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
Collaborative Decision-Making | Curriculum
Student Voice Toolkit: Collaborative Decision Making - Curriculum
Activity
Critical Friends Protocol
Student Voice, Critical Friends Protocol
Relational Practice
Approaches to Sharing Power
Ten approaches that can be integrated into classroom or program activities that build the Sharing Power element of the developmental relationships framework.
Related Resources on Relational Practices
Video
State of Developmental Relationships Webinar
State of Developmental Relationships Webinar: A Call to Action to Ensure All Young People Thrive (Nov. 17, 2021) lead by Ben Houltberg and Amy Syvertsen
Resources
What Can You Teach? (E2E)
Uncover hidden expertise among educators and strengthen a sense of collaborative support.
Resources
Map of Community Connections
Draw a map of your connections to the broader community, starting with you at the center.