What is this lesson about?

This healthy relationships ESL lesson plan helps B2–C1 learners explore communication, boundaries, trust, and emotional connection through real, natural English. Students work with advanced vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and idioms to talk about personal dynamics, repair conversations, and understand emotional behaviour in a mature, meaningful way.

What language will students learn?

Learners explore three integrated sets of language:

Key Vocabulary

• mutual respect

• open communication

• emotional intimacy

• set boundaries

• active listening

• trust issues

• emotional availability

• conflict resolution

Phrasal Verbs

• open up

• shut down

• bring up

• talk over

• fall out

• make up

• back down

• drift apart

Idioms

• hit it off

• see eye to eye

• sweep something under the rug

• bury the hatchet

• a shoulder to cry on

• speak from the heart
  

How do students practise?

The lesson builds depth and fluency through:

• Warm-up questions on real communication styles

• Photo prompts showing different relationship dynamics

• Mini-dialogues introducing target vocabulary naturally

• Controlled vocabulary practice with meaningful prompts

• Real-life scenarios requiring choice & justification

• Phrasal verbs explored through natural conversations

• Controlled phrasal verb production tasks

• Idioms taught through context and speaking practice

• Deep discussion questions on trust, boundaries, and emotional honesty

• Calm reflection about personal communication habits

Why is this lesson useful?

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

• Talk about communication behaviours and emotions clearly

• Use advanced expressions to describe real relationships

• Understand and use idioms naturally

• Discuss trust, boundaries, honesty, and repair

• Reflect on their own communication style in English

• Build strong fluency through meaningful, emotionally intelligent conversation

Who is it for?

Ideal for B2–C1 adult learners, especially those who want to speak confidently about relationships, connection, conflict, and communication in everyday life. Perfect for online 1:1 lessons, group classes, or wellbeing-focused English sessions.