Standard of Learning

7.1 The student will use knowledge of health concepts to make decisions related to personal safety and wellness. Key concepts/skills include:

1. alternatives to gang-related behaviors and acts of violence;
2. recognition of harmful and risky behaviors;
3. the benefits of stress management and stress reduction techniques;
4. the development of strategies for coping with disappointment;
5. factors that affect school success;
6. the impact of difficult family situations;
7. development of healthy interpersonal relationships.

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Understanding the Standard

The student will understand the importance of developing meaningful interpersonal relationships.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

The student will:

• define interpersonal relationships. (connection a person has with others)
• explain a healthy relationship. (a relationship that promotes mutual respect, trust, and understanding)
• define and give examples of social skills. (skills a person needs to communicate effectively and show others respect)
• explain how to develop meaningful interpersonal relationships:
  • show a willingness to listen;
  • show concern for the needs of others;
  • be honest and supportive;
  • be able to give and take;
  • make an effort to spend time together;
  • encourage each other to do well and have good character;
  • support other friendships;
  • respect family guidelines and values; and
  • be willing to compromise. (to give up something to reach a solution)

Sample Lessons

All Stars
Grades 6-8
Designed to delay and prevent high-risk behaviors including substance use, violence, & premature sexual activity by fostering positive personal characteristics (positive ideals and future aspirations; positive norms; strong personal commitments; school connectedness; positive parental attentiveness). Includes 9-13 lessons in first year plus booster lessons.
Sponsor: Tanglewood Research Inc.
Contact: http://tanglewood.net
Cost

"Cycle of Addiction"
Grade(s): 6-8
Students will examine the cycle of addiction to drugs and what can be done to prevent it. At the same time they will learn how families and peers influence their decision making.
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/addiction/
Free

Discovery Education: Reality Matters, Big Decisions
Grade(s): 6-8
As the lesson goes on students will learn about influences of health, choices, and risk taking.  The middle-schoolers will be able to gain this knowledge by role-playing and answering questions amongst one another.
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/bigDecisions/
Free

"Embracing Diversity"
Grade: 7
This lesson plan is designed to teach seventh graders how to interact with diverse people.  The goal for this lesson is for students to feel more sympathetic and empathetic to others around them.
http://www.csee.net/LessonPlans.asp?id=10
Free

In the Mix: "Dealing with Death"
Grade(s): 7-12
In this lesson questions are provided to be used to open up more analytical discussion about related concepts. Also included are in-class activities and longer-term projects that are presented in bold type. It is also suggested to show the entire program to all the students as a whole and then running individual segments followed by discussion.
http://www.pbs.org/inthemix/educators/deathguide.html
Free

Lions-Quest Skills for Adolescence
Grades 6-8
Positive youth development program focusing on social and emotional competencies; good citizenship skills; strong, positive character; drug-free lifestyle; and service to others.
Sponsor: Lions Quest
Contact: http://www.lions-quest.org
Cost

Responding in Peaceful and Positive Ways (RIPP)
Grades 6-8
Model 3-year violence prevention program. Includes importance of significant friends or adult mentors; relationship between self-image and gang-related behaviors; conflict resolution; and effects of environmental influences on personal health.
Sponsor: Virginia Commonwealth University
Contact: ameyer@saturn.vcu.edu
Cost

"With a little help from my friends?"
Grade(s): 7-8
To learn that having friends is an important part of growing up, but being in charge of the friendship rather than allowing it to control you is also important.  In this lesson students learn to not get caught up in peer pressure.
http://www.acde.org/educate/78plan1.htm
Free

Additional Instructional Resources

• Adolescence: Peer Influence – http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty
• Interpersonal Communication - http://www.abacon.com/commstudies/interpersonal/interpersonal.html
• School Guidance Counselors

Assessment Ideas

The student will:

• describe qualities of a good friend.
• discuss the foundation of a good friendship.
• discuss the development of meaningful interpersonal relationships.
• explain why the ability to develop positive interpersonal relationships is necessary for career success.

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