In our Friendology curriculum, URSTRONG Schools help students spot strengths in themselves & their friends in our fun, character-building activities!
According to VIA Institute of Character, we all possess 24 Character Strengths in different degrees. Everyone has a different mixture or combination of strengths; some representing our top strengths (often called Signature Strengths).
With our theme of FORGIVENESS this month, we’re getting students to reflect on the concept of “extending an olive branch” (like the little guys are demonstrating in the image). This ties in so well with conversations around reconciliation, along with the idea of peace offerings. So many Teachable Moments!
After a Friendship Fire®, moving from Talk-it-Out to Forgive & Forget on the Friend-o-Cycle can take time. Kids also share that it can “feel awkward” for a while. One easy strategy to speed things up is by “extending an olive branch”. A few examples include:
- “Hey, wanna play hide & seek?”
- “Have you heard that new song by Shawn Mendes? I think you’d love it!”
- “Want a cookie? I made them last night with my dad!”
- “Wow, cool colours on your painting! It’s so vibrant!”
Forgiveness is such a big, layered topic and there’s so much to unpack with students! Parents can reinforce these lessons at home with this activity: What is Forgiveness? We love the ways our URSTRONG Schools & URSTRONG Families are helping kids move forward after Friendship Fires® to get their friendships back in the Green-Zone on the Friend-o-Meter!
Written by: Dana Kerford
Founder of URSTRONG & Kids’ Friendship Expert
