In this blog post, we will explore an essential skill for middle school students: checking in on relationships. This skill is crucial because, as students grow and develop, they will form various relationships that evolve over time. By learning to check in on their relationships, students can better understand if the connections they have with others are healthy, positive, and fulfilling.

No-Prep Activity: Relationship Reflection

Here’s a simple, no-prep activity that educators can use to help students check in on their relationships. This activity encourages students to reflect on their feelings and experiences within a relationship, allowing them to identify any potential red flags or areas of concern.

1. Ask students to think of a relationship in their life. This can be a friendship, romantic relationship, or even a connection with a family member.
2. Invite students to close their eyes and take a few deep breaths to focus their thoughts.
3. Ask students to consider the following questions silently: “How do I feel in this relationship? Are there any red flags or warning signs that it may not be healthy or positive? How can I address any concerns or challenges that I’m facing in this relationship?”
4. After a few minutes of reflection, invite students to share their thoughts and experiences with a partner or in a group discussion.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions to stimulate further discussions among your students:

• What are some examples of red flags or warning signs in a relationship?
• How can communication help address issues or misunderstandings in a relationship?
• Why is it essential to evaluate trust, respect, and loyalty in a relationship?
• How can the “Three Strikes You’re Out” rule be applied to dating and other relationships?
• When is it appropriate to end a relationship, and how can students make this decision?

Related Skills

As students learn to check in on their relationships, they can also develop other relevant skills that will support their social-emotional growth. Some of these skills include:

• Effective communication: Learning to express thoughts and feelings openly and honestly.
• Conflict resolution: Developing strategies to address disagreements and find solutions that work for both parties.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which can help strengthen connections and support healthy relationships.
• Boundary-setting: Learning to establish and maintain personal boundaries in relationships, which can promote respect and safety.

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about the importance of checking in on relationships and how to support middle school students in developing this skill, we encourage you to explore further resources and activities. To help you get started, sign up for free samples of related social-emotional learning materials from Everyday Speech. These resources can support your students’ growth and help them build healthy, positive relationships throughout their lives.