A Lesson Plan from Life Planning Education: A Youth Development Program (Chapter Four)

NOTE:  Life Planning Education (LPE) is currently being revised. The printed/for-sale version includes an older version of this lesson plan. Please make sure you have looked at the PDF of Life Planning Education before purchasing - that is the version that is available to buy. 

• Draw a large ship on newsprint, with lines beneath it for water and waves. Label the drawing ‘RelationSHIP’.
• Title each of eight sheets of newsprint with one of the following:

Relationships with parent(s)
Relationships with stepparents/guardians
Relationships with brothers and/or sisters
Relationships with grandparents
Relationships with best friends
Relationships with adult friends
Relationships with favorite teachers
Romantic relationships

1. Ask participants to name some of the different relationships in their lives. List responses on newsprint and add others like family relationships, marital relationships, friendships, business relationships, legal partnerships, employer employee relationships, house mates, couples living together in a committed relationship and so on.
2. Have participants brainstorm what makes a relationship between two people successful. Write down their responses.
3. Display the illustration of the ship you have drawn to make an analogy between a real ship and a relationship. Explain that just as there are certain things that keep a ship afloat and moving (wind, solid hull, fuel), there are certain things needed to keep a relationship afloat. Ask for one example (for example, “respect”) and write the word in the hull of the ship.
   
   Similarly, point out that there are certain things that can ruin a relationship, just as a rocky coast or a bad storm can sink a ship. Ask for one example (for example, “dishonesty”) and write it in the water beneath the ship.
4. If you have enough participants, break them into eight small groups. Otherwise, have the entire group brainstorm what keeps a relationship afloat and what can damage it.
5. Go over the instructions:
• Each group will work on one type of relationship (unless everyone is brainstorming together).
• Once you have your assignment, draw a picture of your ship in the water. Come up with at least five things that help make that relationship successful. Write them in the hull or on the deck of your ship.
• Then come up with five things that could damage or destroy that type of relationship. Write them in the water beneath your ship.
• When you have finished, have one group member tape your ‘relationShip’ on the wall.
6. Distribute the sheets of newsprint and markers or chalk, and allow 15 minutes for the assignment.
7. When all the relationSHIPS are posted have everyone walk around and look at the posters. (Participants can look from their seats if the room arrangement allows them to see.)
8. Conclude the activity using the discussion points below.

1. What do you notice about the positive things listed for the different relationships? (Answers: there are many similar things such as communication, love, kindness, honesty and respect listed in the different ships.)
2. What do you notice about the negative things? (Answer: again, there are many similar things such as lying, saying hurtful things, and failing to do what one has promised).)
3. Which qualities do you think are the most difficult to find in a relationship?
4. What is one thing that surprised you about this activity?