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CASEL
Relationship Skills

Relationship Skills

Discover a curated collection of free resources dedicated to building strong relationship skills as outlined by CASEL. Educators, students, and parents will find practical lessons, interactive activities, and real-world examples to foster communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution. Empower learners to form healthy connections and thrive socially, both in and out of the classroom.

Communication Skills

Cooperation & Teamwork

Conflict Resolution

Healthy Boundaries

Peer Support & Allyship


Suggested Resources

How Do We Build Trust Together?

Tier 1

4th Grade Class

45 mins

A whole-class lesson that explores the foundations of trust through interactive scenarios, fostering students’ abilities to rely on and support one another.

Team Compass

Tier 2

6th Grade Group

30 mins

A guided small-group activity to improve students’ collaboration and directional support skills as they navigate challenges together.

Empathy Echoes

Tier 3

8th Grade Student

20 mins

An individual coaching module that teaches students how to actively listen and reflect others’ feelings, boosting emotional awareness.

Can You Read Another’s Mind?

Tier 1

5th Grade Class

50 mins

A full-class session using role-play to practice perspective-taking, helping students understand and respect diverse viewpoints.

Circle of Support

Tier 2

7th Grade Group

35 mins

A small-group workshop on building positive peer networks through structured sharing and affirmation exercises.

Connection Catalyst

Tier 3

9th Grade Student

25 mins

A one-on-one intervention to spark genuine connections through guided questioning and personal storytelling.

What Makes a Great Friend?

Tier 1

3rd Grade Class

40 mins

An engaging classroom discussion and activity that helps students identify and practice the qualities of strong friendships.

Trust Builders

Tier 2

8th Grade Group

45 mins

A collaborative exercise where students develop mini-projects that reinforce reliability, honesty, and accountability.

The Ripple Effect

Tier 3

6th Grade Student

20 mins

A targeted strategy session to help an individual student recognize how small actions impact peer relationships positively or negatively.

How Do We Resolve Conflicts?

Tier 1

5th Grade Class

50 mins

A whole-class interactive session teaching conflict-resolution steps with real-life scenarios and role-play.

Bond Boost

Tier 2

7th Grade Group

30 mins

A small-group challenge that accelerates team bonding through timed tasks requiring communication and mutual encouragement.

Hidden Connectors

Tier 3

9th Grade Student

25 mins

An individual deep-dive activity to uncover personal strengths that help build lasting relationships and social support.

Community Resources

Community Resources

Friendship Skills

This is a 30-minute Tier 2 small-group workshop for 6th graders focused on CASEL Relationship Skills—empathy and cooperation. Students will engage in interactive activities to practice perspective-taking, collaborate on role-play challenges, and reflect on supportive peer interactions.

Tier 2
5/13
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Karen Sullivan

S

MA Counselor, Social Worker, Behavior Interventionist

The Heart of Healthy 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.

Tier 1
5/21
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Patty Allen

E

CA Social Worker

The Power of Positive Connections

Students explore how building and nurturing positive connections supports their emotional and social well-being. This 1-session lesson for middle schoolers uses interactive activities to strengthen relationship skills and self-awareness.

Tier 1
5/20
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mschwartz

S

MA Social Worker

Building Positive Relationships

This lesson focuses on helping students identify the characteristics of positive relationships and develop strategies to be assertive in the face of peer pressure. By understanding these concepts, students will be better equipped to make informed decisions and maintain healthy relationships. This lesson is important as it empowers students to recognize and cultivate positive influences in their lives, fostering a supportive and respectful environment.

Tier 1
2/25
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Mayra Mendoza Saenz

q

TX Counselor

Building Better Bonds

In this 30-minute lesson, 7th graders explore essential relationship skills like active listening, empathy, and respectful communication. Strengthening these skills helps students build positive friendships and navigate social situations with confidence.

Tier 1
6/17

QA Individual

h

NY Counselor

How Do Emotions Drive Success?

An interactive lesson exploring CASEL’s five competencies and their impact on college and career readiness, fostering self-awareness and goal setting for 12th graders. This Tier 1 classroom-wide session helps students recognize and leverage their emotions for future success in a single 50-minute session.

Tier 1
6/3

Kerry Robinson

Instructor

Restoring Relationships: Teaching Empathy

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.

Tier 1
2/25
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Alicia Gutierrez

q

TX Counselor

Values and Emotional Intelligence

This lesson introduces middle school students to the concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and its importance in personal and academic success. Through a video and a guided activity, students will explore the four key skills of EI: perceiving, using, understanding, and managing emotions. This lesson is crucial as it helps students develop self-awareness and empathy, which are foundational for building strong values and relationships.

Tier 1
2/25
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Marcus Virgil

a

NC Behavior Interventionist

Building Blocks of Healthy Relationships

This lesson focuses on the essential elements of healthy relationships, such as communication, trust, and mutual respect. Through interactive scenarios and guided discussions, students will learn to identify and cultivate these components in their relationships. This lesson is crucial for developing social-emotional skills that are vital for personal and interpersonal growth.

Tier 1
2/25
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Loren Baccari

S

MA Counselor

Caring Connections

This lesson introduces 6th graders to the importance of interpersonal skills and characteristics of caring, such as empathy, kindness, and courtesy. Through a brief discussion, activity, and worksheet, students will explore how these skills impact personal relationships. This lesson is crucial for developing social-emotional skills that enhance students' ability to form positive relationships and understand others' perspectives.

Tier 1
2/25

Rhett Lange

q

TX Counselor

Who’s in Your Circle?

An interactive lesson that guides 6th graders to identify and appreciate their peer, family, and mentor relationships, building empathy and trust through mapping exercises. This 50-minute, Tier 1 lesson equips students with relationship skills aligned with CASEL standards, using hands-on activities and reflective discussion.

Tier 1
5/22

木白

E

CA Parent

Ready Set Connect

This 5-session group intervention helps 10th graders develop key social skills—active listening, assertive communication, empathy, conflict resolution, and teamwork—through engaging activities and practice. These 30-minute sessions build essential interpersonal abilities to support students in all areas of life and boost their social confidence.

Tier 2
5/12

Christina Sakelarakis

S

MA Psychologist

Emotional Intelligence in Relationships

This lesson focuses on helping students recognize and manage their emotions in intimate relationships through self-reflection exercises and empathy-building tasks. By developing emotional intelligence, students can improve their interpersonal skills, leading to healthier and more fulfilling relationships. This lesson is crucial for fostering responsible and productive citizens.

Tier 1
2/25
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Brittney Bullard

a

NC Social Worker

Building Bridges: Healthy Relationships

This lesson focuses on teaching students about healthy relationships and effective communication. Through experiential and game-based learning, students will engage in activities that promote understanding and practice of these skills. This lesson is crucial for developing social-emotional skills that are essential for lifelong success in personal and professional relationships.

Tier 1
2/25
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Andrea Gillis

S

MA General Education Teacher

Building Healthy Relationships

This lesson introduces 8th-grade students to the concept of healthy relationships by exploring mutual respect, trust, and communication. Students will learn to identify the characteristics of a healthy relationship and discuss how these can prevent relationship violence. This lesson is important as it equips students with the knowledge to foster positive interactions and recognize unhealthy patterns, promoting their social and emotional well-being.

Tier 1
2/25
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Temi Kufeji

h

NY Counselor

Building Healthy Relationships

This lesson explores the characteristics of healthy relationships and their contribution to mental well-being. Through role-plays and group discussions, students will identify key traits of healthy relationships and reflect on their importance. This lesson is crucial for developing social-emotional skills and promoting mental health awareness among students.

Tier 1
2/25
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Matthew Malowski

S

MA Counselor

Quick Connect: Supportive Relationships

In this brief session, students will explore the core elements of supportive relationships and engage in an activity to identify supportive figures in their lives. This lesson is important as it helps students recognize the value of supportive relationships in enhancing their well-being, fostering a sense of belonging, and building resilience.

Tier 1
2/25

Rebecca Thompson

S

MA General Education Teacher

Healthy Relationships and Communication

In this lesson, students will explore the components of healthy relationships and effective communication through interactive activities. This is important for building social-emotional skills, conflict resolution abilities, and fostering respectful interactions among peers.

Tier 1
2/25

Diana Lopez

l

PA Instructor

Our SEL Check-In

In this two-session Tier 1 SEL lesson for PreK–5, students explore the five CASEL competencies through an interactive survey and reflective quiz. These 10-minute sessions help teachers gauge students’ social-emotional strengths and growth areas, fostering self-awareness and responsible decision-making in a supportive classroom environment.

Tier 1
6/20
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Destony Stewart

h

NY School Administrator

Friendship Detectives

In this 30-minute kinder lesson, students will explore relationship skills by identifying and practicing friendship qualities. Using story, video, activities, and a fun game, learners will build empathy, sharing, and cooperation. Perfect for classroom-wide Tier 1 support.

Tier 1
6/16
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Olivia Rutledge

q

TX Counselor

Building Bridges

Boost elementary students’ emotional intelligence by promoting empathy and relationship skills through cooperative games and role-playing exercises. This one-session lesson empowers students to understand others' feelings and strengthen friendships through fun, interactive activities.

Tier 1
5/13
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Caroline Lopez

h

NY Behavior Interventionist

Healthy Relationships 101

In this lesson, students will explore the components of healthy relationships, learning to identify positive and negative relationship traits. Through discussions and group activities, they will apply these concepts to real-life situations. This lesson is important as it equips students with the skills to foster healthy interpersonal relationships, which are crucial for their social and emotional development.

Tier 1
2/25
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Paul Tentindo

S

MA Psychologist

Navigating the Maze of Relationships: A Personal Journey

This two-session lesson for 7th graders in a private school setting focuses on understanding and navigating personal relationships. It's designed to provide students with the tools to build healthy relationships, recognize unhealthy patterns, and develop communication skills. This lesson is crucial for personal development and emotional intelligence, empowering students to form meaningful connections and handle social challenges effectively.

Tier 1
2/28
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Nancy Love

T

MD Instructor

Building Bridges: Social Awareness & Relationships

This lesson focuses on developing social awareness and relationship skills through interactive activities and reflective discussions. Students will engage in a video analysis of social interactions to better understand the dynamics of communication and empathy. This lesson is crucial for fostering emotional intelligence and improving students' ability to navigate social situations effectively.

Tier 1
2/25
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Avriel Emanuel

h

NY Social Worker

Building Community Through SEL

This lesson introduces teachers to the importance of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in building a positive classroom community. Through interactive activities and discussions, teachers will explore how SEL can enhance student engagement and improve classroom dynamics. This lesson is crucial for fostering a supportive learning environment that addresses students' emotional and social needs, ultimately leading to better academic outcomes.

Tier 1
2/25
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Samantha Petroski

l

PA Instructor

Building Bridges: The Power of Social Connections

This lesson focuses on the importance of building and maintaining healthy relationships. Students will engage in discussions and team-building exercises to explore different scenarios and develop skills for fostering positive social connections. This lesson is crucial for helping students recognize the value of supportive relationships and how they contribute to personal and social well-being.

Tier 1
2/25
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Shawna Cruz

S

MA Counselor

Mastering the Art of Communication

This SEL lesson for 8th graders focuses on effective communication, a crucial life skill that enhances relationships and collaboration. In a single 30-minute session, students will engage in activities and discussions to understand and practice key communication techniques.

Tier 1
4/17
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Stephanie Cordero

q

TX Counselor

Relationship Bingo

This lesson introduces 9th-grade students to the concept of relationships through a fun and interactive bingo game. The game encourages students to think about and discuss their thoughts and feelings regarding relationships. This approach helps students develop social-emotional skills and promotes open communication, which is essential for their personal growth and understanding of relationships.

Tier 1
2/25
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Samantha Petroski

l

PA Instructor

Building Bonds

This 10-week Tier 2 small-group curriculum introduces 9th graders to healthy relationship skills, covering communication, boundaries, conflict resolution, empathy, and self-care. Session 1 lays the foundation by defining healthy relationships and building group norms. Each week is 30 minutes, designed to boost students’ social-emotional learning and peer connections.

Tier 2
6/12

Rebecca.Bibeau

S

MA Counselor

Life Skills Exploration

This lesson introduces K-5 students to essential life skills through an engaging activity and video. Students will learn about managing emotions and respecting others, which are crucial for their social and emotional development. The lesson is designed to be interactive and accessible for English Learners, fostering a supportive learning environment.

Tier 1
2/25
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Laquannia Marshall

a

NC Counselor

Building Positive Peer Relationships

This lesson aims to foster positive peer relationships among students by engaging them in a short video, a collaborative activity, and a guided discussion. The lesson is designed to be interactive and reflective, encouraging students to think about the importance of healthy friendships and how they can contribute to a supportive school environment. By focusing on these skills, students will be better equipped to build and maintain positive relationships, which are crucial for their social and emotional development. This lesson aligns with ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors standards, particularly those focusing on social skills, self-management, and relationship-building.

Tier 1
2/25
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Maria Denton

a

NC Counselor

Building Bridges

In this 30-minute lesson, 9th graders will explore essential relationship skills like active listening, empathy, and effective communication. Through engaging warm-ups, discussions, and role-play activities, students learn to build trust and respect—skills that will strengthen friendships and family ties.

Tier 1
5/28
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oguerrero

S

MA Social Worker

Circle of Support

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.

Tier 1
2/25
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Hallie Boviard

S

MA Counselor

Connection Quest

In this three-session social-awareness program, a 5th grade student will develop skills in empathy, respectful disagreement, and collaborative interaction. Through discussion, hands-on activities, and games, she will practice understanding others’ perspectives and engaging positively in social settings.

Tier 3
6/20
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Lauren Dee

S

MA Social Worker

Building Healthy Relationships

This lesson plan is designed to help 8th-grade students understand and develop healthy relationships. Over four weeks, students will engage in inquiry-based and collaborative learning activities that promote understanding of key concepts such as communication, respect, and boundaries. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential life skills to foster positive interactions and relationships, contributing to their overall well-being and success in the global community.

Tier 1
2/25

Tracy David

S

MA Social Worker, Counselor

The Friendship Formula

In this single 30-minute Tier 1 SEL lesson, 7th graders will explore the key elements of healthy friendships—communication, trust, empathy—and practice skills to build and maintain strong peer relationships. By engaging in interactive activities and reflective discussions, students will gain confidence in identifying positive qualities in themselves and others, setting the stage for supportive, lasting friendships.

Tier 1
5/12
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Itzel Perez

E

CA Counselor