Students examine and practice different types of interpersonal communication. They encounter how to greet people and say good-by in interpreting formal and informal settings (with proper vocabulary).

Developing and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships is difficult, especially as middle schoolers begin dating. A short activity permits eighth graders to practice their skills as they consider how they should respond to a...

Eighth graders identify what it means to utilize and accept personal responsibility in relationships with others and why it is important to have a self-awareness during conflict. They also role play spontaneously a common conflict among...

Intended for adults with special needs, but appropriate for upper graders as well, this activity encourages appropriate interpersonal communication. They practice responding to various situations in a role play setting. The instructional...

The final lesson in the R.E.S.PE.C.T series asks eighth graders to expand their vision beyond the walls of the classroom and to consider how they can promote acceptance and respect of others within in the global community. "A Stranger...

High schoolers, who may soon be entering the workplace, read and discuss a case study in which a business service representative has an unpleasant confrontation with a customer that results in a lost sale. Groups review three questions...

Students explore various ways to express likes, dislikes, feelings, and emotions when communicating between people. They model these ways via pictures of food, weather, music, sports, cars, etc.

Seventh graders work in groups of three. They plan scenarios in which they demonstrate inappropriate and appropriate interpersonal skills in a variety of social situations. Students assume the roles of the individuals in their scenario...

What makes a great networker? Learners explore valuable life skills and interpersonal character traits, and consider how to present oneself in the most effective way during an opportunity to network. 

An eye-catching hook makes a smart analogy between ingredients for a food recipe and ingredients for quality relationships. Scholars discuss and list qualities they feel contribute to positive interactions. Pupils create a recipe card...

The final lesson in a series of five that focus on developing the interpersonal skills required to develop and maintain positive relationships asks class members to identify their best friend-making skill. Individuals share these claims...

Tween find out what it means to give and get respect. After reviewing the Recipe for Relationships studied in a previous lesson, groups create a dramatization of two-minute scenario in which an individual behaves inappropriately in a...

Empower your non-verbal, autistic, or learning-impaired child with sign language. Lesson 2 in this functional and straight-forward series focuses on vocabulary related to familial relationships and ASL grammar. Video clips and images of...

Use this resource to learn or to teach ASL. Lesson 11 focuses on ASL grammar and function, asking questions, and using vocabulary such as never, sometimes, and always. Images and videos are available to help ensure proper form while...

Learn to communicate with sign in this comprehensive series. It includes a video, images to help you sign, a quiz, and multiple practice sheets, all of which are intended to communicate wants, needs, and personal preferences. The video...

"Hi, how are you? My name is___." Seems simple enough but it's not always that easy to recall and relate factual information about yourself. Learners with multiple disabilities practice memorizing and relaying personal information about...

Scholars watch two puppet dialogues illustrating negative and positive communication between friends. Then, they discuss how the puppets' communication skills influenced the outcome of each interaction. 

Class members read a handout to learn about using I-Messages—honest statements that begin with I to get their points of view across. Next, learners practice using I-Messages with partners to better communicate without hurting...

Students develop conflict mediation and resolution skills by applying the nonviolence philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King. In this conflict resolution lesson, students watch a video about Dr. King and review quotes from him. Students...

It can be hard for anyone to make a new friend and particularly if you have a special need or disability. To build social skills and make new friends they watch videos related to friendship. Everyday they meet up for friendship club...

Get to talking with your special needs class. In pairs, they take turns telling each other where to go on a schematic map. They work to ask questions, answer questions, and check if their partner understands their directions, or if he...

After discussing positive and appropriate social communication, learners with emotional disturbances role-play a friendly conversation. You'll describe the desired behavior, modeling conversation techniques, and coaching as they have a...

Students examine character traits to find the most positive behaviors.  For this getting along lesson, students identify behaviors that are beneficial to getting along.  Students evaluate their own behaviors and target three...

Your little learners listen to the story Chicken Little in order to explain how behavior affects interpersonal communication. They engage in a class discussion to determine the differences between truth and gossip.