Relationships Matter: The Five Elements of Developmental Relationships
A short video where Search Institute introduces the five elements of the developmental relationships framework.
Relationships Matter: The Five Elements of Developmental Relationships is a two-and-a-half-minute video that introduces the viewer to the five elements that decades of Search Institute research has determined are critical to strengthening and forming developmental relationships that young people need to grow and thrive.
The elements are introduced by kindergarteners from Woodson Kindergarten Center in Austin, Minnesota. They share the five elements of the developmental relationships framework and 20 actions that adults can take to create lasting developmental relationships:
- Express Care
- Challenge Growth
- Provide Support
- Share Power
- Expand Possibilities
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Relationships Matter: The Five Elements of Developmental Relationships
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Pretty much everyone who works with kids and interacts with them knows that relationships matter, incredibly, for how they develop, for how they perform in school, for where they end up in the future. But that doesn’t mean you know how to build a relationship with a young person that you work with or that you just care about.
Dr. Kent Pekel
Former president and CEO of Search Institute
Watch the video.
Resources to Learn More About the Element of the Developmental Relationship Framework
Relational Practice
Approaches to Expressing Care
Ten approaches that can be integrated into classroom or program activities that build the Express Care element of the developmental relationships framework.
Activity
Blindfold Adventure
Activity where participants guide a blindfolded partner from one point to another, learning and demonstrating the importance of giving and receiving help.
Tool / Playbook
Relationship Check
The Relationship Check is a tool for self-reflection & conversation designed to assess where relationships with young people are strong and where they can grow.