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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.