In the first lesson the inquiry begins: What is a relationship?

Students are asked to consider how they understand and define relationships, as well as how family, friends and the media have influenced their perceptions.
Areas of focus include:

  • Self-Esteem
  • Media influence
  • Bullying prevention
  • History of relationships
  • Perception of a relationship
  • Effective communication tools
  • Technology and its effect on relationships
  • Modern gender roles, sexism, the beauty industry
  • Warning signs and getting out of an abusive relationship

…and much more!

With all the uncertainty and confusion in defining relationships today, it’s time for closer examination of our accumulated wisdom. Healthy Relationships 101 offers students the opportunity to express and understand their feelings and, most uniquely, to develop a vocabulary that empowers them to effectively relate to others. Our program seeks to help students develop a broader perspective on a complex and vital subject.

Studies on similar programs for K-8 students have shown not only improvements in behavior, but also in test scores*. A 2008 survey by the New York State Education Department asserts that New York City suffers from a severe gap in resources for social and emotional learning. Data within the study indicate schools need to pursue relationships with outside social and emotional learning organizations such as the Relationship Foundation**.

* A multi-million dollar clinical study was conducted on the work of the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program at the Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility. Researchers from Harvard, NYU and Fordham concluded that behavior and test scores improved with SEL.
**NYSED Survey of Social and Emotional Development and Learning Practices in NYS Schools, September 2008.