Suggested Grade/Age Range: Grades 7-8

Activity Objective: The purpose of this activity is to explore how different scenarios are dealt with in the context of a healthy relationship versus an unhealthy relationship.

Links to Ontario Curriculum:

Materials Required:

• Handout on Healthy vs. Unhealthy Characteristics in a Relationship
• Chart paper (one sheet for each small group of 4-5 people)
• Markers for writing

Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Photocopy handout
• Gather all needed materials 

Task Time: 45 minutes

Activity Description:

1.       Divide the class into groups of 4-5 individuals and give each group a piece of chart paper and markers. Have the groups divide their chart paper into two sections by drawing a line across the middle of the sheet. Also give them the handout on Healthy vs. Unhealthy Characteristics in Relationships to refer to

2.       Explain to the class that they are to create a conflict scenario that happens in a relationship. They will then write out the scenario from the perspective of an unhealthy relationship on one side of the chart paper and from the perspective of a healthy relationship on the other side. Each small group will then be asked to act out the scenario from both perspectives

3.       If needed, suggest to the class to focus on a variety of relationships and not just romantic ones (e.g., friendship, family, online, coach, etc.). Circulate and check in on each small group

4.       Have each small group come to the front of the class and post up their chart paper and then act out the scenario from both perspectives

5.       For each scenario, engage the class in a discussion around:

• What happened in the healthy scenario? The unhealthy scenario?
• What were the main differences between both scenarios in terms of how individuals handled the conflict?
• What did you notice about the power dynamics in the healthy scenario? In the unhealthy scenario?

6.       After each small group has presented, have the class brainstorm some common characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships that were represented throughout the different scenarios and write this on chart paper

Activity Extensions:

• Small groups can be assigned a relationship context at the beginning to ensure a variety of relationships are covered
• Instead of having the small groups do a role play, they can be given a scenario and asked to determine and explain if they think the relationship depicted is healthy or unhealthy

Additional Resources:

n/a