Key Messages
- There are a number of decisions that we make which can have an impact on our friendships and relationships.
- These decisions have certain consequences and outcomes
Learning Intention
Students will: Explore why relationships can change and propose strategies to manage the changing nature of relationships.
Time
30 minutes
Required Resources
- One set of “Forgive or forget” cards
- Floor space
Teaching Notes
This activity identifies some issues/behaviours that could arise within friendships/relationships. Relationships are dynamic. Some are healthy and contribute positively to an individual’s wellbeing. Some are unhealthy and have a negative impact on an individual’s wellbeing. Remind students not to share personal stories, and that the aim is to share values and ideas.
Procedure
- Students to sit in a large circle next to a partner.
- Place labels ‘challenge the person’, ‘forget the friendship’, ‘forgive’ and ‘not sure’ on the floor in the middle of the space. Ensure that students understand the meaning of each category.
- Give each pair of students a ‘Forgive or forget’ card.
- Students to be given time to discuss their scenario with their partner.
- Students to place their card under either ‘challenge the person’, ‘forget the friendship’, ‘forgive’ or ‘not sure’. This can either be done:
– as a large group, one situation card at a time, with discussion as you go, or with a discussion after they are all placed down.
– in small groups who then return to discuss the activity as a whole class (extra cards would need to be printed out if using this method). - Students to read the situation to the class and discuss why they chose to put the card under a particular category.
Questioning
- What type of behaviours are considered acceptable or not acceptable? Why?
- What strategies could be used when challenging a friendship? Forgetting a friendship?
- What people or sources of information can an individual access if they have any further questions?