Teacher Page

Stopping Violence Through the Development of Interpersonal Relationship Skills

This Interdisciplinary study is designed to assist students in developing an awareness of violent and non-violent responses to adversities. Violence is prevalent in the everyday lives of our Montefiore students. It is critical for the survival of our students, as productive members of society, that they see the benefits of non-violent behavior.

Violence among students is a serious problem.  Instead of overemphasizing this reality, this project will focus on students developing relationship skills that will lessen violence.  Growth in essential personal characteristics and interactive skills will result in improved relationships and less violence. 

Students will focus on developing an understanding of how improving relationship skills can lessen violence and work to improve their interactions with specific individuals.  Through creating visual diagrams of their personal relationships and identifying typical interactions, they will see the relationship between their relationship skills and violence.  They will work to develop essential skills and practice the skills by role-playing.

What is a relationship?

What are the skills necessary for developing and maintaining excellent relationships?

                     How do good relationships stop violence?

<Grade Level>: 5th

State Goal #                        CAS letter                CSF #

Unit Prerequisites

•  Basic computer skills                       

• Ability to work with a partner

Task:  The states attorney of Florida is working with youth throughout the country to develop strategies to curb violence among youth.  You have been asked to assist him by showing how improved relationship skills will lesson student violence.  You will study relationship-building techniques and design a graphic representation of friendships and your unique connections.  Your graphics will be shared with the states attorney as he compiles information to complete his study in an attempt to reduce violence across the country.  

Access:

·        Access information on the given web-sites

·        Reflect on your own experiences

·        Gather specific relationship skills

Interpret:

·        Decide which skills are relevant to your relationships

·        Imagine behaving according to the suggestions

·        Decide which skills are most significant

Produce:

·        Create a visual diagram using Inspirations software

·        Depict appropriate behavior through role-playing

·        Write a journal entry of your response to this project

Communicate:

·        Articulate vital relationship skills

·        Present your finished product to the Florida states attorney

·        Interact with your classmates according to the principles you’ve learned

Evaluate:

·        Test the skills you’ve learned to see if they help you build more friendships

·        Critique your diagram by comparing it with other students’ work

·        Assess your work based on the given rubric

Teacher Resources

http://www.timeforfamilies.org.uk/cgi-bin/tffsite.cgi?page=materials