Exploring the idea that friendship can look different for different people.
Noticing that people form friendships for different types of connection.
Seeing how people with different communication styles and personalities can be friends.
Thinking about what it feels like to be at a new school or class at the start of a school year.
Noticing how humour and relaxed conversation can be part of the way some people connect with others.
Exploring what it means to approach friendship in your own way, rather than following a set of rules.
Debra-Jo shares tips on how to make friends at the start of a new school year. Debra-Jo describes different types of friends a person might want to have, presenting each type in her organised and confident style. Rory provides his suggestions for how to meet a new person. The two characters contrast with each other throughout the clip, with Debra-Jo's structured approach sitting alongside Rory's more easy-going manner. The clip ends with both characters on the playground together, reflecting the friendship they already share.
• What did you notice about the way Debra-Jo and Rory are friends with each other?
• How are Debra-Jo and Rory's ways of doing things different from each other?
• What ways do you like to meet new friends?
• Which of Debra-Jo's ideas about friendship felt most familiar to you?
• Is there a type of friend that Debra-Jo described that you already have in your life?
• What do you think makes it easy or hard to meet someone new?
• What is your preferred way of getting to know someone?
• Have you ever become friends with someone who is quite different from you?
The questions within this guide are designed to open dialogue and facilitate discussion around the relevant topics. It is up to the user to adapt as needed to best suit the person they are supporting. A neuroaffirming approach was central to the design of these resources and remains essential to their application. This means recognising and respecting the diverse ways people think, communicate, and experience the world, ensuring all conversations are led with curiosity, respect, and without judgement. These resources are a starting point. Trust your knowledge of the person you are supporting to shape the conversation from there.
For access to playback speed, transcripts or closed captions, please click the video title in the top left of the player to access the Youtube source where these controls are provisioned.
We are always looking to grow and improve this resource and would love to hear from you. Whether you have a suggestion for a clip or topic, a question about your subscription, or feedback to share, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Please also see our knowledge base for further information.
