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Friendship ROX

Keeping Kids Connected
Activity Glossary

Glossary of Terms

At URSTRONG, we believe it’s important to use kids’ language for kids’ problems. That’s why we have our very own, unique language of friendship. Here are some important terms that children, parents, and teachers learn in our program.

Friendship Fire®: Any situation between you and a friend that results in negative feelings.

Mean-on-Purpose: When someone is intentionally unkind to someone else.

Quick Comeback: A very short word or phrase that is used when someone is Mean-on-Purpose. Quick Comebacks are designed to let the other person know that you heard/saw what they did and you’re not okay with it.

Friend-o-meter: A visual tool that assesses the health of friendships, ranging from the healthy zone to the unhealthy zone.

Friend-o-cycle: The normal cycle in a friendship that brings the friendship back to the healthy zone after experiencing a Friendship Fire. The phases of the Friend-o-cycle are: Healthy Friendship – Fire – Confront the issue – Talk-it-Out – Forgive & Forget – Closer & Stronger – Healthy Friendship…

4 Friendship Facts: A set of four facts that help us have realistic expectations in our friendships so we understand what is normal.

  1. No friendship (relationship) is perfect.
  2. Every friendship is different.
  3. Trust & Respect are the two most important qualities of a friendship.
  4. Friendships change…and that’s okay.

Red Shirt Girl and Striped Shirt Boy: Two characters that remind us about the importance of body language.

Friendship Ninja: A Friendship Ninja is someone who surrounds themselves with friends in the healthy zone of the Friend-o-meter. A Friendship Ninja is kind and friendly to everyone. A Friendship Ninja understands the 4 Friendship Facts and puts out their Friendship Fires when they ignite. A Friendship Ninja stands up for themselves and their friends. A Friendship Ninja makes new friends and understands that friendships change…and that’s okay. Above all else, a Friendship Ninja is someone you want to be friends with because they’re true to who they are!

What do you get when you combine a rock found on a nature walk with a heartfelt message for your bestie? Friendship ROX, of course!

To access this resource, you must purchase Parent Membership.

Objective

During this uneasy time, our primary goal is: Keeping Kids Connected. Research shows us that social connection is the most powerful antidote to stress and anxiety. We are committed to helping bring positivity, fun, and friendship to kids around the globe.

In addition to offering regular live lessons in our virtual URSTRONG Classroom, we have curated a collection of friendship-themed activities for kids to do at home.

This activity is designed to get your child out in nature, while mindfully reflecting on a feel-good friend. In addition to harnessing their creativity, research shows that gift-giving enhances wellbeing and feelings of happiness.

According to the late Dr Anthony Grant, a pioneer in Coaching Psychology from the University of Sydney, “Knowing we’ve done something to improve the life of others not only boosts our self-esteem and gives us a sense of purpose, it also shifts our attention away from our own stresses and worries.”

Key Outcome

Your child will activate their connection with a special friend utilising creativity, nature, and gift-giving.

Materials

  • Flat rocks – easy to paint on
  • Paint pens or paint
  • Paint brushes
  • PVA glue for any embellishments (eyes, sequins, beads)
  • Plastic lid to rest you rock upon
  • Spray varnish (optional) or PVA glue to coat.

Instructions

  1. Say to your child, “I know you’ve been missing your friends! Do you have a particular friend you’re missing the most?” Have a conversation with them and really listen to how they’re feeling.
  2. Explain to your child that you have a challenge for them. Say, “You know that friend you’re missing? Well, I have a challenge: I want you to create some Friendship Rox for them!”
  3. Show them the examples above and ask them, “What words come to mind when you think of your friend? Are they kind, loving, joyful?” Quickly help your child brainstorm some ideas for what they could write on the rock. Maybe they want to write an uplifting message for their friend like:
    • Shine!
    • U Matter!
    • Smile!
    • Best Friends!
    • U Rock!
    • We’re in this Together!
  4. Head out for a nature walk with your child (or send them out on their own if they’re old enough). Encourage them to search for some perfect rocks that they can decorate for their friend.
  5. When they return home, ensure your child cleans the rocks so they are free of any soil or dust. Then, let their creative minds soar as they bring their Friendship Rox to life! Encourage them to add embellishments like eyes, glitter, sequins or beads.

Optional: When paint is dry, spray the rock with some varnish or paint a thin PVA glue layer over it – it will dry clear.

Next Steps

Special delivery! Pop the Friendship Rox in their bestie’s letterbox or maybe even hide them in their garden. If their friend lives far away, send them a video message with the rock describing why they designed it the way you did.