Grade 5 CRE Christian Living – Friendship Formation And Peer Influence Notes
Friendship Formation and Peer Influence
Subject: CRE (Christian Religious Education) • Topic: Christian Living • For class age: 10 years (Kenya)
What is a friend?
A friend is someone who cares for you, shares with you, helps you, and tells the truth. Friends make life happier. ☺️
Where we make friends (Kenyan examples)
- In class and at play during break at school
- In Sunday school at church
- At the shopping kiosk, neighbours or at the field when playing football
- During community events like a church gathering or a school sports day
Good qualities of a friend
Kindness
Helps without being asked. ❤️
Honesty
Tells the truth, even when it is hard. 🤝
Respect
Respects you and your family, and listens. 🙏
Helps you follow Jesus
Encourages you to pray and go to church. ✝️
Peer influence — what it means
Peers are children your age. They can influence you in two ways:
- Positive influence: Encouraging you to study, pray, share and play fairly. ✅
- Negative influence: Pressuring you to lie, cheat, fight, or do things your heart says are wrong. ⚠️
Short Bible teaching
The Bible tells us to choose good friends. Proverbs 13:20 says: "Walk with the wise and become wise." (Simple meaning: keep friends who help you do right.)
How to make good friends (easy steps)
- Be friendly: say "Jambo!" or "Habari?" and smile. 😊
- Share and include others when you play.
- Pray for friends and invite them to Sunday school.
- Be honest and say sorry when you are wrong.
How to handle bad peer pressure (short phrases)
- Say "No, I cannot do that." (Firm but kind.)
- Say "Let me think about it" and walk away.
- Tell a teacher, parent, or pastor if someone asks you to do wrong.
- Choose friends who help you obey God and your parents.
Example role-play (to try in class or Sunday school):
Scene: Your friends want you to copy their test answers.
You say: "No, I will try by myself. Please help me study after school instead." ✅
Activity ideas (for teacher, parent, Sunday school)
- Draw a "Friendship Tree": each leaf has a good quality of a friend.
- Practice saying "No" in pairs and clap when someone refuses bad pressure.
- Memory verse game: Proverbs 13:20 — repeat and make actions for each word.
Memory verse (learn this)
"Walk with the wise and become wise." — Proverbs 13:20
Short prayer
"Dear God, help me to choose good friends. Give me courage to do what is right. Amen." 🙏
Quick questions to think about
- Who are your three closest friends?
- Do they help you obey God and your parents?
- What will you do if a friend asks you to do something wrong?
Use these notes in class, at home, or in Sunday school. Talk to a teacher or parent if you need help. God loves you and wants good friends for you. ✝️🇰🇪