Making Healthy Choices in Relationships Grade 6 Making

Making Healthy Choices in Relationships Grade 6

Making Healthy Choices in Relationships Grade 6 Created by Child Health Team Created: January 2014 Updated: February 2017

Ground Rules § Giggling is OK § No names or specific examples of peers will be used in discussions. § Respect what others say § Understand others’ feelings § Discuss relationship topics responsibly outside the classroom § There are no dumb questions

What are some of the feelings that are experienced during puberty?

Self-concept • Normal to experience the changes of puberty • It’s a time when you start to develop your identity or “what makes me, me” – this is called self-concept • We all have strengths and parts of our personality that we like • We all have things we want to work on

Self-concept § Healthy relationships start with yourself § It’s good to see yourself in a positive way § Thinking positively about yourself can help with relating to others § This can contribute to healthy relationships

“Looking at Myself” Activity Write three words that people could use to describe you in a positive way Examples: trustworthy, honest, selfreliant, kind My favourite pastime when school is over is to ___________.

Looking at Myself What is your best physical characteristic? iv at re C ) (fri en d Ste ph igent Smile Intell Your strongest, positive personality trait? Patience One thing you would like to change about yourself e One characteristic that makes you feel proud Who could you turn to if you needed help?

Stereotypes Let’s look further into some of the ways stereotypes affects our self-concept and how we see others. Definition of stereotype: A false or generalized conception of a group of people that results in the unconscious or conscious categorization of each member of that group without regard for individual differences

Imagine… You are travelling alone on a 20 hour plane ride. When you check in, you learn that the plane is almost full, but the service agent says you can choose your seatmate. Remember, this is a long flight, so choose wisely!

1. Why did you choose/ not choose the passenger? 2. What does the passenger look like, where does he/ she work, and where does he/ she live?

Stereotypes may be based on: • race • religion • ancestry • sex • place of origin • gender identity • colour of skin • sexual orientation • ethnic origin • ability

Stereotypes • Sometimes people can be treated negatively because of negative stereotypes • This can make people feel badly about themselves (affects self concept) – e. g. someone is bullied because of the colour of their skin or ethnic origin or religion • Can you identify any other factors?

Stereotypes What can be done to avoid stereotypes?

Relationships • How you view yourself and others affects the relationships you have • Throughout our lives, we are involved in many different kinds of relationships. • These include relationships with: – parents, siblings, relatives, friends, teachers and classmates • Healthy relationships can make us feel supported, cared for and happier

What are characteristics of a healthy relationship?

• • Respect Honesty Trust Caring Listening Understanding Accept differences Share similar interests

What are characteristics of an unhealthy relationship?

Jealousy Put downs/Being mean Blaming Being bossy Spreading rumours Lack of trust Feeling scared Controlling

Healthy Relationships § What considerations need to be made when making decisions about a relationship? § If there is concern talk to a trusted adult such as a teacher or parent/caregiver

Wrapping Up Remember: § Changes during puberty affect how you feel about yourself § Thinking positively about yourself can help develop healthy relationships § Be aware that negative stereotypes can affect your relationship with others § If you are having concerns about a friendship or relationship, talk to an adult you trust.