Healthy Friendships Made Simple
Healthy Friendships Made Simple teaches kids ages 8–12 how to recognize, respond to, recover from, and rise above relational aggression. Led by a school counselor, this live course helps kids build strong friendships & lead with confidence.
What's included
8 live meetings
7 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursAssignments
1 hour per week. Students will be giving reflection guides (PDF) and challenges to complete each week.Certificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 7
In Healthy Friendships Made Simple, learners will explore the 4Rs—Recognize, Respond, Recover, and Rise Above—to build stronger, safer friendships and handle social challenges with confidence. Through engaging lessons, we’ll break down what relational aggression looks like, why it happens, how to handle it, and how to become a positive leader in your social group. Class Experience: This live course is designed for kids ages 8–12 and focuses on building real-life friendship skills through discussion, role-play, reflection, and practical tools. We meet bi-weekly for eight sessions, and each class focuses on one specific skill or concept. Here's what learners can expect: Classes are active and interactive. Kids won’t sit through a lecture—they’ll share ideas, learn simple scripts and responses, and practice skills in real-time through role-play and guided discussion. I use slides, games, and short video clips to explain key concepts, always inviting learners to reflect and apply what they’ve learned to their own lives. My teaching style is warm, structured, and relatable. As a longtime school counselor, I create a safe space where every student feels heard, supported, and capable of growth. Kids will be encouraged to ask questions, participate in discussion, and try out new responses so they leave each session with tools they can use right away.
Learning Goals
Learners will be able to identify and name common forms of relational aggression.Learners will practice responding to peer conflict in calm, confident ways without becoming aggressive themselves.
Syllabus
8 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Recognize: Who is Who in Bullying Situation
- Learn the different roles: aggressor, target, bystander, upstander
- Understand how roles may shift
- Learn the difference between rude, mean, bully 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Recognize: What is What Is Relational Aggression?
- Learn the specific behaviors: exclusion, backhanded compliments, gossip, triangulation, etc. (36 aggressions in total - some are normalized and need to be called out.)
- Discover how to name and spot these actions when they happen 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Respond: What Is Our Automatic Response and How to Manage It
- Identify fight, flight, freeze, and fawn reactions
- Learn simple strategies to use before acting 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Respond: How to Respond to an Aggressor Without Becoming One
- Practice body language and using calm, clear language
- Set boundaries and stand up for yourself with confidence, clarity, and kindness
- Learn what to say and do, what to avoid, and when to walk away 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Language of Instruction
English (Level: B2+)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2025
Teacher expertise and credentials
I’m a certified school counselor with over 20 years of experience working with children in elementary, middle, and high school settings. I’ve taught friendship skills, emotional regulation, and bullying prevention in one-on-one counseling sessions, small groups, and full-classroom lessons. I’ve also designed and led schoolwide programs on kindness, inclusion, and conflict resolution.
As the founder of IMPACT Kids Coach, I create research-based, engaging social-emotional lessons for kids ages 8–12. My work is used by families and schools around the world, and one of my original videos on social conflict was selected by Oxford University Press for inclusion in an international curriculum.
I’ve taught this specific material on relational aggression and healthy friendships to hundreds of students in school settings and online. My approach blends practical tools, interactive teaching, and a deep understanding of how kids think and feel at this age.Reviews
Live Group Course
$35
weekly2x per week, 4 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
5-15 learners per class
