Make a Friend Day: Relationship Skills in SEL

Click here to visit the link to a TED Talk by Rita Pierson. Throughout the video, she speaks on the value and importance of human connection in education and how she builds her students’ self-esteem and academic achievement at the same time. 

Relationship Skills is one of five components that make up the CASEL’s Model of SEL. Relationship skills is best defined as the ability to build positive relationships with diverse groups or individuals by utilizing active listening, communication, and conflict resolutions skills. According to Greater Good in Education relationship skills include – initiating contact with others and forming a friendship, appropriately sharing one’s thoughts and feelings, communicating effectively, developing positive relationships, demonstrating cultural humility, practicing teamwork and collaborative problem-solving, resolving conflicts constructively, approaching relationships with respect, withstanding negative social pressure, resisting stereotypes, standing up in support for others, showing leadership, seeking or offering support and help when needed. A positive, healthy friendship among students, coworkers, parents, children, and peers is focused on the practice and implementation of trust, equality, compassion, honesty, and independence. 

Below are resources for Make a Friend Day:
5 Requirements for a Strong Friendship
SEL for Students: Social Awareness and Relationship Skills 
10 Friendship Skills Every Kid Needs
10 Ways to Make (and Keep) Friendships as an Adult

Friendship and SEL Activities for the Classroom:
Character Development: Being a Good Friend 
Teaching Friendship in the Classroom
Friendship Jeopardy
Lesson Plans to Teach Friendship