8 Fun Ways to Celebrate International Friendship Day with Students
Hey teacher!
The UN's International Day of Friendship lands on 30 July every year — right in the thick of Term 3, when everyone is a bit tired and the classroom could do with some warmth.
Celebrating it isn't just about fun — it's a vital part of teaching values that go beyond textbooks.
It's a time to nurture empathy, respect and understanding among students. By acknowledging this day, we show our young learners the power of kindness and inclusivity, fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels valued.
Whether it's through collaborative activities, sharing stories of friendship, or simply encouraging a culture of mutual respect, celebrating International Friendship Day helps create bonds that can last a lifetime.
It's more than just a day on the calendar — it's an opportunity to teach lessons that shape how we relate to one another, both in and out of the classroom.
Books to Spark Classroom Conversations on Friendship
Using books in the classroom to discuss topics like friendship is incredibly helpful because stories create a relatable and engaging way for children to understand complex emotions and situations.
Through characters and narratives, students can see reflections of their own experiences, which helps them feel understood and less alone in their feelings.
Books also provide a safe space for children to explore and discuss their thoughts, fostering open communication and empathy.
Incorporating literature into lessons allows teachers to address important social and emotional topics in a way that is both educational and enjoyable for students.
When it comes to discussing friendships in the classroom, there are some wonderful books that can help guide the conversation.
"Making Friends: A Book About First Friendships" by Amanda McCardie is perfect for young children learning to navigate the sometimes tricky waters of making new friends. It introduces Sukie and Joe, two kids making friends for the first time, and handles the topic with charm and sensitivity.
Another delightful read is "Duck and Penguin Are Not Friends" by Julia Woolf, which offers a witty look into the world of toys through the lens of Betty and Maud's stuffed animals. Despite what their owners think, Duck and Penguin are decidedly not friends, making for a humorous and insightful story.
Lastly, "Big Words for Little People: Friendship" by Helen Mortimer is an excellent choice for exploring the big topic of friendship with young children. This book helps them discover new words to confidently talk about their first experiences and emotions, making it a fantastic tool for fostering understanding and empathy in the classroom.
We can't forget the older students! There are also some great books out there for this age group too.
Imagine using these titles as class read-alouds across late July and into August to spark meaningful conversations about friendship.
One such book is "The Last Bear" by Hannah Gold, a heartwarming tale of a young girl named April who forms an unlikely bond with a polar bear on a remote Arctic island. This story not only highlights the importance of friendship but also touches on themes of environmental conservation and adventure, making it a captivating read for older students.
Another excellent choice is "Pax, Journey Home" by Sara Pennypacker, a breathtaking novel about chosen families and the healing power of love. It follows the journey of Peter and his pet fox, Pax, as they navigate their separate lives after a year apart. This poignant story of reunion and healing provides a profound look at how love and friendship can help us overcome life's toughest challenges.
And last but not least, "Future Friend" by David Baddiel offers a terrifically entertaining time-slip adventure that combines action, humour and the importance of friendship. Set in the year 3020, it follows Pip and Rahul as they navigate a series of challenges after Pip accidentally travels back in time to 2019. Their story not only entertains but also prompts students to think about the future and the enduring value of friendship. Do note that this book may contain mature content, so it's best to review it beforehand to make sure it's suitable for your class.
These engaging stories can be powerful tools to foster discussion and reflection on the topic of friendship, helping students understand and appreciate the many facets of this essential human connection.
Brainstorming Friendship Activities: Creating a Class List Together
A great activity to get your students thinking about friendship is to have them brainstorm in small groups to make a list of what friends do together.
This collaborative exercise not only sparks lively discussions but also helps students articulate the various ways friends interact and support each other.
Once each group has compiled their list, bring the class together to share their ideas. Combine all the suggestions to create a comprehensive class list, which can then be displayed prominently in the classroom.
This not only reinforces the importance of friendship but also creates a visual reminder of the many wonderful things friends can do together.
If you'd like a ready-made version, our free Back to School Classmate Interview works just as beautifully in July as it does in February — students pair up, work through the questions and almost always discover something they never knew about each other.
Heartwarming Videos to Celebrate International Friendship Day in the Classroom
Videos can be a fantastic way to share the message of International Friendship Day with your class.
They bring stories to life and can capture the attention of students in a way that is both engaging and memorable.
Whether it's a short animation showing the power of kindness, a documentary about friendship around the world, or a fun, heartwarming tale that makes everyone smile, videos can effectively convey the importance of friendship.
They provide a visual and auditory experience that can stimulate discussions and reflections among students.
Here are three we come back to every year. They make great conversation starters, and they help your students appreciate the many beautiful sides of forming and keeping friendships.
Encouraging Students to Reflect on Friendship with Fun Writing Templates
Getting your students to write about what friendship means to them can be a delightful and insightful activity.
A good template does a lot of the heavy lifting for you. It gives your reluctant writers a starting line, and it keeps the finished pieces tidy enough to go straight up on your display.
Our Narrative Writing Template is a free download and it works a treat here — the structure is already mapped out, so students can pour their energy into the story of a friend instead of worrying about where to start.
Not only does this kind of activity help improve their writing skills, it also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the value of friendship.
Plus, it's always heartwarming to read their adorable and sincere thoughts on what makes a good friend!
GRAB THE FREE WRITING TEMPLATE →
Creating a Heartfelt Friendship Day Display: Class or School-Wide Ideas
Creating a Friendship Day display is a fantastic way to celebrate this special day, and it can be a wonderful class or whole school activity.
Whether you're working with a single class or involving the entire school, this project can bring students together to share their thoughts on what friendship means to them.
You might include colourful posters featuring student artwork, handprints or collages, and heartfelt messages about friendship.
Adding personal touches like photographs and quotes can make the display even more meaningful.
Here are two real classroom boards to pinch ideas from.
If you'd rather print something ready-made, NamasteInSchool on Etsy has a How To Make Friends pennant board and a Friendship bulletin board kit, and MeganNelsonDesigns stocks a huge range of classroom display sets if you want the whole board to match.
This display not only brightens up the school environment but also serves as a daily reminder of the importance of kindness and connection in our lives.
The Class Friendship Book: A Heartwarming Keepsake for All
Creating a Class Friendship Book is a lovely way to celebrate the friendships within your classroom.
Use a big blank book or a large sheet of paper where each student can sign their name and leave heartfelt messages for their classmates.
They can shout out special friendships, recount kind deeds, or simply write a note of appreciation.
This book becomes a treasure trove of warm wishes and positive memories, capturing the essence of what makes their friendships special.
Crafting Friendship Bracelets: A Fun, Taylor Swift-Inspired Activity
How about adding a fun, hands-on activity to celebrate Friendship Day?
Getting your students to make friendship bracelets for each other is a brilliant way to encourage bonding and creativity.
Plus, who doesn't love a Taylor Swift-inspired lesson?
You could even pop some of her catchy tunes on while they work to make it even more enjoyable.
As they create their bracelets, students will not only have a keepsake to remember their friends by, they'll also learn the value of giving and receiving thoughtful gifts.
It's a sweet and simple way to reinforce the meaning of friendship while having a great time.
Hosting a Class Party: Share the Friendship with a Feast
Throwing a class party is a fantastic way to celebrate Friendship Day and make it memorable for everyone!
Invite each student to bring a plate of food they'd like to share with their friends. It's a fun way to explore different tastes and cuisines while enjoying a feast together.
Plus, it encourages students to think about their favourite treats and share something special from their own culture or family traditions.
With a variety of dishes on the table, it's not just a party — it's a celebration of friendship and diversity in the most delicious way possible!
And there you have it — eight fantastic ways to celebrate Friendship Day in the classroom! From creative writing activities and fun crafts to heartfelt displays and delicious parties, these ideas are sure to make the day special and memorable for your students.
By bringing the focus to friendship and kindness, you're not only creating a joyful atmosphere but also teaching valuable lessons that will resonate long after the day is over.
So, gather your students, get creative, and let's make this Friendship Day one to remember!
Mrs Edgar Resources to Go With This Post
- Narrative Writing Template — free download
- Back to School Classmate Interview — free download
- Sticker Sheets | Uplifting Stickers Mrs Edgar x Stacie Swift
- Teacher Lanyards + Wristlets
- Browse all our free printables
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