Relationship building strategies

Relationship skills are one of the five main social-emotional competencies (CASEL.org). Students need to learn how to establish and maintain healthy relationships with others from diverse individuals and groups. Building relationships requires many skills, including clear communication, listening, cooperation, resistance to social pressures, conflict resolution, offering to assist others. Furthermore, positive relationships build resiliency, or the ability to adapt and succeed when faced with challenging circumstances. Given the added stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools need to consider ways to support students and staff in this area.