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
Activity
What I Am Curious About
Activity where participants use a beach ball covered with predetermined categories to generate ideas and get to know each other.
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.
Webinar
State of Developmental Relationships Webinar 2024
Research shows that high-quality developmental relationships are key to young people's growth, learning, and thriving.
Related Resources on Relational Practices
Activity
Roses and Thorns
A check-in activity that invites participants to share the highs and lows of their week.
Activity
Balloon Circle
Activity where participants collaborate to keep a balloon floating in the air to practice working together.
Activity
Activating Young People’s Web of Support
Help young people use a networking log to enact a plan for professional outreach.