Create Together

"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

-C.S. Lewis, British Writer

What's in a friendship?

Each individual's idea of a "good" friendship is different. For some, a good friendship is founded on humor and silliness. For others, it's important to be patient or respectful.

As a match, take some time to work together to define what 'friendship values' will make your match relationship unique and reflective of who you are as Little and Big. As a reflection of these chosen values, you'll design and create a paper chain that you can display somewhere at home to remind you of your match.

For this activity, each Little and Big will need:

  • 2+ pieces of paper

  • Writing utensil

Optional supplies:

  • Crayons, colored pencils, or markers

  • Scissors

  • Glue, tape, or a stapler

activity instructions

Take a few minutes to individually brainstorm values that you believe are most important in an ideal friendship.

Here is a list of options to get you started (click or tap the arrow to view):

  • Adventurous

  • Affectionate

  • Amiable

  • Attentive

  • Available

  • Believable

  • Brave

  • Caring

  • Cheerful

  • Considerate

  • Cordial

  • Discerning

  • Easygoing

  • Empathetic

  • Faithful

  • Forgiving

  • Funny

  • Generous

  • Gentle

  • Giving

  • Good Listener

  • Heartfelt

  • Honest

  • Humorous

  • Kind

  • Loving

  • Loyal

  • Nice

  • Optimistic

  • Polite

  • Punctual

  • Reliable

  • Responsible

  • Sensitive

  • Silly

  • Sincere

  • Socialable

  • Sweet

  • Sympathetic

  • Tactful

  • Thoughtful

  • Trustworthy

  • Truthful

  • Warm

  • Warm-Hearted

  • Winning

  • Wonderful

Choose your top four values to share with each other. Discuss what your values mean to you.

  • Are there similar values? If so, are there nuances to the meaning of these values?

  • Are there any that are different? Having values that differ is great -- it's a way to learn more about each other!

From the values shared with each other, together determine four shared values that are important for your match.

  • How will you uphold these values?

  • How might these values change as time goes on?

Write these four values down:

  • On a new sheet of paper, draw links that are connected. Ensure that the links are big enough to write a value in each link.

  • Fold and tear, or cut, paper into long pieces. These pieces of paper will be the links for your chain. Ensure that the links are big enough to write a value on the link.

  • If you would like to, you may assign a color or pattern to each value. For a color example, 'kindness' may be red, or 'honest' may be blue. For a pattern example, 'kindness' may be circles, or 'honest' may be rectangles.

If you are making a 3D chain:

  • Make the first link of the paper chain by taping, gluing, or stapling the far ends of one paper strip together into a ring.

    • If you do not have tape, glue, or a stapler, you may carefully make two slits on one end of the link. Make sure that you leave some room between the slits and the edge of the paper so that the link does not rip. On the other end of the link, fold that end on the side so that it goes through the slits.

  • Once you have one sturdy ring, thread another strip of paper through the center of the loop. Next, join the ends of this second strip together with tape, glue, or staples.

  • Continue this process to make the chain as long or short as you choose. Together, Big and Little may determine the pattern or order of colors, too.

When you're finished, hang or display your paper chain somewhere special to remind you of the friendship values that make your match unique!