In this You Like Someone? What Now? lesson, students will be introduced to the concepts of attraction and respectful communication.

The lesson starts with a short video on attraction from La Trobe University, with students analysing the messaging and advice presented and its relevance to their own experiences. They will explore useful conversation starters and the way communication is shaped by gendered expectations. The last activity is focused on active listening, providing an opportunity for students to experience what it is like to be listened to or not.

Each lesson ends with a consolidation activity, inviting students to list 1 thing they have learnt from the lesson, 1 thing they already knew, 1 piece of advice they would share with a friend, and 1 adult or organisation that would be helpful in relation to the lesson topic.

This lesson is based on work from the “Practical Guide to Love, Sex and Relationships” resource by Latrobe University.

AC9HP8P03: Examining how roles, decision-making, and levels of power, coercion and control within relationships can be influenced by gender stereotypes. 

• Examining how gender roles and stereotypes can influence beliefs and decisions about self, friendships, sexual relationships, sexual behaviour.
• Identifying those positive character attributes and strengths that are valued regardless of gender. 
• Investigating strategies that have been successful in challenging harmful or limiting stereotypes, attitudes or practices.

Key Concept 3: Understanding Gender  
3.1 The Social Construction of Gender and Gender Norms.

• Key idea: Gender roles and gender norms influence people’s lives
• Key idea: Romantic relationships can be negatively affected by gender roles and gender stereotypes.

Key Concept 5: Skills for Health and Wellbeing.
5.3 Communication, Refusal and Negotiation Skills. 

• Key idea: Good communication is essential to personal, family, school, work and romantic relationships.

This activity is a fun demonstration of the effect of body language on signalling our willingness to talk to people. 

1. Tell the students to stand in a circle. First, ask the students to move into the centre of the circle as if they were getting into a elevator. Most likely they will be reserved with their eyes down, and voices quiet. 
2. Next, have them move back to the larger circle. Then they must re-enter the circle as if they were walking into a party where they are reuniting with friends and family that they haven’t seen in a long time. 
3. Note the change in body language – smiles, eye contact, questions, enthusiasm. This is a great discussion starter — seeing how people’s behaviour changes in different settings.