Trustworthy Friends

Reliable and trustworthy friends can help us achieve things that feel impossible. It’s important to know the traits of a trustworthy friend so we can choose good friends and be one.

Grade Level: K-5

Character Skills

Trustworthiness

SEL Skills

Self-Awareness
Relationship Skills

Academic Skills

Effective Problem-Solving

Definitions

Trustworthiness

Be honest. Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal.
Have integrity. Do what you say you’ll do.
Keep your promises.
Be loyal. Stand by your values.

Self-Awareness

Identify and understand emotions, values, attitudes, motivations, mindsets, and personal attributes.

Social-Awareness

Assess the feelings of others and be sensitive to the feelings and needs of others.

Relationship Skills

Create positive relationships and meaningful connections with family members, classmates, and teachers.

Effective Problem-Solving

Make rational, ethical, and effective decisions to find the best solutions to problems.

Share This Activity

After participating in an activity that requires trusting a partner, students will share the elements of a trustworthy friendship and reflect on how trust is important in their own relationships.

Instructions

Divide students into pairs.
Partners sit facing each other with the soles of their shoes pressed against their partner’s shoes.
Ask students to reach out and grab their partner’s hands.
Ask students to pull their partner’s hands. As they pull at the same time, they should try to pull each other into a standing position.
Have participants try this activity with a new partner (start with similar-size partners and then try varied-size partners).

Discussion Prompts

Why were you able to stand when you pulled each other’s hands?
What would happen if only one person pulled?
What kind of changes did you need to make if your partner was taller or shorter than you?
You relied on your partner to stand. What happens when you cannot rely on a friend?
What other ways can you show the you are a trustworthy friend?
Why is it important to have trustworthy friends?

Learn more about our character, SEL, and academic outcomes.