Helping Students Evaluate Relationships: A Guide for Special Education Educators
Introduction
Relationships play a vital role in our lives, and understanding how to evaluate them is an essential skill. In this blog post, we will discuss an activity to help students in special education settings reflect on their relationships, identify potential red flags, and make informed decisions. This exercise incorporates principles of Social-Emotional Learning, aiming to foster self-awareness, social awareness, and decision-making skills.
No-Prep Activity
This activity, called “Relationship Check-In,” requires no preparation or materials from the educator. To begin, have students find a comfortable and quiet space to reflect on their relationships. Encourage them to choose a relationship they would like to evaluate; it can be a friendship, family member, or romantic partner.
Ask students to take a few deep breaths and consider the following questions:
- How does this relationship make me feel?
- Are there any red flags or warning signs that this relationship may not be healthy or positive?
- Have there been any repeated issues that make me uncomfortable or stressed?
- Do I feel respected, valued, and safe in this relationship?
After reflecting on these questions, students can journal or share their thoughts with a trusted adult or peer. This activity aims to promote self-awareness and empower students to make informed decisions about their relationships.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to evaluate our relationships regularly?
- What are some red flags or warning signs of an unhealthy relationship?
- How can we address issues in a relationship and maintain open communication?
- What does it mean to have a healthy, positive relationship?
- How can we set boundaries and prioritize our well-being in relationships?
Related Skills
Evaluating relationships is just one aspect of Social-Emotional Learning. Other relevant skills for students include:
- Effective communication: Expressing thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully.
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
- Conflict resolution: Addressing disagreements in a healthy and constructive manner.
- Self-regulation: Managing emotions and behaviors in various situations.
- Resilience: Adapting to setbacks and challenges in life.
Next Steps
Helping students develop the skills to evaluate their relationships is a crucial part of fostering their overall well-being. To further support their growth in this area, we encourage you to explore additional resources and activities by signing up for free samples of skill materials at Everyday Speech.
