Relationship Skills: Connect & Thrive Script

Introduction & Warm-Up: What Makes a Connection Click? (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon everyone! Today, we're diving into a really important topic: building and maintaining strong relationships. These aren't just romantic relationships; we're talking about friendships, family connections, team dynamics at school, and even future professional relationships. Healthy relationships are key to a happy and successful life. To kick things off, I've handed out a quick Relationship Skills Warm-Up. Take about 2-3 minutes to reflect and write down your thoughts on what a 'healthy relationship' looks like to you and what qualities you value most in others.


(Pause for students to complete the warm-up.)


Teacher: "Alright, who would like to share one quality or characteristic they wrote down? (Call on 2-3 students, or ask for a show of hands for common themes). Excellent points! It sounds like many of you value things like trust, honesty, and good communication. These are exactly what we'll be exploring today. Let's move to Connect & Thrive Slide Deck Slide 2-3."

Understanding Relationship Foundations: Communication & Empathy (15 minutes)

Teacher: "Our first core skill is communication. It's more than just talking; it's also about truly listening. On Connect & Thrive Slide Deck Slide 4, we see that clear expression and active listening are vital. Can anyone explain what 'active listening' means to them? Why is it so important?


(Allow students to share. Guide them to discuss paying attention, not interrupting, asking questions.)


Teacher: "Exactly. And closely linked to active listening is empathy, which we see on Connect & Thrive Slide Deck Slide 5. Empathy is about understanding and sharing the feelings of another. It's about putting yourself in someone else's shoes. Why do you think empathy is crucial for healthy relationships?"


(Facilitate a brief discussion. Refer to Healthy Relationships Discussion Prompts as needed.)


Teacher: "Now, let's practice! I have some 'Active Listening Activity Cards'. I'm going to pair you up. One person will share a brief story or experience, and the other will practice active listening – really focusing, asking clarifying questions, and then summarizing what they heard back to their partner. We can also use parts of the Relationship Role-Play Activity. We'll switch roles after about 3 minutes. (Distribute cards and pair students.) Ready? Begin!"

Navigating Challenges: Conflict Resolution (15 minutes)

Teacher: "Great job with active listening! While we aim for smooth relationships, conflicts are a natural part of life. The key isn't to avoid them, but to know how to resolve them constructively. Looking at Connect & Thrive Slide Deck Slide 6-7, we see some strategies like using 'I' statements, seeking compromise, and choosing the right timing. What are 'I' statements, and why are they more effective than 'you' statements?"


(Guide discussion towards owning feelings vs. blaming.)


Teacher: "Fantastic. Now, let's tackle some scenarios. I have 'Conflict Resolution Scenario Cards.' In small groups of 3-4, you'll read the scenario and discuss how you would apply these strategies to resolve the conflict. Think about which strategies would be most effective and why. We can even turn this into a quick Relationship Skills Game if time allows! You'll have about 7-8 minutes for this.


(Distribute cards and form groups. Monitor discussions.)


Teacher: "Let's bring it back together. What were some of the key takeaways from your discussions? Did any particular strategy feel more challenging or more effective?"


(Facilitate group sharing and discussion.)

Applying the Skills: Reflection & Practice (15 minutes)

Teacher: "Excellent insights. To deepen your understanding, I'm now handing out the Building Better Bonds Reading. Please read through it individually. Once you're done, you'll find the Relationship Skills Worksheet that asks you to apply some of the concepts from the reading and our discussion today. You'll have about 10-12 minutes for this. If you finish early, you can start thinking about the Relationship Project Guide, which I'll also distribute along with the Relationship Project Rubric. This project is a chance to really show your understanding and application of these skills, and it can be completed as homework or in a future class period."


(Distribute reading, worksheet, project guide, and rubric. Circulate to assist students.)

Wrap-Up & Cool Down: Solidifying Connections (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright, as we wrap up our session on relationship skills, let's quickly review. What's one key communication technique you'll try to use more often? What's one strategy for conflict resolution you found helpful?"


(Call on a few students for quick answers.)


Teacher: "To see what we've learned, please take a few minutes to complete the Relationship Skills Quiz. And finally, for our cool down, please complete the Relationship Skills Cool Down activity. This is your chance for a final reflection. Also, I encourage you to use the Relationship Reflections Journal at home to continue thinking about how these skills apply in your daily life. Thank you all for your active participation today! You've taken some great steps towards building better bonds."

Relationship Skills Warm-Up: What Makes a Connection Click?

Instructions: Take a few minutes to think about your relationships with friends, family, or teammates. Answer the questions below honestly.

1. What does a "healthy relationship" look like to you? Describe some of its key characteristics.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. List three qualities you value most in a friend or family member.
   a. Quality 1:
   
   
   b. Quality 2:
   
   
   c. Quality 3:
   
   
   
   
3. For each quality you listed above, briefly explain why it is important for a strong relationship.
   a. Explanation for Quality 1:
   
   
   
   b. Explanation for Quality 2:
   
   
   
   c. Explanation for Quality 3:
   
   
   
   

Building Better Bonds: The Foundation of Healthy Relationships

Relationships are a fundamental part of the human experience. From our families and friends to our classmates and future colleagues, the connections we form significantly impact our well-being and success. But what makes a relationship truly healthy and fulfilling? It often comes down to a set of core skills that can be learned and practiced.

The Power of Clear Communication

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any strong relationship. It involves both expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly and respectfully, as well as truly understanding what others are trying to convey.

Speaking Your Mind (Respectfully)

When you communicate, aim for clarity and directness, but always with kindness. Using "I" statements can be incredibly powerful. Instead of saying, "You always ignore me," which can sound accusatory, try, "I feel ignored when I'm speaking and you're looking at your phone." This shifts the focus to your feelings and experiences, making it easier for the other person to hear you without becoming defensive.

The Art of Active Listening

Just as important as speaking is listening. Active listening means giving your full attention to the speaker. This isn't just about waiting for your turn to talk. It involves:

• Making eye contact: Showing you're engaged.
• Nodding or giving verbal cues: ("Uh-huh," "I see") to show you're following along.
• Not interrupting: Letting the person finish their thoughts.
• Asking clarifying questions: ("Can you tell me more about that?") to ensure you understand.
• Summarizing or paraphrasing: ("So, what I hear you saying is...") to confirm your understanding and show you've processed their message.

Empathy: Stepping into Another's Shoes

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It's about recognizing emotions in others and imagining what it might be like to be in their situation. When you show empathy, you validate the other person's feelings, which strengthens your connection. Even if you don't agree with their perspective, acknowledging their emotions can de-escalate tension and build trust.

Trust: The Bedrock of Connection

Trust is built over time through consistent actions. It's about reliability, honesty, and integrity. When you're trustworthy, others feel safe and secure in their relationship with you. This means following through on your promises, being honest even when it's difficult, and respecting confidentiality.

Navigating Conflict: A Path to Growth

No relationship is without disagreements. Conflict is natural, but how we handle it determines whether it damages or strengthens our bonds. Effective conflict resolution involves:

• Staying Calm: When emotions run high, it's hard to think clearly. Take a deep breath or a short break if needed.
• Listening to Understand: Before jumping to defend yourself, truly listen to the other person's side, practicing active listening and empathy.
• Focusing on the Problem, Not the Person: Address the issue at hand without resorting to personal attacks or bringing up past grievances.
• Seeking Compromise: Be willing to find a solution that works for everyone, even if it means giving a little.
• Knowing When to Disengage: Sometimes, if a discussion becomes too heated or unproductive, it's best to step away and revisit the topic later when both parties are calmer.

By developing these relationship skills – clear and active communication, empathy, trust, and constructive conflict resolution – you can foster stronger, more meaningful connections in all areas of your life.

Relationship Skills Worksheet: Applying What You've Learned

Instructions: Read each scenario and answer the questions, applying the relationship skills we've discussed (communication, active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution).

Part 1: Communication & Empathy

1. Scenario: Your friend, Alex, seems upset and withdrawn. When you ask if everything is okay, they just shrug and say, "Fine." You notice they're avoiding eye contact.

   • What active listening techniques could you use to encourage Alex to open up?
     
     
     
     
     
     
   • How could you show empathy in this situation, even if Alex doesn't immediately share what's wrong?
     
     
     
     
     
     

2. You need to ask a family member for a favor, but you're worried they might be busy. How would you use an "I" statement to clearly express your need without sounding demanding or blaming?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Conflict Resolution

3. Scenario: You and a group member, Sam, disagree strongly on how to approach a class project. You think your idea is better, but Sam is very passionate about their own plan. The deadline is approaching.

   • What are two different conflict resolution strategies you could try in this situation?
     a. Strategy 1:
     
     
     
     b. Strategy 2:
     
     
     
     
   • Describe how you would attempt to find a compromise that respects both your ideas and Sam's ideas.
     
     
     
     
     
     

4. You're having a disagreement with a friend, and both of you are starting to raise your voices. What is one practical step you could take to de-escalate the situation and prevent it from getting worse?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Personal Reflection

5. Think about a time you successfully navigated a challenging conversation or disagreement. What skills did you use, and what was the outcome?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. What is one relationship skill you want to focus on improving in your own life this week? How will you practice it?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Relationship Reflections Journal

Instructions: Use this journal to reflect on your experiences and apply the relationship skills we discussed. Choose one or more prompts to write about.

Prompt 1: Observing Communication

Think about a recent conversation you had with a friend, family member, or teacher.

• Did you practice active listening? How did you show it?
• Did the other person seem to be actively listening to you? What made you think that?
• Was there anything you could have done differently to improve the communication in that conversation?

Prompt 2: Empathy in Action

Recall a time when someone you know was feeling upset, frustrated, or sad.

• How did you respond?
• How did you try to understand their feelings (show empathy)?
• What was the impact of your empathetic response (or lack thereof) on the situation or on your relationship with that person?

Prompt 3: Navigating Disagreement

Describe a minor disagreement or conflict you experienced recently.

• How was it handled? Were the strategies we discussed (like "I" statements, compromise, or taking a break) used?
• If you could go back and re-handle the situation, what would you do differently using the skills you learned today?
• What was the ultimate outcome of the conflict, and how did it affect the relationship?

Prompt 4: My Personal Relationship Goal

Based on what you've learned, identify one specific relationship skill you want to focus on improving in your daily life.

• What is this skill?
• Why is it important to you?
• What specific steps will you take to practice and strengthen this skill over the next week or two? Be detailed!

Healthy Relationships: Discussion Prompts

Instructions: These prompts are designed to encourage a thoughtful class discussion. Feel free to share your perspectives and listen actively to your classmates.

1. What are some of the most important unspoken rules or expectations in your friendships or family relationships?
   
   
   
   
2. Can you recall a time when clear communication made a big difference in resolving a misunderstanding? Describe what happened.
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Why do you think it can sometimes be difficult to practice active listening, especially when you disagree with someone?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. How does showing empathy change the dynamic of a conversation or a disagreement?
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. What are some common causes of conflict in relationships among high school students? How might applying conflict resolution strategies prevent these?
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Is there a difference between healthy and unhealthy conflict? If so, what is it?
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. How can trust be built or rebuilt in a relationship? What actions are essential for trust?
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. What role do boundaries play in maintaining healthy relationships? Can you give an example?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Relationship Role-Play Activity: Practicing Our Skills

Instructions: In pairs or small groups, choose one of the scenarios below. Designate roles and act out the situation, focusing on applying the communication, active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution skills we discussed. After each role-play, discuss as a group what went well and what could be improved.

Role-Play Scenario 1: The Group Project Dilemma

Characters:

• Student A: You are very organized and want to start the group project early and follow a strict plan.
• Student B: You are more laid-back and believe in waiting until closer to the deadline to allow for more creative ideas to emerge. You also have other commitments right now.

Situation: Student A approaches Student B to discuss the project, but you both have very different ideas about how to begin.

Focus: Practice using "I" statements, active listening, and finding a compromise.

Role-Play Scenario 2: The Misunderstood Message

Characters:

• Student C: You sent a text message to a friend about a hang-out, but your tone was misinterpreted, and your friend now seems upset or distant.
• Student D (the friend): You received a text from Student C that made you feel ignored/unimportant/annoyed, and you've been avoiding them a bit.

Situation: Student C notices Student D is being distant and decides to talk to them in person.

Focus: Practice clear expression, active listening, and empathy to clarify misunderstandings.

Role-Play Scenario 3: The Borrowed Item

Characters:

• Student E: You lent a valuable item (e.g., a favorite book, a piece of clothing, a charger) to a friend a while ago, and they haven't returned it. You need it back.
• Student F (the friend): You borrowed the item and honestly forgot you still had it, or you accidentally damaged it slightly.

Situation: Student E approaches Student F to get their item back.

Focus: Practice expressing needs clearly and calmly, active listening to the friend's explanation, and working towards a resolution (getting the item back, discussing damage, apology).

Discussion Questions After Each Role-Play:

1. What communication techniques did the characters use effectively?
2. Where could they have improved their communication or listening?
3. How did empathy play a role in the interaction?
4. What conflict resolution strategies were attempted? Were they successful?
5. If you were one of the characters, what might you have done differently? How did the tone of voice and body language impact the interaction?

Relationship Skills Game: Decision Dilemmas

Objective: To practice applying relationship skills in various social scenarios in a fun, interactive way.

Materials:

• Scenario Cards (provided below)
• Decision Cards: "Communicate Clearly", "Actively Listen", "Show Empathy", "Seek Compromise", "Take a Break", "Apologize", "Set a Boundary"
• Scoreboard or tally for points (optional)

Setup:

1. Divide the class into small teams (3-4 students per team).
2. Place the Scenario Cards face down in a pile.
3. Give each team a set of Decision Cards. They will choose one or more to justify their response.

How to Play:

1. A team draws a Scenario Card and reads it aloud.
2. As a team, they discuss the scenario and decide on the best relationship skill(s) to use to handle the situation effectively. They will choose one or more of their Decision Cards.
3. The team must explain why they chose those specific skill(s) and how they would apply them in the scenario. They should provide specific dialogue or actions.
4. The teacher (or a designated student judge) evaluates their response based on clarity, application of skills, and thoroughness of explanation. (Optional: Award points for well-justified answers).
5. The next team takes their turn.

Scenario Cards:

---START SCENARIO CARDS---

Scenario 1: The Constant Interrupter
Your friend frequently interrupts you when you're talking, making you feel unheard. You want to address this without hurting their feelings.

Scenario 2: Group Project Slacker
One member of your group project isn't contributing their fair share, and the deadline is looming. You're feeling frustrated and stressed.

Scenario 3: Misunderstood Tone
You sent a quick text message to a friend, and they responded defensively, clearly misunderstanding your intention. You want to clear things up.

Scenario 4: Borrowed and Broken
A friend borrowed your favorite jacket and accidentally stained it. They returned it without saying anything, but you noticed the stain.

Scenario 5: Differing Weekend Plans
You and your best friend have different ideas for how to spend Saturday. You want to go to the park, and they want to stay home and play video games. You both want to spend time together.

Scenario 6: Uninvited Guest
You planned a small gathering with a few close friends, and one friend shows up with someone you don't know and weren't expecting.

Scenario 7: Spreading Rumors
You hear that a classmate is spreading rumors about you. You're upset and want to stop the rumors.

Scenario 8: Overly Needy Friend
You have a friend who constantly asks for favors and relies on you for emotional support, and you're starting to feel overwhelmed and drained.

---END SCENARIO CARDS---

Reflection Questions (after the game):

• Which scenarios were the most challenging to resolve? Why?
• Which relationship skills did you find yourself using most often?
• How did discussing these scenarios in a team help you think about different perspectives?

Relationship Skills Quiz Answer Key

Part 1: Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following is an example of active listening?

   • Correct Answer: Nodding and making eye contact while someone is speaking
   • Explanation: Active listening involves showing you are engaged through non-verbal cues and focused attention, rather than interrupting or planning your own response.

2. Using an "I" statement like "I feel frustrated when..." instead of "You always..." helps in conflict resolution by:

   • Correct Answer: Expressing your feelings without accusing the other person
   • Explanation: "I" statements focus on your personal feelings and experiences, which makes the message less accusatory and helps the other person respond without becoming defensive.

3. Empathy is best defined as:

   • Correct Answer: Understanding and sharing the feelings of another
   • Explanation: Empathy is about truly connecting with another person's emotions and perspective, not just feeling sorry for them or giving advice.

Part 2: Open Response

4. Describe one strategy for resolving conflict that you learned today. Provide an example of how you might use it.

   • Expected Answer Elements: Students should describe a strategy like "I" statements, compromise, or taking a break. The example should clearly illustrate the chosen strategy.
   • Example (I-Statements): If a friend is consistently late, instead of saying, "You are always so late!" (which can sound like an accusation), I could say, "I feel worried when you are late because I get concerned about missing things, and I value our time together." This focuses on my feelings and the impact, rather than blaming.
   • Example (Compromise): If a friend wants to watch a movie and I want to play a game, we could compromise by watching a shorter movie and then playing a game, or alternating who chooses the activity each time.

5. Why is trust considered a fundamental component of a healthy relationship?

   • Expected Answer Elements: Trust creates a sense of safety and security. It allows people to be vulnerable, share openly, and rely on each other. Without trust, relationships are often filled with suspicion, anxiety, and a lack of genuine connection.
   • Explanation: Trust is the bedrock because it builds a foundation of predictability and reliability. When you trust someone, you believe in their honesty, integrity, and good intentions, which are essential for navigating challenges and building deep connections. Without trust, communication breaks down, and individuals may feel unsafe or hesitant to fully engage in the relationship.

Relationship Skills Test Answer Key

Part 1: Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of effective verbal communication in a healthy relationship?

   • Correct Answer: Interrupting to share your own opinion
   • Explanation: Effective communication includes clear expression and respectful dialogue, which are hindered by interrupting. Interrupting prevents active listening and can make the other person feel unheard.

2. When practicing active listening, which action demonstrates that you are engaged and understanding?

   • Correct Answer: Asking clarifying questions and summarizing what you heard
   • Explanation: These actions show the speaker that you are not only hearing their words but also processing and attempting to understand their message. Looking at your phone or formulating rebuttals are not active listening.

3. Empathy is crucial in relationships because it allows you to:

   • Correct Answer: Understand and share the feelings of another person
   • Explanation: Empathy is about connecting with others on an emotional level by imagining their perspective and validating their feelings. It's not about fixing problems or always agreeing.

Part 2: Open Response

4. Explain the difference between an "I" statement and a "You" statement in conflict resolution. Provide an example of each.

   • Expected Answer Elements:
     • "I" Statement: Focuses on the speaker's feelings, needs, or experiences without placing blame. (e.g., "I feel sad when I'm left out.")
     • "You" Statement: Places blame, accusation, or judgment on the other person. (e.g., "You always leave me out.")
     • Difference: "I" statements promote open communication and problem-solving by expressing personal impact, while "You" statements often lead to defensiveness and escalate conflict.

5. Describe a scenario where compromise would be necessary to resolve a conflict between two friends. How would you guide them to a compromise?

   • Scenario Example: Two friends, Maria and Carlos, both want to work on a school project together but have different ideas for the topic. Maria wants to research historical events, and Carlos is passionate about modern technology.
   • Guiding to Compromise: I would guide them by:
     • Active Listening: Have each friend explain why their topic is important to them (e.g., Maria loves history because it's like solving a mystery; Carlos loves tech because it's rapidly changing). This helps them understand each other's passion.
     • Brainstorming: Suggest exploring sub-topics that bridge their interests. Could they do a historical project on the evolution of technology? Or a modern tech project that incorporates historical context?
     • Finding a Middle Ground: Perhaps they can alternate whose topic gets chosen for different assignments, or they can combine elements. The key is to find a solution where both feel their voice was heard and their interests are represented, even if it's not exactly their initial idea.

6. Beyond communication and empathy, name two other qualities essential for building and maintaining trust in a relationship. Explain why each quality is important.

   • Quality 1: Honesty/Integrity
     • Explanation: Being truthful and having strong moral principles is fundamental. Trust cannot exist without honesty. If someone is consistently dishonest, others will be hesitant to believe them or rely on them, eroding the foundation of the relationship.
   • Quality 2: Reliability/Consistency
     • Explanation: Being dependable and following through on commitments. When you are reliable, people learn that they can count on you, which builds confidence and security in the relationship. Inconsistency leads to doubt and makes it difficult for others to feel safe or secure.

7. You are having a heated discussion with a family member, and you both start to get angry. What is a healthy strategy you can use to prevent the argument from escalating, and why is it effective?

   • Strategy: Taking a break or stepping away from the discussion.
   • Why it's Effective: When emotions run high, rational thinking often decreases. Taking a break allows both individuals to cool down, calm their emotions, and gather their thoughts. This prevents impulsive, hurtful words from being exchanged and allows them to revisit the conversation later with a clearer mind and a more constructive approach, making a resolution more likely.

Relationship Project Guide: Analyzing & Building Bonds

Objective: To demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of healthy relationship skills (communication, empathy, and conflict resolution) by analyzing real-world scenarios and proposing effective solutions.

Task: You will choose ONE of the following project options to showcase your learning. Regardless of the option you choose, you must integrate and explain the relationship skills learned in class.

Option 1: Relationship Scenario Analysis & Solution

Description: You will analyze a complex relationship scenario, identify the underlying issues related to communication, empathy, and conflict, and propose a detailed, step-by-step solution using the skills we've discussed. You can choose a scenario from a movie, TV show, book, or a generalized, fictional scenario (do NOT use real-life personal examples involving specific individuals).

Deliverables:

1. Scenario Summary (100-150 words): Briefly describe the chosen relationship scenario and the core conflict or challenge.
2. Skill Identification & Analysis (300-400 words):
   • Identify at least three specific relationship skills (e.g., active listening, "I" statements, empathy, compromise, setting boundaries) that are either lacking in the scenario or could be applied to improve it.
   • Explain why each identified skill is relevant to the scenario and how its absence or presence affects the relationship.
3. Proposed Solution (200-300 words):
   • Outline a detailed, step-by-step plan for how the individuals in the scenario could use the identified relationship skills to resolve the conflict or improve their bond.
   • Include examples of dialogue or actions they might take.
4. Reflection (100-150 words): What did you learn about the complexity of relationships and the power of these skills through this analysis?

Format: Written report (typed, double-spaced, 12-point font).

Option 2: "Healthy Relationship Handbook" Creation

Description: Create a short, practical handbook (3-5 pages, digital or physical) for high school students on how to build and maintain healthy relationships. Your handbook should be engaging, easy to understand, and incorporate all the key relationship skills discussed in class.

Deliverables:

1. Introduction (1 page): Define what a healthy relationship is and why these skills are important for teens.
2. Core Skills Sections (2-3 pages): Dedicate a section to each of the following:
   • Communication: Explain clear expression and active listening with practical tips and examples.
   • Empathy: Define empathy and provide ways to practice it.
   • Conflict Resolution: Outline effective strategies (e.g., "I" statements, compromise, knowing when to take a break) with actionable advice.
3. Conclusion (1 page): Offer encouragement and summarize the overall message about building strong bonds.

Format: Digital document (e.g., Google Doc, presentation slides) or a physical booklet. Must include visuals (illustrations, icons, clear headings) to make it engaging.

Project Submission:

• Refer to the Relationship Project Rubric for grading criteria.
• Due Date: [Insert Date Here]
• Submission Method: [Insert Method Here]

Relationship Project Rubric

Project Title: Analyzing & Building Bonds

Student Name: ____________________________

Instructions: This rubric will be used to assess your Relationship Project based on the chosen option. Please review it carefully to understand the expectations.

Comments:

Relationship Skills Cool Down: My Next Steps

Instructions: Take a moment to reflect on today's lesson. Please answer the following questions before you leave.

1. What is one new idea or skill about relationships that you learned or strengthened your understanding of today?
   
   
   
   
2. Think about your interactions over the next week. How will you try to apply this specific skill in one of your relationships (with a friend, family member, teammate, etc.)?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being "very confident" and 1 being "not at all confident," how confident do you feel in your ability to communicate effectively in a challenging situation now?
   1 (Not at all confident)   2   3 (Somewhat confident)   4   5 (Very confident)
   
   
   

Active Listening Activity Cards

Instructions: Cut out these cards. In pairs, one person (the Speaker) picks a card and talks about the topic for 1-2 minutes. The other person (the Listener) practices active listening. The Listener should:

• Make eye contact.
• Nod or use verbal affirmations (e.g., "I hear you," "Hmm").
• Avoid interrupting.
• Ask one or two clarifying questions.
• At the end, summarize what they heard the Speaker say. (e.g., "So, what I heard you say was...")

Then, switch roles.

Card 1: Describe a recent challenge you faced (e.g., a difficult assignment, a sporting event, a personal goal) and how you approached it.

Card 2: Talk about a hobby or interest you are passionate about. What makes it enjoyable for you?

Card 3: Share a positive experience you had with a friend or family member recently. What made it special?

Card 4: Discuss a goal you have for the near future (e.g., for the school year, for an upcoming event). What steps are you taking to achieve it?

Card 5: Describe a place you love to visit or a place you dream of visiting. What makes it appealing to you?

Card 6: Talk about a skill you've recently learned or are trying to learn. What has been challenging or rewarding about it?

Card 7: Share about a time you had to make a tough decision. What factors did you consider?

Card 8: Discuss a book, movie, or song that has had an impact on you and why.

Conflict Resolution Scenario Cards

Instructions: Cut out these cards. In small groups, pick a card and discuss the scenario. Identify the conflict and then, using the conflict resolution skills we've learned, brainstorm a step-by-step plan to resolve it. Consider using "I" statements, active listening, seeking compromise, and knowing when to take a break. Be prepared to share your proposed solution with the class.

Card 1: The Group Project Deadline

Your group has a big project due next week, but one member, Chris, hasn't done any of their assigned work. You're worried about your grade and feel like Chris is letting everyone down.

Card 2: The Borrowed Item

Your friend, Sarah, borrowed your favorite hoodie last month and still hasn't returned it, even after you've casually mentioned it a couple of times. You need it back for an event this weekend.

Card 3: Misunderstanding a Text Message

You sent a quick text to your friend, Leo, suggesting plans, but Leo responded with a very short, irritated message. You're confused and think they might be angry with you.

Card 4: Differing Opinions on Weekend Plans

You and your best friend, Jamie, have always hung out on Saturdays. This Saturday, you want to go to a concert, but Jamie wants to stay home and prepare for an upcoming test. You both feel strongly about your plans.

Card 5: The Overbooked Friend

Your friend, Maya, consistently cancels plans at the last minute because she's overbooked herself. You understand she's busy, but you're starting to feel unimportant and frustrated.

Card 6: Accidental Damage

You accidentally spilled juice on your friend's new textbook. It's only a small stain, but you're worried about telling them and don't know what to do.

Card 7: Sharing Responsibilities

You and your sibling share chores at home, but you feel like you end up doing more than your fair share, especially with cleaning the kitchen. You want to address this imbalance.

Card 8: Unsolicited Advice

A family member frequently gives you unsolicited advice about your schoolwork, future plans, or personal choices, which makes you feel criticized rather than supported.