SEL: Building Positive Relationships
Practicing respect, empathy, communication, and trust
SEL: Building Positive Relationships
Practicing respect, empathy, communication, and trust
SEL - Grade 6-8
- 1
List three qualities of a positive relationship. For each quality, explain why it helps people feel respected and safe.
Think about how you want others to treat you during a disagreement or when you need support.
Three qualities of a positive relationship are trust, honesty, and kindness. Trust helps people feel safe, honesty helps people communicate clearly, and kindness helps people feel valued. - 2
Your friend looks upset after lunch but says, "I'm fine." Write a respectful way to check in without pressuring them to talk.
A respectful response would be, "I noticed you seem upset. I am here if you want to talk, but I understand if you need space." This shows care while respecting the friend's choice. - 3
Read the scenario: Two classmates are working on a project. One student keeps interrupting the other. Write one sentence the interrupted student could use to set a respectful boundary.
Use an "I" statement that names the problem and asks for what is needed.
The student could say, "I want to hear your ideas, but I need a chance to finish sharing mine first." This sets a clear boundary without insulting the other person. - 4
Explain the difference between active listening and simply waiting for your turn to speak.
Active listening means focusing on what the other person is saying, noticing their feelings, and responding thoughtfully. Waiting for your turn to speak means you may be thinking more about your own response than about understanding them. - 5
A classmate makes a mistake during a group presentation. Write a supportive response that could help them feel encouraged instead of embarrassed.
Choose words that are kind, specific, and not sarcastic.
A supportive response could be, "It is okay, we can keep going together." This helps the classmate feel supported and reminds the group that mistakes can be handled calmly. - 6
Complete this sentence in a healthy way: "When I disagree with a friend, I can show respect by..." Then explain your answer.
When I disagree with a friend, I can show respect by listening to their point of view and using calm words. This matters because disagreement does not have to become disrespect. - 7
Look at the relationship web. Choose one connection, such as friend, teammate, family member, or teacher, and describe one action that could strengthen that relationship.
Think of a small action that can be done regularly, not a one-time grand gesture.
One action that could strengthen a relationship with a teammate is giving encouragement during practice. Encouragement builds trust and helps the teammate feel like they belong. - 8
A friend shares a personal problem with you and asks you not to tell anyone. Explain when it is important to keep their trust and when it is important to get help from a trusted adult.
Safety is more important than secrecy.
It is important to keep a friend's trust when the problem is private but not dangerous. It is important to get help from a trusted adult if someone may be hurt, unsafe, or unable to handle the problem alone. - 9
Write an example of an apology that includes three parts: taking responsibility, showing understanding, and offering to repair the harm.
An example apology is, "I am sorry I laughed when you made a mistake. I understand that it embarrassed you, and I will be more respectful next time." This apology takes responsibility, shows understanding, and offers a better action. - 10
A group chat starts making fun of a student who is not in the chat. Write one response that could help stop the negative behavior without making the situation worse.
You can be direct without using insults.
A helpful response could be, "This is not kind, and I do not want to be part of making fun of someone." This names the problem and sets a respectful limit. - 11
Explain how empathy can help repair a conflict between two people.
Empathy can help repair a conflict because it allows each person to understand how the other person feels. When people feel understood, they are more likely to listen, apologize, and work toward a solution. - 12
Write two respectful questions you could ask someone to learn more about their interests, culture, or experiences.
Use open-ended questions that allow the person to share as much or as little as they choose.
Two respectful questions are, "What is something you enjoy doing outside of school?" and "Is there a tradition or experience that is important to you?" These questions invite sharing without making assumptions. - 13
A teammate is not doing their part of a group task. Write a respectful conversation starter that focuses on solving the problem instead of blaming them.
A respectful conversation starter is, "I noticed we still have part of the task unfinished. Can we make a plan for who will do each part?" This focuses on solving the problem rather than blaming the teammate. - 14
Look at the conflict ladder. Describe one action that moves a conflict up the ladder and one action that moves it down the ladder.
Moving up means the conflict gets worse. Moving down means the conflict becomes calmer or closer to being solved.
An action that moves a conflict up the ladder is using insults or yelling. An action that moves it down the ladder is taking a pause, listening, and using calm words to explain the problem. - 15
Choose one relationship in your life that you want to strengthen. Write one goal for improving that relationship this week and one step you will take.
One goal could be to communicate better with a family member. One step could be to spend ten minutes talking with them without distractions. This goal is specific and can be practiced during the week.