As educators, it’s essential to help high school students develop healthy relationship skills. This blog post will provide an overview of the concept of “checking in” on relationships and offer a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related skills to support students in evaluating their relationships. By incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning, we can empower students to make informed decisions about their relationships.
No-Prep Activity: The Relationship Check-In
This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator and can be done individually or in small groups. Ask students to take a few moments to reflect on a personal relationship (romantic or otherwise) and consider the following questions:
- How do I feel in this relationship?
- Are there any red flags or warning signs that the relationship may not be healthy or positive?
- What are the areas of trust, respect, and loyalty in this relationship?
- Have I given this person too many chances? Should I apply the ‘Three Strikes You’re Out’ rule?
After reflection, encourage students to share their thoughts and feelings with the group, if they feel comfortable doing so.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to regularly check in on our relationships and evaluate whether they are working for us?
- What are some examples of red flags or warning signs in a relationship that might indicate it’s time to reevaluate or end the relationship?
- How can we effectively communicate our concerns or feelings in a relationship when we notice red flags?
- How do trust, respect, and loyalty play a role in determining the health and success of a relationship?
- What are some strategies for maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships and knowing when to end a relationship that isn’t working?
Related Skills
Along with the ability to evaluate relationships, high school students can benefit from developing other related Social-Emotional Learning skills, such as:
- Effective communication: learning to express thoughts and feelings clearly and assertively in relationships.
- Conflict resolution: understanding how to address and resolve disagreements or issues in a relationship.
- Empathy: developing the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering stronger connections in relationships.
- Self-awareness: recognizing one’s own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses, and understanding how they can impact relationships.
Next Steps
By incorporating these concepts and activities into your curriculum, you can help high school students develop the skills they need to navigate and evaluate their relationships. For more resources and support, we encourage you to sign up for free samples of Social-Emotional Learning materials at Everyday Speech. These resources can provide valuable tools for enhancing your students’ understanding of relationships and other essential life skills.
