Introduction

Breakups can be challenging for middle school students, who are still developing their sense of self and learning to cope with intense emotions. This blog post will discuss strategies to help students manage their feelings after a breakup and provide a no-prep activity for educators to use in the classroom. We’ll also include discussion questions and point out related social-emotional learning skills that can benefit students during this difficult time.

No-Prep Activity: The Support Circle

This activity requires no preparation or materials and is designed to help students identify their support network after a breakup. Here’s how it works:

1. Have students sit in a circle with enough space to move around comfortably.
2. Ask each student to think of three people in their life who they can turn to for support during tough times, such as friends, family members, teachers, or mentors.
3. One by one, each student should stand up and share the names of their chosen support figures, explaining why they trust them and how they can help in times of need.
4. After everyone has shared, encourage the students to reflect on the support network they have built and how they can rely on these people to cope after a breakup.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to have a support network during difficult times, such as a breakup?
2. How can focusing on personal goals and hobbies help you cope with a breakup?
3. What are some healthy ways to distance yourself from your ex in order to move on?
4. Why is it essential to be patient with yourself during the healing process after a breakup?
5. How can seeking help from trusted friends or adults make a difference in coping with a breakup?

Related Skills

There are several other social-emotional learning skills that can help students navigate the challenges of a breakup and build resilience. Some of these skills include:

• Self-awareness: Understanding one’s emotions, strengths, and weaknesses can help students recognize their feelings and needs after a breakup.
• Self-management: Learning to regulate emotions and behaviors can help students respond to the stress and challenges that come with a breakup.
• Relationship skills: Developing healthy communication, conflict resolution, and boundary-setting skills can help students build stronger relationships in the future.
• Decision-making: Practicing responsible decision-making can help students make choices that align with their values and long-term goals during difficult times.

Next Steps

If you found this blog post helpful and would like to access more resources for teaching social-emotional learning skills to your middle school students, we encourage you to sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. These resources can help you incorporate valuable lessons on coping strategies, self-awareness, and relationship skills into your classroom activities, fostering a positive learning environment for your students.