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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can explain why and how friendships change and how I can support myself.

Key learning points

  1. Children change as they grow and develop, this means friendships can change too.
  2. Not all friendships are 'forever'.
  3. It is important to speak to our friends, family or teachers if we are concerned about a friendship.

Keywords

  • Friendship - a close relationship between two or more people who care about and support each other

  • Conflict - a disagreement between two or more people

  • Emotional maturity - the ability to manage your emotions, and think rationally even if you are upset or angry

Common misconception

If a friend falls out with me or we start to grow apart, I should do whatever it takes to make them my friend again.

It is natural for people to drift apart and discover different interests or hobbies, particularly as they grow older. It it important to remember that friendships don't last forever, and this is ok, you will experience other friendships in your life.

Teacher tip

Discuss with the class who they can turn to for pastoral support in your setting.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
The word meaning to change or develop is...

Correct Answer: evolve

Q2.
Which of the following are benefits that can come from friendship?

Correct answer: personal growth
Correct answer: enjoyment
Correct answer: belonging
being available at all times

Q3.
Which is the correct definition of friendship?

Correct answer: A relationship between two or more people who care about and support each other.
Two or more people who see each other all time and never have time apart.
Two or more people who are always available whether it be day or night.

Q4.
Which statements about friendships changing are true?

Correct answer: Friendships can change if your interests and hobbies change.
Friendships never change, your friends stay the same forever.
Correct answer: Friendships are fluid, some can get stronger, whilst others fade.
Friendships won't change at different stages of your life.

Q5.
Cyberbullying is...

Correct answer: bullying which takes place online
bullying which takes place in person

Q6.
Complete the sentence: It is not safe to make new friends...

at school
at a youth group
Correct answer: online
at an exercise class

6 Questions

Q1.
Which word describes the ability to manage your emotions, and think rationally even if you are upset or angry?

Correct Answer: emotional maturity

Q2.
Which of the following statements is not correct?

Correct answer: If a friend falls out with me I should do anything to make them my friend again.
It is natural for friends to drift apart and discover different interests.
It is natural for some friendships to fade as I grow older.

Q3.
Which of the following statements is correct?

Growing up does not affect friendships.
Correct answer: Growing up can affect friendships.
Growing up means no one has time for friendships.

Q4.
The word that means a disagreement between two or more people is a...

Correct Answer: conflict

Q5.
Which of the following are ways to deal with a changing friendship?

Correct answer: make space for new friends
Correct answer: stay respectful and kind
refuse to see the other person's side of things
be rude and mean
Correct answer: keep open communication

Q6.
Who should we speak to if we are feeling upset by a changing friendship?

Correct Answer: a trusted adult, trusted adult, grown up, parent, teacher

To help you plan your 7 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Changing friendships, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...