Year 3 create a Friendship Potion

Miss Gilbert was delighted to present a variety of scenarios to Year 3, encouraging the pupils to consider how different situations could be resolved in a fair and positive way that everyone involved could agree upon.

She began by showing the pupils a picture of two donkeys tied together by a rope, with a bale of hay placed in front of each donkey. The challenge was to decide how both donkeys could enjoy the hay so that each ended up with a full stomach. The pupils eagerly shared their ideas, suggesting that the donkeys could move together towards one bale first before returning to share the other, push the hay closer together so that they could both eat, or simply take turns. It was wonderful to see the pupils thinking creatively and collaboratively as they explored different solutions.

Miss Gilbert then introduced further scenarios based on social situations, such as someone asking to join in with a game or a pupil needing to admit that they had accidentally broken somebody else’s equipment. In every scenario she presented, the pupils thoughtfully discussed a range of possible responses and considered how each situation could be resolved in a respectful and satisfactory manner for all involved.

These lessons provide valuable opportunities for pupils to think carefully about the best ways to approach potentially awkward or challenging situations. They also encourage pupils to listen to one another’s ideas, develop empathy, and reflect on how to navigate disagreements or misunderstandings in a calm, positive and effective manner.

The pupils then went on to discuss the qualities they feel are most important when building friendships with those around them. They spoke about kindness, honesty, trust, patience and respect, demonstrating a mature understanding of the values that help friendships to grow and flourish. Following this discussion, the pupils created their own “friendship potions”, carefully selecting the qualities that meant the most to them and illustrating how these characteristics can help to build strong and positive relationships.

Miss Gilbert was delighted by the thoughtful way the pupils engaged in the discussions and listened carefully to one another. These conversations are helping pupils to recognise how their actions and decisions can shape social situations and relationships throughout their school journey.