Suggested Grade/Age Range: Grades 7-8

Activity Objective: The purpose of this activity is for youth to explore different scenarios where communication has broken down and to explore elements that promote healthy communication in different types of relationships.

Materials Required:  Scenario sheets (one for each small group)

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Print out scenario sheets so each small group has one

Task Time: 40 minutes

Around 20 minutes for small group discussion and 20 minutes for whole class discussion 

Activity Description:

 1.       Tell the class that they will be working in small groups on scenarios where communication has broken down. Before starting, ask the class why communication is important in relationships and have them provide some answers. These can be written on the board to be referred to during the whole class discussion at the end

2.       Divide class into small groups of 4-5 and provide them each with a scenario. Instruct them to read through the scenario and use the discussion questions that follow as guidelines for their discussion about the scenario

3.       Give the small groups about 20 minutes to discuss and circulate to participate in discussions

4.       Reconvene as a whole class and have each small group present their scenario and answers to their discussion questions

5.       It is likely that all small groups have identified common characteristics of unhealthy and healthy communication. Take this up as a class and refer back to what was written on the board at the beginning. Add new ideas to this that have come up from the small group presentations

6.       Emphasize the importance of clear, respectful communication as a foundation for all types of healthy relationships 

Activity Extensions:

• Have small groups make Healthy Communication Posters to be posted around the classroom or the school
• Have individuals write journal entries around some personal examples of healthy or unhealthy communication and aspects of their communication they would like to work on

Additional Comments:

The characteristics around healthy communication apply across all modules and can be integrated as a talking point throughout the other modules, especially  ‘Getting Help & Barriers’, ‘Building Friendships’, ‘Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships’, ‘Consent’