What’s in a Developmental Relationship?
Participants are introduced to Search Institute’s developmental relationships framework and begin to map developmental relationships in their own lives.
What’s in a Developmental Relationship? Mapping People Who Shape Our Lives is a 30-minute activity that introduces participants to Search Institute’s developmental relationships framework. It invites participants to begin mapping developmental relationships in their own lives.
The developmental relationships framework identifies five elements (and 20 specific actions) that can strengthen and build relationships that help young people thrive.
Planning and Preparation: This activity can be done with any number of participants. You’ll need copies of “The Developmental Relationships Framework” handout and “My Developmental Relationships” map and a pen or pencil and half sheet of paper for each participant. It can be done in any setting, but participants will need a hard surface to write on.
Developmental Relationship Element: All.
CASEL Competencies: Self-awareness.
Objective: Build and strengthen relationships among participants and between participants and leaders. Introduce Search Institute's developmental relationships framework.
Activity
What’s in a Developmental Relationship?
Resource Audience
Resource Type
Read Time
Participants
# of Participants
Task Group Size
Task Length
More Activities to Build Strong Relationships in Your Classroom or Group

Tool / Playbook
The Educator-to-Educator Relationships Toolkit
A series of briefs that highlight key findings and reflection opportunities for leaders and staff to learn about how to build a relationship-rich organization.

Activity
Liberatory Assessments
Student Voice, Remixing Test Prompts to Create Liberatory Assessments

Activity
REMS Survey
Student Voice, REMS Survey
Related Resources on Relational Practices

Resources
Infusing Trust-Building into Meetings (E2E)
Learn about the integral role trust plays in educator relationships and gain strategies for trust-building with colleagues.

Resources
Identities Flower
This activity helps you plan a "science fair" celebrating the unique sparks of the young people in your care.

Resources
The Ladder of Inference
Unpack the data findings of the young people you work most closely with.