SEL Toolkit: Relationship Skills
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) enhances the ability to communicate and connect with a range of people in healthy ways. In this section of the SEL Toolkit, we link to strategies and resources that will help youth work professionals teach relationship skills.
For curricula, additional activities, and resources for youth, visit Helping Youth Build Relationship Skills in the Prep for Adulthood toolkit.
Model and Promote Positive Communication Skills
Active Listening and Feedback
These handouts are designed to help youth work professionals model and explain positive communication skills.
"I" Messages
The U.S. Department of State "Diplomacy in Action" site includes a helpful page describing the positive use of "I" messages.
Teaching Resources for Youth Educators - A Source Book
Created by Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development, this collection of teaching materials includes activities, games, exercises, handouts, and worksheets that deal with interpersonal communication skills, relationships, conflict resolution, and public speaking.
Teach Social Skills and Relationship Education
Kindness in the Classroom: 6th-8th Grade Curriculum
This social emotional learning curriculum is designed to help schools create a culture of kindness. Each unit teaches core kindness concepts: respect, caring, inclusiveness, integrity, responsibility, and courage.
Healthy Relationships Resource Kit
From Western Health in Newfoundland, this kit provides a wealth of activities to promote healthy relationships of all kinds among children and teens. Section 2 offers activities for grades 4 through 12.
Amaze: Healthy Relationships
Amaze offers animated videos covering a full range of sexual health topics, including healthy relationships. Videos are designed for young adolescents. Information and resources for educators are also provided.
Character Lab Playbooks
Playbooks from Character Lab offer brief, research-based tips and guidance on helping children develop specific character strengths.
KidsHealth in the Classroom: Healthy Relationships
These Nemours Foundation guides for educators connect to articles and activities that can be used for relationship education.
Cultivating Caring Relationships at School: 15 Activities That Promote Staff and Student Connection
This toolkit from the California Center for School Climate provides educators a variety of actionable strategies to cultivate relationships with and among students.
Top Tips on Building and Maintaining Healthy Relationships
These tips from the Mental Health Foundation provide insight into building healthy relationships. The article includes sentence starters for difficult conversations.
Teach Conflict Resolution Skills
Problem-Solving with Teenagers: Steps and Tips
The Raising Children Network describes six steps for working with a young person in order to reach a solution together.
Consensus - Action Planning
This handout describes an inclusive process for group planning.
