Introduction

Breakups are difficult, especially for high school students. It can be hard on our self-esteem to realize someone doesn’t want to date us. This blog post will present some strategies to help students cope after a breakup, incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning. We will also provide an easy no-prep activity for educators, discussion questions, and related skills to support students in their journey of healing.

No-Prep Activity: Reflection Journal

One effective no-prep activity to help students cope after a breakup is a reflection journal. Encourage students to spend 10-15 minutes each day writing about their feelings and thoughts related to the breakup. This can be a private space for them to process their emotions, identify patterns, and work towards healing. Journaling can also help students gain perspective and develop their self-awareness, which are essential components of Social-Emotional Learning.

Discussion Questions

1. What are some healthy ways to express our emotions after a breakup?
2. Why is it important to set personal goals and engage in activities we enjoy during the healing process?
3. How can spending time with friends and family help us cope with a breakup?
4. What are the benefits of distancing ourselves from our ex, both in-person and on social media?
5. Why is it essential to be patient with ourselves during the healing process?

Related Skills

Developing coping strategies after a breakup is just one aspect of Social-Emotional Learning. Other relevant skills that can support students during this time include:

• Communication: Practicing open and honest communication with trusted friends and adults can help students process their emotions and receive support.
• Resilience: Building resilience enables students to bounce back from setbacks, such as a breakup, and grow stronger through adversity.
• Empathy: Cultivating empathy allows students to understand and share the feelings of others, creating a supportive environment for healing.
• Self-awareness: Developing self-awareness enables students to recognize their emotions and patterns, which can help them navigate the healing process.
• Problem-solving: Enhancing problem-solving skills can empower students to address the challenges they face after a breakup and work towards personal growth.

Next Steps

If you’re interested in helping your high school students develop these essential Social-Emotional Learning skills, we encourage you to sign up for free samples of our materials. Our resources will equip you with the tools you need to support your students in coping with breakups and other challenges they may face.