friends.

5. Reflection and Sticky Notes:

   • Hand out colourful sticky notes and ask students to write down one thing they learned about social skills or one way they can be a good friend to others.
   • Encourage them to stick their notes on a designated "Friendship Wall" in the classroom, so everyone can see and reflect on their contributions.

Conclusion:

Wrap up the lesson by summarising the key points about social skills and how they help us in our daily lives. Reinforce the idea that each of them has the power to be a great friend by practising what they’ve learned today.

Homework:

Ask students to think of one way they can show kindness to a friend over the next week and share their experiences in the next lesson.

---

By starting your lesson with this engaging activity, students will actively participate while learning essential social skills that lay the foundation for lasting friendships.