Lesson Plan

The Power of Positive Connections

Students will identify and nurture positive interpersonal connections by mapping their support networks and practicing relationship-building strategies to enhance their emotional and social well-being.

Middle schoolers benefit from strong, supportive relationships. This lesson builds self-awareness, trust, empathy, and communication skills that foster resilience and community in the classroom.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Lesson Setup

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

10 minutes

Step 2

Interactive Presentation

15 minutes

Step 3

Relationship Mapping Activity

20 minutes

Step 4

Group Discussion and Share

15 minutes

Step 5

Reflection and Closure

10 minutes

Slide Deck

The Power of Positive Connections

Welcome students! Introduce the lesson and get them excited. Say: “Today we’ll explore how positive connections shape our well-being and help us thrive.”

Today’s Objectives

Read the objectives aloud. Emphasize that they will identify, map, and strengthen their support networks.

Why Positive Connections Matter

Explain why supportive relationships matter, especially in middle school when students face many changes.

What Is a Positive Connection?

Provide a clear definition. Ask: “What connections make you feel safe and supported?”

Key Traits of Positive Connections

Introduce the four traits. Tell students they’ll explore each in detail.

Trust

Define trust. Ask for a volunteer to describe a time they trusted someone.

Respect

Define respect. Prompt: “How do you show respect in a friendship?”

Empathy

Define empathy. You might say: “Empathy is putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.”

Reciprocity

Define reciprocity. Encourage students to think of small acts of kindness.

Relationship Mapping Activity

Explain the mapping activity. Distribute the [Relationship Mapping Worksheet](#relationship-mapping-worksheet).

Group Discussion & Share

Divide into groups of 3–4. Each student shares one insight. Then groups list strategies on chart paper.

Reflection & Commitment

Guide students through reflection. Encourage concrete action.

Thank You & Next Steps

Wrap up by summarizing key takeaways and encouraging ongoing effort.

Lesson Plan

The Power of Positive Connections

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Lesson Setup

Step 1

Introduction

Step 2

Interactive Presentation

Step 3

Relationship Mapping Activity

Step 4

Group Discussion and Share

Step 5

Reflection and Closure

Slide Deck

The Power of Positive Connections

Today’s Objectives

Why Positive Connections Matter

What Is a Positive Connection?

Key Traits of Positive Connections

Trust

Respect

Empathy

Reciprocity

Relationship Mapping Activity

Group Discussion & Share

Reflection & Commitment

Thank You & Next Steps

Activity

The Power of Positive Connections

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