Let's Work It Out PSHE lesson plan
A primary PSHE lesson for Years 1 and 2 that helps UK teachers introduce friendship problems and simple ways to work them out through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Pupils learn to recognise common friendship problems, use respectful communication, and practise simple steps for sorting out disagreements with a friend. The lesson gives teachers a calm, structured way to talk through everyday friendship situations without needing a specific incident to prompt the discussion.
Healthy Relationships & Communication
Snapshot
Let's Work It Out
This lesson gives teachers a structured way to talk through common friendship problems and practise fair, respectful ways to sort them out.
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Recognising friendship problems and practising simple ways to work them out
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What pupils will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
recognise common friendship problems, such as disagreements over sharing or turn taking
recognise that friends can disagree and still stay friends
recognise when a friendship problem needs support from a trusted adult
Understand
understand that everyone's feelings matter during a disagreement
understand that working through problems fairly helps friendships stay strong
Practise
practise using calm, respectful words to explain how they feel
practise listening to a friend's point of view during a disagreement
practise simple steps for finding a fair solution with a friend
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for pupils in Years 1 and 2 who are building early skills in friendship, communication and fair play.
It is suitable for:
primary PSHE lessons
relationships education
pastoral care, circle time or form time
class culture and friendship skills work
respectful friendships programmes
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, pupil maturity, cohort needs, classroom culture, existing discussion norms and available support pathways.
Best used when
Use this lesson when students need clear, practical language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing what to do next.
Introducing friendship skills Use when pupils need simple language for talking through disagreements with a friend.
Building classroom culture Use when reinforcing respect, fairness and kindness as part of everyday class expectations.
Practising respectful communication Use when pupils are learning how to share their feelings and listen without arguing.
Reinforcing previous learning Use when revisiting earlier work on friendships, sharing or turn taking.
Supporting inclusion Use when helping pupils understand how to include others fairly during play or group work.
Building help-seeking confidence Use when pupils need to understand when and how to ask a teacher or trusted adult for support.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Young pupils often come across small friendship problems, such as disagreements over sharing or who to play with. Learning simple ways to work through these moments helps pupils build confidence in everyday relationships. Working things out is not only about fixing a disagreement once it happens. It is also about teaching pupils early how to listen, share how they feel and find fair solutions together. This lesson supports a positive classroom culture by helping pupils understand that friendships can include disagreements, and that these can be worked through with respect and support from a trusted adult when needed.
How this lesson supports wellbeing
This lesson supports student wellbeing by building practical social and emotional skills students can use in everyday school life. It helps students develop:
Capability How the lesson supports it
Communication Pupils practise explaining how they feel using calm, respectful words.
Empathy Pupils consider how a friendship problem might feel from another pupil's point of view.
Problem solving Pupils explore fair ways to sort out disagreements with a friend.
Relationship skills Pupils practise listening and taking turns during discussion.
Help-seeking Pupils learn when to ask a trusted adult for support with a friendship problem.
Self-regulation Pupils practise staying calm while working through a disagreement.
For teachers and school leaders, the lesson contributes to broader wellbeing, respectful relationships, child safety and pastoral care goals in Australian primary schools.
Teaching notes & Delivery Considerations
This lesson includes content about unkind behaviour, exclusion and asking adults for help. It should be taught with calm, clear discussion norms.
Before teaching
Remind pupils not to name classmates or share stories about other people
Frame the discussion around general scenarios, not personal disputes
Make clear that the lesson is about learning fair ways to sort things out, not deciding who is right or wrong
Identify trusted adults pupils can speak to at school
During delivery
Use simple examples such as not sharing or wanting to play different games
Give pupils time to practise phrases aloud
Reinforce that pupils do not need to argue or handle every problem alone
Allow pupils to respond through discussion, drawing or partner talk depending on confidence
Supporting safe discussion
Keep examples general rather than about specific pupils
Reinforce that asking for help with a friendship problem is a sensible choice
Be prepared to follow your school's safeguarding procedures and speak with the designated safeguarding lead if a pupil discloses harm or says they feel unsafe
Adaptation options
Use partner talk or simple role play for confident groups
Use drawing or sentence starters for quieter groups
Spend more time on trusted adults if pupils need support identifying help pathways
