Demonstrate caring and responsible interactions with peers.
Demonstration of peer relationships should include
- building trust
- demonstrating flexibility and tolerance
- exercising cultural competence
- having empathy
- using active-listening techniques
- engaging in two-way communication
- expressing appreciation
- advocating for oneself in relationships (e.g., friendships, dating)
- recognizing peer pressure
- recognizing influences of diversity.
Process/Skill Questions:
Thinking
- Why is it important to be aware of the levels of peer relationships (e.g., acquaintance, casual, close, intimate)?
- How do you know when you are ready, for example, to move from a casual friendship to a close friendship?
- What does it mean to be culturally competent?
- What are the characteristics and traits you look for in a friend?
- What characteristics and traits do you bring to a friendship?
- Why do friendships change over time?
Communication
- What communication skills can improve your relationship with peers?
- How can you advocate for yourself in a relationship?
- What standards are involved in communication with family, friends, coworkers, employers, and community members?
- What are some nonverbal skills that reinforce friendships?
- What steps are necessary to protect your privacy when sharing information about you or your friends over the Internet?
Leadership
- What leadership skills do you need to create respectful, healthy relationships?
- What is the relationship between personal responsibility and friendship?
- When is a friend's safety more important than maintaining confidentiality (e.g., abuse, threat of violence, eating disorders, depression, and suicidal thoughts)?
- How is a class like a family? What can you do to make the class setting more supportive for all members?
Management
- What family, school, and community resources are available if you experience trouble in a relationship?
- How do real-life friendships differ from cyber friendships?