Teacher Script for Relationship Goals: Level Up!

Introduction & Warm-Up (5 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! I'm so excited to dive into a topic today that is super important for all of us: Relationships! Think about it – we have relationships with so many people in our lives. Can anyone tell me, what comes to mind when you hear the word 'relationship'?"

(Allow a few students to share brief ideas. Transition to the Warm-Up: Relationship Word Web activity.)

"Great ideas! To get our brains warmed up, let's do a quick activity called Warm-Up: Relationship Word Web. I want you to brainstorm as many words or phrases as you can that you associate with relationships. We'll create a word web on the board or on a shared document. Ready? Go!"

(Give students 2-3 minutes to brainstorm and contribute. Facilitate the word web creation.)

"Wow, look at all these incredible ideas! It shows how many different aspects there are to relationships. Today, we're going to explore what makes relationships healthy and how we can all be better at building and maintaining them."

Defining Relationships and Their Importance (5 minutes) - (Slides 1-3)

(Transition to Relationship Goals Slide Deck - Slide 1: Title Slide)

"Our lesson today is called Relationship Goals: Level Up! because we're going to learn skills to make all our connections stronger and more positive."

(Transition to Relationship Goals Slide Deck - Slide 2: What Are Relationships?)

"So, what exactly is a relationship? As many of you shared in our word web, it's a connection between people. These can be with our family, friends, teachers, teammates, even people in our community. Every interaction we have with another person involves some kind of relationship."

(Transition to Relationship Goals Slide Deck - Slide 3: Why Are Healthy Relationships Important?)

"Why do you think it's important to have healthy relationships? How do they help us?"

(Pause for student responses. Guide them to discuss feeling supported, growing, resolving conflict, and building community.)

"Exactly! Healthy relationships make us feel good, they help us learn and grow, and they make our community a better place to be. They're essential for our social and emotional well-being."

Characteristics of Healthy Relationships (5 minutes) - (Slide 4)

(Transition to Relationship Goals Slide Deck - Slide 4: What Makes a Relationship Healthy?)

"So, what are the ingredients for a healthy relationship? There are a few key characteristics. Let's look at them:

• Respect: This means valuing someone's feelings, opinions, and boundaries. It's treating others the way you want to be treated.
• Trust: This is believing in someone's honesty and reliability. It means feeling safe and secure with them.
• Open Communication: This is about sharing your thoughts and feelings clearly and honestly, and also listening carefully when others share theirs.
• Empathy: This is a big one! It's the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It's trying to see things from their perspective.
• Mutual Support: This means helping and encouraging each other, being there for one another during good times and tough times."

(Ask for a quick example of one of these characteristics from students, e.g., "Can someone give an example of showing respect in a friendship?")

Reading: The Power of Healthy Connections (10 minutes)

"To deepen our understanding of these characteristics, especially communication and empathy, I'm going to hand out a short reading called Reading: The Power of Healthy Connections. I'd like you to read it carefully, either to yourself or quietly with a partner, and think about the main ideas. You can highlight or underline any parts that stand out to you."

(Distribute the reading and allow 10 minutes for students to read.)

Discussion: Our Relationship Reflections (10 minutes) - (Linked from Reading)

"Now that you've read about healthy connections, let's talk about it. I have some questions here in our Discussion Guide: Our Relationship Reflections to help us think more deeply. Remember, we want to create a respectful space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts."

(Facilitate the discussion using the prompts from the Discussion Guide: Our Relationship Reflections. Encourage students to refer back to the reading.)

Communication Superpowers (5 minutes) - (Slide 5)

(Transition to Relationship Goals Slide Deck - Slide 5: Communication Superpowers!)

"One of the biggest keys to healthy relationships is effective communication. It's how we share our ideas and feelings. There are two main types:

• Verbal communication: This is what we say – using clear words, listening actively when others speak, and using 'I' statements to express our feelings without blaming others. For example, instead of 'You always make me mad,' try 'I feel frustrated when...'
• Non-verbal communication: This is what we communicate without words – our body language, eye contact, and facial expressions. Sometimes, what we don't say can be just as important as what we do say!"

Empathy: Walking in Someone Else's Shoes (5 minutes) - (Slide 6)

(Transition to Relationship Goals Slide Deck - Slide 6: Empathy: Walking in Someone Else's Shoes)

"Let's talk more about empathy. As we saw, it's the ability to truly understand and share the feelings of another person. It's putting yourself in their shoes. Why do you think empathy is such a powerful tool in relationships?"

(Allow a few student responses.)

"That's right! Empathy helps us connect deeply, respond kindly, and find solutions to problems peacefully. It builds stronger bonds."

Activity: Empathy Scenarios (15 minutes) - (Slide 7)

(Transition to Relationship Goals Slide Deck - Slide 7: Let's Practice! Empathy Scenarios)

"Now it's your turn to put these skills into practice! We're going to do an activity called Activity: Empathy Scenarios. I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will get some scenario cards. Your task is to discuss each scenario and then role-play how you would respond with empathy and clear, healthy communication. Remember to think about both verbal and non-verbal cues."

(Divide students into groups, distribute scenario cards, and give clear instructions. Circulate to provide support and observe.)

Worksheet: Building Strong Bonds (5 minutes) - (Slide 8)

(Transition to Relationship Goals Slide Deck - Slide 8: Reflect and Apply: Building Strong Bonds)

"Excellent work with the scenarios! Now, to help you reflect on what we've discussed and apply it to your own life, I'm handing out the Worksheet: Building Strong Bonds. Please take a few minutes to complete it individually. This is a chance to think about how you can use these skills in your own relationships."

(Distribute worksheets and allow 5 minutes for completion.)

Game: Communication Charades (5 minutes) - (Slide 9)

(Transition to Relationship Goals Slide Deck - Slide 9: Game Time: Communication Charades!)

"To end our lesson on a fun and interactive note, we're going to play a quick game called Game: Communication Charades! This game will help us practice recognizing and conveying emotions and messages without words, reinforcing our understanding of non-verbal communication. I'll explain the rules now."

(Explain rules and facilitate the game for 5 minutes.)

Cool Down: One Word Wisdom (5 minutes) - (Slide 10)

(Transition to Relationship Goals Slide Deck - Slide 10: One Word Wisdom)

"Alright, fantastic energy everyone! As we wrap up today, I want each of you to think about everything we've discussed. If you could use just one word to describe something you learned today, or how you feel about building healthy relationships, what would it be?"

(Go around the room or ask for volunteers to share one word. Refer to Cool Down: One Word Wisdom.)

Project Introduction (Optional/Homework) - (Slide 11)

(Transition to Relationship Goals Slide Deck - Slide 11: Beyond Today: Your Relationship Blueprint)

"To continue thinking about and applying these important skills, you'll have an opportunity to work on a project called Project Guide: My Healthy Relationship Blueprint. This will be a chance for you to create your own guide for building and maintaining healthy relationships. We'll talk more about this and the Rubric for Relationship Blueprint Project in our next session or as a homework assignment. For now, great work today everyone!"

Warm-Up: Relationship Word Web

Instructions: What comes to mind when you hear the word "relationship"? On the board or a piece of paper, write down as many words, feelings, or ideas that you associate with relationships. We will then connect them to create a word web as a class.

The Power of Healthy Connections

What Makes Relationships Thrive?

Think about the people who make your life better. What do those connections have in common? Chances are, they involve a healthy give-and-take, mutual respect, and genuine understanding. Healthy relationships are like strong bridges that help us navigate life's ups and downs. They provide support, joy, and a sense of belonging.

Respect is the Foundation

At the heart of every healthy relationship is respect. This means truly valuing another person's thoughts, feelings, and personal space. It's about listening when they speak, not interrupting, and considering their perspective even if it's different from your own. When we show respect, we communicate that the other person matters.

Trust: The Glue That Holds Us Together

Trust is another critical element. It's the feeling of safety and confidence that someone will be honest and reliable. Building trust takes time and consistent actions. It means keeping your promises, being dependable, and being truthful. When trust is present, people feel secure enough to be themselves and share their true feelings.

Communication: More Than Just Talking

Effective communication is the lifeline of any relationship. It's not just about speaking, but also about truly listening. Healthy communication involves:

• Clear Expression: Saying what you mean kindly and directly.
• Active Listening: Paying full attention when someone else is talking, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting on what you hear.
• "I" Statements: Expressing your feelings without blaming others (e.g., "I feel sad when..." instead of "You always make me sad...").
• Non-Verbal Cues: Being aware of body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, both your own and others

When we communicate well, misunderstandings decrease, and connections strengthen.

Empathy: Stepping Into Their Shoes

Finally, empathy is a superpower in relationships. It's the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. When someone is upset or excited, empathy allows you to imagine what that feels like for them. It helps us respond with kindness, compassion, and support. Practicing empathy means trying to see the world from another person's perspective, even if you don't fully agree with their point of view. It builds deep connections and helps us solve problems together.

By focusing on respect, trust, effective communication, and empathy, we can cultivate powerful, healthy connections that enrich our lives and the lives of those around us.

Discussion Guide: Our Relationship Reflections

Let's discuss what we've learned about healthy relationships and how it applies to our lives. Remember to listen respectfully to each other's ideas.

1. Based on the Reading: The Power of Healthy Connections, what is one characteristic of a healthy relationship that you think is most important? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Can you think of a time when clear communication made a difference in a relationship? What happened?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. How can using "I" statements help prevent arguments or misunderstandings?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. The reading mentioned empathy as a "superpower." In your own words, what does empathy mean, and how can you practice it in your daily interactions?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. What are some non-verbal cues (body language, facial expressions) that show someone is actively listening to you?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. What is one small step you can take this week to improve a relationship in your life, based on what we discussed today?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Activity: Empathy Scenarios

Objective: To practice using empathy and effective communication in real-life (or imagined) relationship situations.

Instructions:

1. Divide into small groups (3-4 students per group).
2. Each group will receive a few scenario cards.
3. For each scenario:
   • Read the scenario aloud within your group.
   • Discuss: How might each person in the scenario be feeling? What are their perspectives?
   • Brainstorm: What would be an empathetic and healthy way to respond or communicate in this situation? How would you use "I" statements and active listening?
   • Role-play: Act out the scenario, demonstrating your healthy communication and empathetic response. Feel free to try different approaches.
4. After each role-play, discuss within your group: What worked well? What was challenging? How did it feel to be empathetic?

Scenario Cards (Cut these out for distribution)

Scenario 1: The Missed Project Meeting

Your friend was supposed to meet you after school to work on a group project, but they never showed up. You waited for 20 minutes and felt frustrated because you have a deadline. The next day, your friend apologizes, saying they got caught up helping a family member and forgot to text you.

• Your Task: How do you express your frustration while also showing empathy for your friend's situation? Role-play the conversation.

Scenario 2: The Hurtful Comment

During a game, a teammate makes a joke about your performance that makes you feel embarrassed and a little angry. You know they probably didn't mean to be truly hurtful, but it still stung.

• Your Task: How do you communicate your feelings to your teammate in a way that resolves the issue and maintains the friendship? Role-play the conversation.

Scenario 3: The New Student

A new student has joined your class and seems very quiet and alone during lunch. You remember how you felt when you were new.

• Your Task: What empathetic actions and words can you use to make the new student feel more welcome? Role-play how you approach them and start a conversation.

Scenario 4: A Friend is Upset

Your friend is visibly upset about something that happened in another class. They don't immediately want to talk about it, but you want to be there for them.

• Your Task: How do you show your friend you care and are available to listen without pressuring them to talk? Role-play offering support.

Worksheet: Building Strong Bonds

Instructions: Reflect on today's lesson and answer the following questions to help you apply what you've learned about healthy relationships.

1. List three characteristics of a healthy relationship that we discussed today.
   a.
   
   
   
   b.
   
   
   
   c.
   
   
   

2. Why is active listening an important part of good communication?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Rewrite the following sentence using an "I" statement to express your feelings without blaming:
   Original: "You always interrupt me when I'm talking."
   "I" Statement:
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Imagine a friend is sad because they didn't get a part in the school play. Describe how you would show them empathy. What would you say or do?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Think about a relationship in your own life (with a friend, family member, etc.). What is one area where you could use a healthy relationship skill (like respect, communication, or empathy) to make that relationship even stronger? How will you do it?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Game: Communication Charades

Objective: To practice recognizing and conveying emotions and messages using only non-verbal communication.

Instructions:

1. Divide the class into two teams.
2. Prepare several cards with emotions, actions, or simple scenarios that can be acted out without speaking. (Examples provided below).
3. One student from Team A comes to the front and picks a card.
4. The student silently acts out what is written on the card. They cannot make any sounds or point to objects in the room.
5. Their team has a set amount of time (e.g., 60 seconds) to guess the emotion or scenario.
6. If Team A guesses correctly within the time limit, they earn a point. If not, Team B gets one chance to guess.
7. Teams take turns. The team with the most points at the end wins.

Charade Prompts (Cut these out for distribution)

Emotions:

• Happy
• Sad
• Angry
• Confused
• Excited
• Surprised
• Scared
• Frustrated
• Curious
• Proud

Actions/Scenarios:

• Listening intently
• Giving a compliment
• Offering help
• Apologizing
• Comforting a friend
• Showing disagreement (respectfully)
• Sharing a secret
• Encouraging someone
• Asking for help
• Celebrating a win

Cool Down: One Word Wisdom

Instructions: Before you leave today, think about everything we discussed regarding healthy relationships, communication, and empathy. In one single word, what is your biggest takeaway, a new understanding, or a feeling you have about building strong connections?

Write your word here or be ready to share it with the class:

My One Word:

Project Guide: My Healthy Relationship Blueprint

Objective: To demonstrate your understanding of healthy relationship skills by creating a personalized "blueprint" for building and maintaining positive connections in your life.

Project Description:

You will create a "Healthy Relationship Blueprint" that outlines what healthy relationships mean to you and how you plan to apply the skills we've learned (respect, trust, communication, empathy) in your own interactions. This blueprint can take various forms, allowing you to be creative!

Choose ONE of the following formats for your blueprint:

1. "Relationship Rulebook" (Written Document): Create a personal guide (2-3 pages) that includes:

   • Your definition of a healthy relationship.
   • Detailed explanations of at least three key skills (e.g., active listening, "I" statements, showing empathy) and specific examples of how you will use them.
   • A section on how to handle challenges or conflicts respectfully.
   • A reflection on one relationship you want to strengthen and how you'll apply your blueprint.

2. "Connection Canvas" (Poster/Digital Presentation): Design a visual representation (poster board, infographic, Google Slides/PowerPoint presentation) that includes:

   • A central theme or image representing healthy relationships.
   • Visuals and short descriptions for at least four healthy relationship characteristics (e.g., respect, trust, clear communication, empathy).
   • Examples of both verbal and non-verbal communication.
   • A section on "Empathy in Action" with simple scenarios and solutions.
   • Your personal commitment to one healthy relationship goal.

3. "Relationship Skill-Builder Story" (Creative Writing): Write a short story (fiction or non-fiction, 500-750 words) where a character faces a relationship challenge and successfully navigates it using the healthy relationship skills we've discussed. Your story should clearly demonstrate:

   • A challenge or conflict in a relationship.
   • The application of at least two specific healthy communication techniques.
   • An act of empathy that changes the situation.
   • A positive resolution or learning outcome.

Key Deliverables (Regardless of format):

• Your completed Healthy Relationship Blueprint in your chosen format.
• A short presentation (3-5 minutes) to the class or small group, explaining your blueprint and one key takeaway.

Assessment: Your project will be assessed using the Rubric for Relationship Blueprint Project. Make sure to review the rubric carefully before you start to understand the expectations.

Due Date: [Insert Due Date Here]

Rubric for Relationship Blueprint Project

Total Score: ____ / 20

Answer Key for Relationship Skills

This answer key provides correct responses and explanations for the Worksheet: Building Strong Bonds, Quiz: Relationship IQ, and Test: Healthy Relationship Assessment.

Answer Key for Worksheet: Building Strong Bonds

1. List three characteristics of a healthy relationship that we discussed today.

   • Possible Answers: Respect, Trust, Open Communication, Empathy, Mutual Support.
   • Teacher Note: Accept any three valid characteristics discussed in the lesson.
     
     
     

2. Why is active listening an important part of good communication?

   • Thought Process: Active listening shows the other person that you value what they are saying and that you care about their feelings and thoughts. It helps prevent misunderstandings and makes the other person feel heard and respected, strengthening the connection.
   • Expected Answer: Active listening ensures you fully understand the other person, makes them feel valued, and helps prevent misunderstandings.
     
     
     
     
     
     

3. Rewrite the following sentence using an "I" statement to express your feelings without blaming:
   Original: "You always interrupt me when I"m talking."
   "I" Statement: Possible Answers: "I feel frustrated when I am interrupted while speaking," or "I feel unheard when I don't get to finish my thoughts."

   • Teacher Note: Focus on the structure – starts with "I feel," states the emotion, and describes the action without assigning blame.
     
     
     
     
     
     

4. Imagine a friend is sad because they didn't get a part in the school play. Describe how you would show them empathy. What would you say or do?

   • Thought Process: Empathy involves understanding and sharing feelings. A good answer would show active listening, validation of feelings, and offering support without minimizing their sadness or immediately jumping to solutions.
   • Expected Answer: I would listen to them without interrupting, maybe say something like, "I can see you're really disappointed. That must feel terrible after all the hard work you put in." I would offer a hug or just sit with them quietly, letting them know I'm there if they want to talk.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

5. Think about a relationship in your own life (with a friend, family member, etc.). What is one area where you could use a healthy relationship skill (like respect, communication, or empathy) to make that relationship even stronger? How will you do it?

   • Thought Process: This question encourages personal application. The answer should identify a skill and a concrete plan for its use.
   • Expected Answer (examples): I could practice active listening more with my sibling by putting my phone away when they talk to me. Or, I could show more empathy to my parent by trying to understand why they might be stressed after work.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Answer Key for Quiz: Relationship IQ

1. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a healthy relationship?

   • Correct Answer: c) Blame
   • Explanation: Blame is counterproductive and damages trust and respect in a relationship. Healthy relationships focus on understanding and mutual support.
     
     
     

2. Explain in your own words what active listening means.

   • Correct Answer: Active listening means fully focusing on what someone else is saying, not just hearing the words, but also understanding their feelings and the message behind their words. It involves showing you're engaged through eye contact, nodding, and asking clarifying questions.
     
     
     
     
     
     

3. Using an "I" statement helps you to:

   • Correct Answer: b) Clearly express your feelings without blaming
   • Explanation: "I" statements help you own your feelings and communicate them effectively without making the other person feel attacked or defensive.
     
     
     

4. Why is empathy considered a "superpower" in relationships?

   • Correct Answer: Empathy is a superpower because it allows us to understand and share the feelings of others, which helps us connect more deeply, respond with kindness and compassion, and resolve conflicts peacefully. It builds stronger bonds and prevents misunderstandings.
     
     
     
     
     
     

5. Which of these is an example of non-verbal communication?

   • Correct Answer: c) Rolling your eyes
   • Explanation: Rolling your eyes is a non-verbal cue that communicates frustration or disbelief without uttering a word.
     
     
     

Answer Key for Test: Healthy Relationship Assessment

1. Which of the following is considered a foundational element of a healthy relationship?

   • Correct Answer: b) Mutual respect
   • Explanation: While agreement, ignoring differences, and self-interest are sometimes present, mutual respect is essential for valuing each individual in the relationship.
     
     
     

2. Describe three distinct characteristics of healthy relationships and provide a brief example for each.

   • Correct Answer:
     1. Respect: Valuing someone's thoughts, feelings, and boundaries. Example: Listening without interrupting when a friend is sharing a problem.
     2. Trust: Believing in the honesty and reliability of others. Example: Knowing a friend will keep a secret you've shared with them.
     3. Open Communication: Sharing thoughts and feelings clearly and honestly. Example: Telling a family member directly how you feel using an "I" statement instead of hinting.
     4. Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of another. Example: Comforting a sad friend by imagining how you would feel in their situation.
     5. Mutual Support: Helping and encouraging each other. Example: Cheering on a teammate during a game or helping a classmate with homework.
   • Teacher Note: Students should select any three of these or similar, with appropriate examples.
     
     
     
     
     
     

3. An "I" statement is most effective because it:

   • Correct Answer: b) Focuses on your feelings and experiences
   • Explanation: "I" statements help you take responsibility for your own feelings and express them in a way that is less likely to make the other person defensive.
     
     
     

4. A friend tells you they are upset because another student spread a rumor about them. How would you demonstrate empathy in your response? What specific things would you say or do?

   • Correct Answer: To demonstrate empathy, I would:
     1. Listen actively: Give my friend my full attention, make eye contact, and nod to show I'm hearing them.
     2. Acknowledge their feelings: Say something like, "It sounds like you're really hurt and angry about that. That must be incredibly frustrating."
     3. Validate their experience: "I can totally understand why you'd feel that way. Rumors are never fun and can be really damaging."
     4. Offer support: "I'm here for you. Is there anything I can do to help, or do you just want to talk more about it?" I would avoid immediately offering solutions unless asked, and instead focus on being present and understanding their emotional state.
        
        
        
        
        
        

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

   • Correct Answer: b) Nodding and making eye contact while someone speaks
   • Explanation: Active listening involves both verbal and non-verbal cues that show you are fully engaged and processing what the other person is saying.
     
     
     

6. Imagine you and a friend disagree strongly about which movie to watch. Using healthy communication skills, how could you resolve this disagreement while maintaining your friendship?

   • Correct Answer:
     1. "I" statements: I could start by saying, "I feel a bit disappointed because I was really looking forward to seeing [my preferred movie]."
     2. Active listening: I would listen carefully to my friend's reasons for wanting to see their preferred movie, asking questions like, "What is it about that movie that you're excited about?"
     3. Compromise/Solution-seeking: We could brainstorm solutions together. Maybe we watch one movie this time and the other next time, or find a third movie we both agree on, or even watch our preferred movies separately but still hang out afterward.
     4. Respect: I would respect their opinion even if I didn't agree, saying something like, "I understand you really want to see that, and I respect your choice."
     5. Focus on the relationship: Remind ourselves that our friendship is more important than the movie choice. "The most important thing is that we spend time together."