As educators, it is essential to teach middle school students how to express their feelings towards others in a respectful and appropriate manner. This blog post will explore the principles of Social-Emotional Learning in the context of students expressing attraction, and provide an activity, discussion questions, and related skills to help educators guide students in navigating these complex emotions.

Introduction

During middle school, students often start to experience attraction towards their peers. It is crucial to teach them how to express these feelings appropriately and avoid making others uncomfortable. Inappropriate comments about someone’s appearance or body can lead to embarrassment and discomfort for both parties involved. By incorporating Social-Emotional Learning principles, educators can help students develop the necessary skills to navigate these situations with respect and empathy.

No-Prep Activity: Role-Play Scenarios

This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator. Divide the students into small groups and provide them with a list of scenarios where they might encounter situations involving attraction. In each scenario, have one student play the role of the person expressing attraction, and another student play the role of the person receiving the attention. The other group members can act as observers and give feedback after each role-play. Some example scenarios are:

• Student A sees Student B in the hallway and wants to compliment their outfit.
• Student A overhears Student B talking about a shared interest and wants to join the conversation.
• Student A wants to invite Student B to a school dance or social event.

After each role-play, have the group discuss what went well, what could have been improved, and how the person receiving the attention might have felt. This activity helps students practice expressing attraction in a respectful manner and gain insight into the potential impact of their actions on others.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to be mindful of how we express attraction towards others?
2. What are some examples of appropriate ways to express attraction that won’t make others feel uncomfortable?
3. How can you tell if someone is uncomfortable with the way you are expressing attraction? What should you do in such a situation?
4. How can we support our friends in expressing attraction respectfully and appropriately?

Related Skills

Beyond expressing attraction respectfully, students can benefit from learning other essential Social-Emotional Learning skills, such as:

• Active Listening: Students should learn to listen and pay attention to others’ feelings and perspectives, helping them better understand how their actions may impact others.
• Empathy: Developing empathy helps students put themselves in others’ shoes and be more sensitive to how their actions may affect them.
• Assertiveness: Teaching students to communicate their thoughts and feelings assertively and respectfully can help them navigate challenging social situations.
• Conflict Resolution: Learning to resolve conflicts in a healthy and respectful manner is crucial for maintaining positive relationships with peers.

Next Steps

To further support your students in developing these essential Social-Emotional Learning skills, sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. These resources can help you teach students how to express attraction and navigate other complex social situations with respect and empathy.