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Friendship Circle

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Price: $95 per Class | Duration: 45 - 60 Minutes

The Friendship Circle program offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals can come together to build meaningful connections. Through a variety of engaging activities, participants will develop essential skills like communication, empathy, teamwork, and creative expression. Whether you're looking to make new friends, strengthen existing relationships, or simply grow personally, this program is designed for everyone. Join us to learn, connect, and thrive in a supportive community.

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Taught by Smart Start Instructors

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5 Unit Course

This program helps participants build friendships and develop key skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. Through hands-on activities, you'll enhance creative expression, boost confidence, and learn emotional regulation in a supportive, inclusive environment. Perfect for anyone looking to grow socially and personally while connecting with others.

5/5

Rated 4.8 by Families

Hybrid Learning Available

Classes are available in person and on zoom

Beginner to Advanced

Student can test into higher levels

Languages

Instructors available in English, Spanish & Chinese

Skills

Level Up Your Mind: Where Every Move Matters.

Communication Skills
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Teamwork and Collaboration
Leadership and Responsibility
Personal Development
Resilience and Stress Management
Creative Thinking
Time Management

Hands-On Practice

Engage in interactive activities to apply relationship-building techniques, collaborate on group projects, and practice communication skills through guided exercises.

Personalized Learning

Get individualized support to advance at your own pace. Participate in tailored activities that enhance your social skills, foster connections, and build your confidence.

Real-Time Application

Join interactive sessions with immediate feedback. Use practical exercises to apply what you’ve learned directly to your interactions and group activities for an experiential learning approach.

curriculum

Note: All time durations are approximations and subject to change according to needs, availability and ability.

Effective Communication Active Listening, Social & Interaction

Unit 1

Building Trust and Communication

1-2 months

  • Activities where participants share their names and something unique about themselves to help everyone get acquainted.
  • A game where individuals state two true facts and one falsehood about themselves, promoting curiosity and engagement.
  • Participants create a timeline of significant personal events to share with the group, fostering deeper connections.
  • Exercises to practice listening attentively and responding thoughtfully, improving interpersonal interactions.
  • Activities focusing on body language, facial expressions, and gestures to enhance understanding beyond words.
  • Techniques for expressing thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully, avoiding misunderstandings.
  • Participants act out different situations to gain perspective and understand others’ feelings.
  • Creating visual maps to explore and discuss the emotions and experiences of others.
  • Encouraging participants to share personal stories and listen to others, building empathy and connection.
Quick Decision-Making Effective Communication & Pattern Recognition

Unit 2

Teamwork and Collaboration

1-2 months

  • Collaborative sessions to generate ideas and solutions for given challenges, fostering creativity and teamwork.
  • Solving puzzles or riddles as a group to enhance cooperative problem-solving skills.
  • Techniques for reaching group agreements and making collective decisions.
  • Identifying and assigning different roles within a group project, highlighting the importance of diverse contributions.
  • Learning how to delegate tasks and hold team members accountable while respecting their strengths.
  • Strategies for addressing and resolving conflicts within a team constructively.
  • Creating a collective artwork to encourage creativity and cooperation among participants.
  • Engaging in a group community service project to practice teamwork and make a positive impact.
  • Participating in physical or strategic challenges that require group effort and coordination.
Social Interaction, Team Collaboration & Critical Thinking

Unit 3

Personal Growth and Development

3-5 months

  • Reflective writing activities to explore personal growth and self-awareness.
  • Identifying personal strengths and areas for improvement, and discussing them with the group.
  • Setting personal and group goals, and creating action plans to achieve them.
  • Exercises to practice speaking in front of a group, building confidence and communication skills.
  • Techniques for creating and using positive affirmations to boost self-esteem.
  • Recognizing and celebrating individual and group accomplishments to build confidence and motivation.
  • Activities to teach methods for managing stress and staying calm in difficult situations.
  • Exercises focused on developing resilience and adapting to setbacks.
  • Identifying and utilizing support networks and resources for personal and group challenges.
Active Listening, Critical Thinking & Memory Retention

Unit 4

Creative Expression and Innovation

3-4 months

  • Exploring creative arts (like drawing, painting, or crafting) to express emotions and thoughts non-verbally.
  • Collaborative art projects that require communication and teamwork to complete.
  • Sharing and discussing artistic creations with the group to deepen understanding and connection.
  • Engaging in creative brainstorming sessions to generate innovative ideas and solutions.
  • Participating in challenges that require out-of-the-box thinking and collaboration.
  • Reflecting on the creative process and its role in group dynamics and personal growth.
  • Crafting and sharing personal or fictional stories that highlight key life lessons or experiences.
  • Group storytelling activities that encourage participants to build narratives together.
  • Using storytelling as a tool to develop empathy and strengthen group bonds.
Quick Decision-Making, Team Collaboration & Memory Retention

Unit 5

Leadership and Influence

4-5 months

  • Exploring different leadership styles and how they apply to group dynamics.
  • Identifying personal leadership strengths and how to use them effectively within a team.
  • Practicing leadership in various group activities, with a focus on guiding and motivating others.
  • Learning techniques for positively influencing and inspiring others within the group.
  • Developing skills for motivating peers and creating a supportive team environment.
  • Reflecting on the impact of positive influence on group success and individual development.
  • Engaging in discussions and activities that explore ethical dilemmas and decision-making processes.
  • Applying ethical principles to leadership roles and group interactions.
  • Encouraging participants to consider the impact of their decisions on others and the group as a whole.
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"The Friendship Circle program made a real difference in how I connect with others. The hands-on activities, like group problem-solving and role-playing, helped me apply communication and teamwork skills in practical situations. I found myself using these skills immediately, whether during group projects or everyday interactions. The personalized support meant I could work at my own pace, focusing on areas where I needed to improve. The program also helped me build confidence through real-time feedback and encouragement from my peers. Overall, it’s been a practical, impactful experience that’s strengthened my relationships and improved how I work with others."

Eric R.

Smart Start Student Graduate

Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers

What is the Friendship Circle program?

The Friendship Circle program is a structured initiative designed to help participants develop social skills, build trust, and foster meaningful relationships through interactive activities and group projects.

Who can join the program?

The program is open to anyone interested in improving their communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. It is suitable for participants of all ages and backgrounds.


How can I enroll for the Friendship Circle Program?

You can enroll by visiting our website smartstartcenters and following the registration instructions. Early registration is recommended to secure your spot.

Do I need any prior experience to participate?

  • No prior experience is needed. The program is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or skill level. You will receive guidance and support throughout the process.

How is the program personalized?

The program offers tailored support to help you progress at your own pace. Facilitators provide individual feedback, and activities can be adjusted to meet your specific needs and goals.

How will this program benefit me?

Participants can expect to improve their communication, empathy, teamwork, and leadership skills. The program also helps build confidence, manage stress, and develop resilience in social situations.

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