Building Healthy Connections

Overview

This 30-minute lesson plan is inspired by the Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum (2019). Specifically, it focuses on Grade 7 Health and Physical Education, Strand D: Healthy Living, and examines Healthy Relationships with an emphasis on building respect, understanding body anatomy, and fostering inclusivity, including gender diversity. Alignment with curriculum expectations promotes skills to “interact with others respectfully and thoughtfully, regardless of differences, and to recognize and respect each person’s individuality.”

Students will engage in fun, age-appropriate, and hands-on activities that encourage empathy, reinforce key concepts, and develop practical skills for building and maintaining healthy, inclusive relationships.

---

Learning Goals

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Understand the characteristics of healthy relationships, including communication, respect, and boundaries.
• Identify major body parts and functions, including gender diversity considerations (e.g., reproductive anatomy).
• Recognize and show respect for diverse gender identities and expressions.
• Practise inclusivity and teamwork.

---

Materials Needed

• Pre-made "Healthy Relationship Cards" (teacher resource provided below)
• "Body Anatomy & Respect" Worksheet (included in the lesson plan)
• Whiteboard or chart paper and markers
• Timer or stopwatch

---

Lesson Plan

1. Warm-Up: “Stand Up, If…” Game (5 minutes)

Purpose: Energise students and begin exploring relationship dynamics.

How to Play:

• Start by asking students to remain seated at their desks. You’ll call out different scenarios, and if students agree or relate to the statement, they should stand up.
• Use prompts like:
  • “Stand up if you’ve ever helped a friend solve a problem.”
  • “Stand up if you think kindness is important in a relationship.”
  • “Sit down if you’ve ever had someone respect your boundaries in a positive way.”
  • “Stand up if you believe everyone deserves respect, regardless of gender or identity.”
• Once students stand, ask a quick follow-up question (like, “Why is that important to a healthy friendship?”).

This activity gets students thinking critically while celebrating shared experiences.

2. Mini-Lesson: Healthy Relationships & Gender Inclusivity (10 minutes)

Purpose: Explore healthy relationship traits and gender inclusivity concepts.

1. Facilitated Discussions with Anchor Chart:

   • Create a two-column chart on the board with these headings:
     • “Healthy Relationship Traits”
     • “Unhealthy Relationship Traits”
   • Prompt students to brainstorm aloud and contribute ideas, focusing on qualities like respect, caring communication, personal boundaries, active listening, and inclusion.
   • Write their suggestions in the appropriate column, gently guiding corrections as needed.

2. Gender Inclusivity and Anatomy Connection:

   • Briefly talk about how relationships are built on respecting differences. Use inclusive language to describe anatomy terms; include mention of gender diversity (e.g., “bodies are different, but all body parts deserve the same level of care and respect”).
   • Highlight that everyone, regardless of their gender identity or anatomy, deserves boundaries to be respected.
   • Use sample phrases to make the learning applicable:
     • “How can we communicate if a friend says, ‘I need space’?”
     • “Why is it important to share equal responsibilities in group projects or disagreements?”

---

3. Interactive Group Activity: Healthy Relationship Role Play (10 minutes)

Purpose: Practise identifying and applying healthy relationship behaviours using real-world scenarios.

1. Setup: Divide the class into five groups (4 students per group). Give each group one "Healthy Relationship Card." These cards describe relationship scenarios (both healthy and unhealthy).
2. Examples of Scenarios:
   • Healthy: “Your friend texts you to see how you're feeling when you missed school.”
   • Unhealthy: “Someone makes fun of how you dress, claiming it's a joke.”
   • Grey Area: “Your classmate interrupts you during a group discussion but apologises when you point it out.”
3. Instructions:
   • Each group acts out their scenario and discusses with the class whether it demonstrates a healthy or unhealthy relationship.
   • Prompt students to suggest ways to handle situations respectfully, if necessary.
   • Tie this back to respect for anatomy and individuality (e.g., “If someone makes fun of your body, how would you feel? How can you respectfully set a boundary?”).

---

4. Individual Reflection: Anatomy & Respect Worksheet (5 minutes + optional homework)

Purpose: Reinforce content through a written, reflective activity.

Hand out the “Body Anatomy & Respect” Worksheet. This worksheet includes:

1. Fill-in-the-Blank:
   • Label major body anatomy (e.g., brain, heart, lungs, reproductive organs) with a gender-inclusive focus (e.g., “not all bodies look the same”).
   • Include a reflection question: “Why is it important to respect everyone’s individual body, even if it's different from your own?”
2. Short Answer Prompt: “List two ways you can show respect for others in relationships.”

Encourage students to finish their answers at home if they need additional time.

---

Assessment

• Observe group participation during the role play activity.
• Review completed worksheets to assess understanding of anatomy, respect, and inclusivity principles.

---

Extension/Homework (Optional)

Ask students to interview a trusted adult or family member about what they think is the most important quality in maintaining healthy relationships.

---

Teacher Resource: Healthy Relationship Cards

Card 1: Someone checks in with a classmate who seems sad.
Card 2: A friend ignores you after you say you’re too busy to hang out.
Card 3: A new student joins your group in gym class, and everyone shares responsibilities equally.
Card 4: A peer makes hurtful comments about your appearance in public.
Card 5: Someone interrupts others during a class project.

---

Notes for the Teacher

This lesson plan is designed to be engaging, safe, and age-appropriate, focusing on inclusivity and personal growth. Encourage active listening and ensure participation feels low-pressure for shy students (e.g., group dynamics during role play). Celebrate diversity and remind students that everyone's experiences and boundaries are valid.