What makes a good friend? Teaching students how to build healthy relationships

 

A large contribution to our mental health is our friendships and the relationships we have in our lives. Friends are a big part of our support system. For students, friendships are crucial for developing their minds and building social skills.

 

While kids are in school, their teachers play a role in helping to guide students in making healthy friendships. Teachers do this by:

  • Providing students with opportunities to connect with other students
  • Encouraging students to participate in extracurricular activities
  • And creating an environment in the classroom that encourages empathy and strong communication skills.

 

Teachers can often provide opportunities for students to build the skills needed in friendship by encouraging students to problem-solve together and facilitating conversations between students that give them the chance to get to know each other on a deeper level.

 

Often, students will grow friendships with other students they spend time with whom they enjoy talking to. Allowing students to work on projects together where they will need to effectively communicate and problem-solve together gives them the practice to effectively communicate and problem-solve in their friendships.

 

It’s also important to discuss with students the importance of building healthy relationships with others and how to do that.

 

Some examples of characteristics of healthy relationships and friendships are:

  • Building each other up and making each other feel better.
  • Trust and respect are shown for each other and each other’s values.
  • Acceptance of who you are without trying to change you.
  • Celebrating each other’s successes.
  • Listen and support each other.
  • Help and support each other in making healthy and responsible choices.
  • Making each other feel supported and comfortable.

 

Rock Digi has lessons that discuss the importance of friendships and how to build healthy relationships throughout curricula for various ages. Below are some lesson previews for lessons that teach students about building healthy relationships.

 

Visit rockdigi.org to learn more about the program!