Upon completion of the fourth lesson, students will have the opportunity to take the ‘Bee the Friend’ pledge. I pledge to be the friend who will do my best to Be Aware of what is happening around me, Be on the Lookout for when help is needed, and Be Ready to speak with a trusted adult for help when needed.
Educators Resources
Bee the Friend consists of four lessons, each with related activities. It's designed to be flexible, allowing teachers or counselors to easily integrate it into their curriculum. The purpose of each lesson is to empower students with the knowledge and skills to be a friend, whether it's at school, on the bus, on the playground, at home, or in their neighborhood and community.
Although the program does not explicitly address mental health or suicide prevention, the skills they learn and practice in this program can aid them in the future if they see a friend who is struggling. They will carry these principles with them throughout the rest of their school career.
This is not just a symbolic act but a tangible commitment to embody the values of a good friend. By demonstrating kind, respectful, and caring behaviors towards their peers, students can earn ‘BEES’ as a reward for their efforts. This positive reinforcement system motivates students and fosters a positive learning environment, reinforcing the importance of their commitment to the ‘Bee the Friend’ values. Please refer to the downloads below for Bee templates.
The four lessons are the backbone of the Bee the Friend program, but we want to emphasize that each class/school has the freedom to present them in a way that suits their unique environment. When implementing Bee the Friend, we encourage each class/school to adapt the program, making it their own and fostering a sense of ownership and engagement.
