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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 You Connect?

Tier 1

5th Grade Class

45 mins

A whole-class lesson that explores active listening and icebreaker activities to strengthen peer connections. Builds foundational relationship skills for a positive classroom environment.

Team Up

Tier 2

4th Grade Small Group

60 mins

A small-group unit that teaches collaborative problem-solving through team challenges. Helps students practice communication, trust, and shared responsibility.

Empathy Mirrors

Tier 3

6th Grade Student

30 mins

An individual intervention focusing on recognizing and reflecting emotions in oneself and others. Strengthens self-awareness and empathy for personalized support.

What’s Your Listening Style?

Tier 1

7th Grade Class

50 mins

A whole-class exploration of different listening modes—active, reflective, and critical. Encourages students to adapt their approach based on context.

Friendship Formula

Tier 2

3rd Grade Small Group

75 mins

A small-group project guide that leads students through designing a “friendship recipe” and presenting their ideas. Boosts cooperative skills and creative expression.

Listen and Lead

Tier 1

8th Grade Class

40 mins

A whole-class interactive game that marries listening comprehension with leadership tasks. Develops confidence and mutual respect among peers.

Trust Triangle

Tier 3

5th Grade Student

30 mins

One-on-one coaching session supporting a student to rebuild trust after a conflict. Uses structured discussions and reflection prompts.

Peer Pointers

Tier 2

6th Grade Small Group

45 mins

A skills group that pairs students to give and receive constructive feedback. Promotes respectful communication and peer support.

Connection Quest

Tier 1

4th Grade Class

55 mins

A whole-class reading and discussion module where students explore stories of friendship across cultures. Enhances cultural empathy and relationship building.

Active Ally

Tier 2

7th Grade Small Group

60 mins

A small-group workshop empowering students to recognize bystander roles and practice supportive interventions. Builds advocacy skills.

Unspoken Bonds

Tier 1

9th Grade Class

50 mins

A whole-class lesson unpacking nonverbal cues and body language in communication. Strengthens awareness and relationship depth.

Lifeline Lines

Tier 3

8th Grade Student

30 mins

An individualized journaling program to help a student articulate support networks and reach out to mentors. Fosters trust and self-advocacy.

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

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
Yesterday

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

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

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
5/21
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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

Social Skills Adventure

This lesson is designed to enhance social skills among 4th-grade students through a game-based learning approach. Students will participate in a fun and interactive activity that encourages teamwork, communication, and empathy. This lesson is important as it helps students develop essential social skills that are crucial for their personal and academic growth.

Tier 1
2/25
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Yismark Ponce

S

MA Counselor, Social Worker

Kindness Counts

This lesson introduces Pre-K students to the concepts of kindness, empathy, and conflict resolution through engaging activities. By using restorative practices and active learning, students will learn how to identify bullying behaviors and practice resolving conflicts in a positive manner. This lesson is important as it helps young children develop essential social-emotional skills that will aid them in building healthy relationships.

Tier 1
2/25
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Tracy M. McCarty

q

TX Counselor

Kindness Counts!

In this lesson, students will explore how kindness can positively impact relationships. Through reading, discussion, and activities, students will learn the importance of being kind and how it can strengthen friendships and resolve conflicts. This lesson is crucial for developing empathy and social skills, which are essential for personal and community well-being.

Tier 1
2/25

Katie Ray

q

TX Counselor

Empathy in Action

This Tier 2 small-group lesson for 6th graders focuses on CASEL’s social awareness competency. In a single 25-minute session, students will practice seeing situations from another person’s perspective through guided discussion and role-playing activities, building kindness and empathy in everyday interactions.

Tier 2
5/11
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Margaret Olson

d

NH Counselor