Having a crush is a normal part of high school life, but managing these feelings can be challenging for many students. As high school counselors, you play an important role in helping high schoolers manage crushes responsibly. Using an interactive Dos and Don’ts worksheet from Everyday Speech, you can teach students how to act respectfully and manage their feelings effectively. This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide to using this activity to support your students.

Why Managing Crushes is Important

Managing feelings when having a crush is essential for students because:

• It Promotes Respectful Behavior: Ensures that students interact with their crushes in a respectful and appropriate manner.
• It Encourages Emotional Regulation: Helps students understand and manage their emotions.
• It Reduces Anxiety and Stress: Provides strategies to cope with the intense emotions associated with having a crush.
• It Enhances Social Skills: Teaches students how to handle social interactions and relationships maturely.

Introducing the Dos and Don’ts Worksheet

The interactive Dos and Don’ts worksheet from Everyday Speech is a valuable tool for teaching students how to manage their feelings when they have a crush. This activity involves sorting behaviors into two columns: dos and don’ts. It helps students identify appropriate and inappropriate actions, ensuring they handle their emotions and interactions responsibly.

Lesson Plan: Managing Crushes with the Dos and Don’ts Worksheet

Objective

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate behaviors when they have a crush and apply strategies to manage their feelings responsibly.

Materials Needed

• Printable or digital interactive Dos and Don’ts worksheet from Everyday Speech
• Whiteboard and markers
• Reflection journals

Duration

45-60 minutes

Activity Steps

1. Introduction to Crushes (10 minutes)

Start the lesson by discussing the concept of having a crush. Explain that it’s normal to have strong feelings for someone, but it’s essential to manage these emotions respectfully and responsibly. Use examples that students can relate to and encourage them to share their experiences if they feel comfortable.

2. Introducing the Dos and Don’ts Worksheet (5 minutes)

Introduce the Dos and Don’ts worksheet to the students. Explain that this activity will help them identify the best ways to act when they have a crush. Highlight that understanding appropriate behaviors can make their interactions more positive and respectful.

3. Worksheet Activity (20 minutes)

Distribute the printable or digital interactive worksheet. Allow students to work individually or in pairs to sort the behaviors into the correct columns. Circulate the room to offer support and answer any questions. Encourage students to think critically about why certain behaviors belong in each column.

4. Group Discussion and Reflection (10 minutes)

After completing the worksheet, gather the students for a group discussion. Ask questions like:

• What behaviors did you find surprising?
• Why do you think it’s important to avoid certain behaviors?
• How can you apply these dos and don’ts in real-life situations?

Encourage students to share their thoughts and reflections, fostering an open and supportive environment.

5. Review and Reinforce (5 minutes)

Review the key points from the worksheet and discussion. Reinforce the importance of acting respectfully and managing feelings responsibly when having a crush. Encourage students to keep the worksheet as a reference and apply the strategies they’ve learned.

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Conclusion

Helping high schoolers manage crushes is an important aspect of their emotional and social development. Using the interactive Dos and Don’ts worksheet from Everyday Speech, counselors can effectively teach students how to act respectfully and manage their emotions responsibly. By following the lesson plan and incorporating the no-prep activity ideas, educators can create a comprehensive and supportive learning experience. For more resources and tips on supporting students’ social-emotional learning, stay tuned to our blog.

Sample Video

Try out this sample animated video lesson.
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Related Blog Posts:

Helping Students Understand When They’re Ready to Date

Am I Ready to Date? A Guide for High School Students and Educators

Social Communication Curriculum