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Building Relationships for Back to School

Educators know that relationships can make or break a school year. This two-week curriculum offers resources for elementary and secondary educators to focus on relationships as they start the school year. Designed by Dr. Shayla Griffin, the Relationships Initiative is a series of ice-breakers, classroom activities, and closing circles aimed at building strong relationships that become the foundation of learning for the entire year.

Explore Curriculum Resources

The Relationships Initiative is divided into nine units with videos and activities. Browse the units below, or download the full curriculum as a PDF. For additional support and training, including how to adopt this curriculum as a school-wide initiative, contact Justice Leaders Collaborative. For additional social emotional learning videos and activities, visit the MLC Social Emotional Learning Homepage and PBS Learning Media.

"Affirming One Another" section button. An orange square with a white blob in the center. The title is in the blob.
"Breaking the Ice" section button. A blue square with a white blob in the center. The title is in the blob.
"Creating Community Norms" section button. A pink square with a white blob in the center. the title is in the blob.
"Sharing Who We Are" section button. A blue square with a white blob in the center. the title is in the blob.
"Recognizing Commonalities" activity button. A pink square with a white blob in the center. the title is in the blob.
"Building Foundational Skills" section button. An orange square with a white blob in the center. the title is in the blob.
"Setting Goals" section button. A pink square with a white blob in the center. The title is in the blob.
"Checking In" section button. An orange square with a white blob in the center. The title is in the blob.
"Creating inclusive Spaces" section button. A blue square with a white blob in the center. the title is in the blob.

About The Authors

The Relationships Initiative was created by the Justice Leaders Collaborative, an organization that provides social justice education, training, and coaching for individuals, organizations, schools, & universities. Learn more about the Justice Leaders Collaborative on their about page.

Justice Leaders Collaborative logo

Support for the Relationships Initiative Provided By

Washtenaw ISD logo
MASA logo
Easter Michigan University Professional Programs logo
Meemic Foundation logo
482 Forward logo