Relationship-Centered Discipline

In this 15-minute Socratic discussion, 7th graders explore why respect, safety, and belonging matter in their daily school lives. This Tier 1 lesson builds critical thinking, empathy, and community connection, helping students articulate real-world school experiences and set a positive classroom tone.

This lesson focuses on using restorative circles to foster a sense of community and understanding among high school students in a social emotional program. Restorative circles are a powerful tool for building trust, encouraging open communication, and resolving conflicts in a supportive environment. This lesson will help students develop empathy, active listening skills, and a sense of responsibility towards their peers.

A whole-class lesson to kickstart relationship-centered discipline by defining respect norms together—boosts buy-in and positive climate. Audience: 5th Grade, Tier 1 Classroom, 1 session of 45 minutes.

This 30-minute professional development session for middle school teachers (grades 5-8) explores how strong teacher-student relationships act as a crucial protective factor in fostering emotionally safe classroom environments. Teachers will learn practical strategies to cultivate these relationships, enhancing student well-being and academic engagement. Designed for a small group setting, this session provides targeted support for educators looking to deepen their impact on student emotional safety.

In this Tier 1 restorative circle lesson, 3rd graders will practice empathy, apology, and collaborative problem-solving to mend relationships. Over a single 35-minute session, students will learn structured steps to repair conflicts, strengthening their relationship skills aligned to CASEL frameworks.

This lesson aims to equip students with strategies to create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment. By understanding the importance of respect, kindness, and effective communication, students will learn how to manage disruptive behaviors and support peers with explosive behavior. This lesson is crucial for fostering a positive learning environment where all students feel valued and understood.

In this 3-session module, 7th graders will explore CASEL’s relationship skills through hands-on activities and discussions to transform conflicts into opportunities for growth. Students will learn strategies for active listening, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving, essential for fostering a positive classroom climate and lifelong interpersonal success.

A 45-minute restorative circle lesson for 5th graders to build empathy, trust, and co-create a positive classroom climate through sharing feelings and collaborative agreements.

Encourage a sense of belonging by holding structured discussions aimed at fostering community. Students share personal stories and listen actively, creating a shared experience that reinforces empathy and connection.

A collaborative lesson that introduces students to key relationship skills like active listening and empathy through guided discussions and partner activities. This lesson helps students build supportive classroom communities by practicing active listening and empathy. Audience: 4th Grade, Tier: 1 (Classroom), 1 session of 40 minutes.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 group lesson, 6 students in an alternative behavioral setting will get to know each other, build rapport, and set a positive tone for a year-long series on self-regulation, coping skills, anger management, and anxiety. Through a warm-up, discussion, interactive activity, and cool-down, students will begin forging supportive connections and practicing attentive listening.

This lesson guides teachers in creating a classroom environment that fosters positive behavior and mutual respect. Through practical strategies and role-modeling, teachers will learn how to implement techniques that encourage a supportive and respectful classroom culture. This lesson is crucial for developing a learning environment where students feel valued and motivated, ultimately enhancing their academic and social-emotional growth.

This lesson focuses on helping students understand the importance of building positive relationships and forming connections with trusted adults. Through collaborative learning and discussion, students will explore the characteristics of healthy relationships and identify trusted adults in their lives. This lesson is crucial for fostering a supportive environment where students feel safe and valued, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and success.

In this 30-minute, 7th grade Tier 1 lesson, students learn core relationship skills—communication, empathy, and trust-building—through interactive activities. Strengthening these skills helps students navigate friendships and conflicts positively.

Students will partner up to interview each other and co-create digital boards showcasing their peer’s strengths, building relationship skills aligned with CASEL competencies. This Tier 1, one-session (60-minute) lesson for a 5th grade class fosters empathy, communication, and teamwork through interactive, technology-driven activities.

A comprehensive weekly plan designed to build trust and connection among high school students and their teacher, fostering a supportive environment for discussing mental health issues. The plan includes various activities and discussions to be conducted over several weeks.

This lesson aims to reduce disrespectful behavior towards teachers by engaging 5th graders in a discussion and activity that fosters empathy and understanding. By using Inquiry-Based Learning and Restorative Practices, students will explore the impact of their actions and learn strategies for respectful communication. This lesson is important as it helps create a positive classroom environment and strengthens student-teacher relationships.

This lesson involves forming small groups where students can share personal experiences and listen to one another. The activity aims to strengthen empathy and understanding, fostering a supportive classroom environment as students return from break. This lesson is important as it helps students develop social-emotional skills, enhances their ability to empathize with peers, and builds a strong, supportive class community.

This lesson focuses on helping 8th-grade students understand the importance of building positive relationships with trusted adults. Through discussion and role-playing activities, students will learn to identify characteristics of a trusted adult and practice communication skills. This lesson is crucial for fostering a supportive environment where students feel comfortable seeking guidance and support from adults.

In this Tier 2 small-group lesson, 12th graders will engage in readings and activities to co-create repair agreements and strengthen peer relationships. Through guided discussions, narrative analysis, and collaborative drafting workshops, students will practice restorative practices to improve school climate and conflict resolution skills. This single 45-minute session provides all necessary materials for a teacher-led group.

This lesson equips adults with strategies to teach children how to restore relationships after negative interactions. By focusing on empathy and understanding, adults will learn how to guide children in resolving conflicts and rebuilding trust. This lesson is important as it empowers educators and caregivers to foster a supportive environment where children can learn essential social-emotional skills.

In this 20-minute, one-on-one conference session, teachers and a 9th grade student engage in a restorative circle to address behavior, build trust, and co-create positive action plans. This Tier 3 individualized guide transforms standard conferences into empathetic dialogues, fostering reflection, accountability, and improved school climate.

This engaging lesson helps students develop practical communication skills for building stronger relationships and resolving disagreements constructively. Through interactive scenarios and guided practice, students will learn to express themselves clearly, listen actively, and find common ground, fostering a more harmonious classroom and social environment for 6th-8th graders. Audience: 6th-8th Grade, 1 Session, 50-60 minutes.

This resource focuses on developing empathy skills among 7th-grade students, which is a cornerstone of a compassionate and respectful school climate. It's important for resolving conflicts and building stronger peer relationships. Designed for a 60-minute session with a small group of 7th-grade students.

In this 60-minute PD session, high school teachers will explore strategies to promote social connectedness and foster a positive school climate, using the JED Foundation’s comprehensive approach to student mental health and suicide prevention. This session equips educators with practical activities and reflection tools to strengthen relationships, build community, and create safe, supportive learning environments. Audience: 30 teachers, Tier 2 group support.

In this engaging two-session exploration, 5th graders will identify and discuss the factors that make their school environment safe, welcoming, and supportive. Students will collaborate, reflect, and create visual representations of school climate elements, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and ownership of their community.

In this 45-minute, one-session lesson, 4th graders will explore how restorative conversations can positively shape our school climate by practicing empathy and active listening. Through guided warm-ups, role-plays, and a worksheet, students will build skills to repair harm and foster community.

In this 30-minute group lesson designed for 'Achievers', students will explore the importance of building supportive relationships. This lesson is crucial as it helps students understand the value of empathy, communication, and trust in forming meaningful connections. The session includes engaging activities and games tailored to accommodate students with ADD, ADHD, and Autism, ensuring an inclusive learning environment.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 lesson for 9th graders, students learn self-regulation strategies, build supportive peer relationships, and practice overcoming anxiety through interactive activities. This lesson equips students with practical skills for managing stress in real life and fostering classroom community.

This lesson focuses on creating a safe and supportive classroom environment for 4th and 5th graders. It emphasizes the importance of respect, kindness, and collaboration among students. By engaging in project-based learning and restorative practices, students will learn how to contribute to a positive classroom culture. This lesson is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and safety, especially for students with a history of being bullied.

This lesson focuses on helping 5th graders develop skills in emotional regulation and empathy through engaging activities. By using game-based and collaborative learning strategies, students will learn to identify and manage their emotions, understand others' feelings, and improve their behavior. This lesson is crucial for fostering a supportive classroom environment and enhancing students' social-emotional skills.

An engaging one-on-one framework for a 9th-grade student to embark on a creative mission to learn about each other’s strengths and interests. This 20-minute MTSS Tier 3 session uses relationship-building activities to set the tone for a supportive classroom environment.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 lesson, 3rd graders will meet their school counselor, learn why regular attendance matters, and explore self-regulation strategies to stay calm and focused. Building a positive relationship and essential life skills fosters a supportive classroom community.

10th grade small-group sessions to build relationship skills and responsible decision-making through guided community circles. This Tier 2 lesson includes circle guidelines, discussion prompts, trust-building questions, participation criteria, and reflection to support students’ social-emotional growth.

This lesson aims to build trust and community among grades 5-8 by engaging students in trust-building activities. Through cooperative games and open discussions, students discover shared values and learn to rely on one another, enhancing the sense of belonging within the classroom.

An interactive sequence of mini-games and discussions designed to strengthen trust and cooperation among classmates—key foundations for healthy relationships. This Tier 1, 40-minute lesson for 5th graders equips students with essential relationship skills in a fun, collaborative way.

This lesson focuses on restoring relationships among 9th grade girls through a circle discussion and collaborative activity. The lesson aims to create a safe space for students to express their feelings and experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. By engaging in active learning and restorative practices, students will develop skills in communication, empathy, and conflict resolution, which are essential for building and maintaining healthy relationships.

Introduce 7th graders to individual counseling concepts and foster a classroom culture of trust, self-awareness, and open communication through interactive activities.

Guide students in repairing damaged relationships through constructive communication and understanding. This individual lesson fosters reconciliation skills for 10th-grade students, focusing on developing empathy and effective communication strategies. The session is designed to be completed in 30 minutes, providing personalized support to help students navigate and mend interpersonal conflicts.

This series of 5 individual lessons is designed for a 6th-grade student with ADHD and a history of conduct issues. The goal is to reduce conduct incidents while building emotional regulation, accountability, and positive peer interactions. Each 20-minute session will focus on specific strategies and skills, incorporating engaging activities and discussions to foster personal growth and understanding.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 relationship-building session for 2nd graders, students will learn how to connect, communicate, and cooperate with classmates through fun, interactive activities. These activities foster a positive classroom culture, boost social skills, and support a happier, more inclusive learning environment.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 circle activity, 8th grade students practice active listening and supportive feedback to strengthen trust and community. Students learn key counseling skills useful for healthy peer interactions.

This lesson introduces 3rd grade students to SEL responsive circles, a tool for fostering emotional intelligence and community in the classroom. Through experiential and collaborative activities, students will learn how to express their feelings and listen to others in a supportive environment. This lesson is important as it helps students develop empathy, communication skills, and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for their social and emotional development.

In this 60-minute Tier 1 PD session for K-12 staff, participants will explore how data-driven decision-making can enhance PBIS and MTSS frameworks to foster a positive school environment. This collaborative session helps staff use data effectively to improve student outcomes and school climate.

This lesson is designed for 5th grade students to help them understand the impact of sarcasm and build positive relationships with peers they may not naturally get along with. Through engaging activities and a game, students will learn to communicate with kindness and empathy, essential for fostering supportive relationships. The lesson is designed for a small group setting, lasting 25 minutes, and aims to address misunderstandings and promote a harmonious classroom environment.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 session, first-year teachers will learn proactive, trauma-informed approaches to support students with mental health concerns and disabilities, fostering inclusive classroom environments. This lesson equips educators with practical behavior strategies, communication tools, and resources to confidently respond to diverse student needs.

Designed for Grades 3-5, this lesson aims to build trust and empathy through group discussions and shared storytelling. Students participate in a 'talking circle' where they practice active listening and empathy, encouraging a safe and supportive classroom environment.

This 8-week lesson series helps middle school boys navigate strong emotions and improve self-regulation skills, focusing on cultural competence and humility. Through restorative practices, active learning, and trauma-informed teaching, students will engage in discussions, activities, and reflections to better understand and manage their emotions. This approach fosters a supportive environment for students to develop empathy and cultural awareness, essential for personal growth and social interactions.

This 15-session group lesson is designed to support a boy with high stress and a trauma history, aiming to increase his desire to attend, stay, and engage in class. Through interactive activities, games, and discussions, this lesson will help build resilience and a positive classroom experience.

This is a whole-class exploration of trust designed to foster a supportive classroom community and strengthen peer relationships through interactive discussions and activities. Important for helping 5th graders develop empathy, cooperation, and communication skills. Ideal for a 45-minute Tier 1 lesson under the CASEL framework.

This 40-session, 15-minute group lesson series for 8th graders builds self-regulation skills and expected behaviors to foster positive peer relationships. By guiding small groups through interactive activities, discussions, and games, students will learn to recognize emotions, manage impulses, and support respectful interactions with classmates.

Facilitate a session where students engage in structured dialogues about challenging topics in a safe, respectful environment. This activity aims to enhance communication skills and build empathy through active listening and thoughtful questioning.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 counseling session for 6th graders, students will learn self-regulation strategies and communication skills (I-messages, active listening) to manage emotions and resolve peer conflicts. This first session builds a foundation of coping tools and pro-social behaviors crucial for a positive classroom community.

This 40-session, 15-minute group lesson series for 8th graders builds self-regulation skills and expected behaviors to foster positive peer relationships. By guiding small groups through interactive activities, discussions, and games, students will learn to recognize emotions, manage impulses, and support respectful interactions with classmates.

Designed for Grades 3-8, this interactive lesson focuses on strengthening peer relationships and fostering a sense of community. Students engage in collaborative activities that highlight shared interests, mutual respect, and the importance of inclusive communication, creating a supportive classroom environment. This lesson will help students build stronger bonds and create a more inclusive and respectful classroom environment. Audience: Grades 3-8. Duration: 1 session, 45-60 minutes.

This lesson focuses on helping 6th graders with adjustment mood disorder and depression learn and practice emotional regulation strategies. Through experiential learning and restorative practices, students will engage in activities that promote self-awareness and emotional control. This lesson is crucial as it equips students with tools to manage their emotions effectively, reducing reliance on physical contact and fostering a supportive classroom environment.

A trauma-sensitive classroom session for 5th graders that introduces safety, trust, and community-building through guided activities. This lesson fosters emotional resilience and belonging in a supportive circle. (45-minute Tier 1 session)

In this 15-minute individualized support session, an 11th grader learns the importance of authentic communication and builds trust through self-reflection and role-play. This Tier 3 intervention helps the student understand why they seek attention and practice honesty to strengthen peer and adult relationships.

This lesson teaches middle school students essential conflict resolution and communication skills to foster healthy peer interactions and understanding. Through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and clear assessment criteria, students will develop empathy and practical strategies for resolving conflicts peacefully.

In this two-session behavior-focused mini-unit, small groups of students will explore what drives disruptive behavior and learn strategies to self-regulate and support positive classroom environment. By understanding triggers and practicing constructive responses, students build self-awareness and collaborative skills.

This 45-minute lesson for 1st graders focuses on building a positive school community by fostering friendships and promoting anti-bullying behaviors. It's essential for creating a safe and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and respected.

This 8-week lesson series helps middle school boys navigate strong emotions and improve self-regulation skills, focusing on cultural competence and humility. Through restorative practices, active learning, and trauma-informed teaching, students will engage in discussions, activities, and reflections to better understand and manage their emotions. This approach fosters a supportive environment for students to develop empathy and cultural awareness, essential for personal growth and social interactions.

A targeted intervention to help an 8th grade student reflect on respectful interactions and develop self-management strategies in challenging situations. This one-session, 30-minute Tier 3 individual support lesson uses CASEL competencies to foster personal growth and respectful conduct.

In this 5th grade, Tier 1, 60-minute lesson, students will explore what contributes to a positive school climate. By auditing their environment and reflecting on feelings, they'll identify strengths and areas for growth, empowering them to help create a more welcoming school. Materials include interactive discussions, activities, and reflections.

In this two-session lesson, high school students in an instructional/self-contained classroom will explore strategies for engaging positively with their peers. Through discussions, games, and worksheets, they will practice communication skills, empathy, and respect—essential life skills for a supportive learning environment.