Adult Allies: Your Success Crew Script

I. Warm-Up: Who Are Your Adult Allies? (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! As you settle in, take a look at the question on the board: 'Think of an adult (not a parent or guardian) who has made a positive difference in your life. What was one thing they did?'"

"Take a moment to think quietly about this. It could be someone at school, at home, or in your community."

(Pause for 1-2 minutes for students to reflect.)

"Would anyone like to share an example, either with a partner next to them, or with the whole class? What was one positive thing an adult did for you?"

(Allow a few students to share. Validate their responses.)

"Great examples! Today, we're going to explore just how important these adult allies are and how we can build even more of these supportive relationships to help us succeed. We'll be using our Adult Allies Slide Deck to guide us."

II. Understanding Adult Allies (10 minutes)

(Teacher): "Let's start by defining what we mean when we say 'Adult Ally.' Take a look at Adult Allies Slide Deck Slide 3."

"An Adult Ally is a trusted adult who supports you, advocates for you, and helps you navigate challenges and achieve your goals. They are people who genuinely care about you, offer guidance, and help you succeed."

"Think about that definition. How is an 'adult ally' different from just any adult you know?"

(Facilitate a brief discussion.)

"Now, let's look at Adult Allies Slide Deck Slide 4: 'Why Do We Need Adult Allies?' Having adult allies helps us in so many ways. They can offer academic help, emotional support, assist with problem-solving, open doors to new opportunities, and even help with future planning."

"Can anyone give me an example of how an adult ally might help with academic help? Or with emotional support?"

(Encourage student examples for each category. Prompt if needed: "Who could help you if you were struggling in math? Who could you talk to if you felt really stressed about something?")

"It's like having a whole crew of people on your team, cheering you on and helping you when you need it!"

"Moving on to Adult Allies Slide Deck Slide 5: 'Who Can Be Your Adult Ally?' Adult allies can be found in many places. They can be at school, like your teachers, counselors, coaches, or librarians. They can be at home, like your parents, guardians, or older relatives. And they can be in your community – youth leaders, religious leaders, mentors, family friends, or neighbors."

"The key is that they are someone you trust and feel comfortable talking to."

III. My Support Network Worksheet (10 minutes)

(Teacher): "Now, it's your turn to identify the adult allies already in your life. I'm going to hand out the My Support Network Worksheet."

(Distribute the worksheets.)

"On this worksheet, your task is to list adults you trust and think about how they support you. Consider how each adult can help you in different areas, like academic challenges, personal issues, or even trying new activities."

"Also, think about how you can strengthen those relationships. Maybe it's by saying thank you more often, asking for advice, or just checking in. Take about 10 minutes to complete this. I'll be walking around if you have any questions."

(Circulate, provide individual support, and answer questions. Encourage students to list at least 3-5 adults.)

IV. Connect Four: Adult Allies Edition (15 minutes)

(Teacher): "Fantastic work on your support networks! Now, let's put our communication skills to the test with a fun game called Connect Four: Adult Allies Edition! Take a look at Adult Allies Slide Deck Slide 7."

"I'm going to divide you into small groups of 3-4 students. Each group will get a set of Connect Four: Adult Allies Edition Game Cards. The goal is to draw a card with a scenario about connecting with an adult, discuss the best way to respond, and then, if you answer correctly or have a great discussion, you get to place a 'connect' on your game board (or imagine one if we're just discussing)."

"The scenarios will challenge you to think about how you'd approach different situations with an adult ally. Remember, there's no single 'right' answer, but we're looking for respectful, clear, and proactive communication. We're practicing being good at reaching out!"

(Divide students into groups, distribute cards/game materials.)

"Let's review the rules quickly: One student draws a card, the group discusses the scenario and their proposed response. I'll circulate to listen to your discussions and offer feedback. If you come up with a thoughtful and appropriate response, your team gets a point (or an imaginary 'connect'). The first team to get four connects in a row wins!"

(Facilitate the game, moving between groups, offering prompts, and ensuring discussions are productive. After about 10-12 minutes, bring the class back together.)

Post-Game Debrief:
"What did you learn from playing this game? Was it easy or challenging to come up with responses? What kinds of communication strategies did you use?"

V. Cool-Down: One Takeaway (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Excellent work today, everyone! Let's wrap up by reflecting on our learning. Please take out an index card or a small piece of paper."

"On this card, write down one key takeaway from today's lesson about adult allies. What is one important thing you learned or were reminded of?"

(Pause for 2-3 minutes for students to write.)

"As you leave today, please hand me your takeaway card. Remember, building your 'success crew' of adult allies is a powerful way to navigate middle school and beyond. Keep identifying, communicating with, and seeking support from those trusted adults!"

(Collect cards as an exit ticket.)

My Support Network Worksheet

Having a strong network of adult allies can make a huge difference in your success and well-being. Use this worksheet to think about the trusted adults in your life and how they support you.

Instructions:

1. In the first column, list at least three adults (not just your parents/guardians, though they count!) who you trust and feel comfortable talking to.
2. In the second column, describe their relationship to you (e.g., Teacher, Coach, Aunt, Counselor, Youth Leader).
3. In the third column, explain how this adult supports you. Think about different areas like: academic help, emotional support, problem-solving, new opportunities, or just being a good listener.
4. Answer the reflection questions at the end.

My Adult Allies

Reflection Questions

1. After filling out your list, how do you feel about your current support network? Do you have a good variety of adults you can go to for different things?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What is one way you could strengthen your relationship with one of the adults on your list? (e.g., say thank you, ask a question, share something about your day)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Why do you think it's important to have more than one adult ally in your life?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Connect Four: Adult Allies Edition - Game Cards

How to Play (Quick Rules Reminder):

1. In small groups, players take turns drawing a card.
2. Read the scenario aloud.
3. As a group, discuss and decide on the best way to respond or what action to take to communicate with an adult ally in that situation.
4. The teacher will listen and provide feedback. If the response/discussion is thoughtful and appropriate, the team earns a "connect" (or a point).
5. The first team to get four connects wins!

Scenario Cards (Cut these out!)

Card 1: Academic Trouble
You are struggling in math and don't understand the homework. Your test is next week. What do you do?

Card 2: Feeling Down
You've been feeling really sad lately, and you're not sure why. You don't want to bother your parents. Who could you talk to at school?

Card 3: Club Interest
You heard about a new school club that sounds really cool, but you're not sure how to join or who is in charge. What's your first step?

Card 4: Disagreement with a Friend
You had a big fight with your best friend, and you're really upset. You want advice on how to handle it. Which adult ally might be best to talk to, and what would you say?

Card 5: Future Dreams
You're starting to think about what you want to do after middle school, maybe even a specific career. Who could you talk to to learn more about different options?

Card 6: Misunderstanding with a Teacher
Your teacher seems upset with you, but you're not sure why. You feel like you did nothing wrong. How do you approach them to understand what's happening?

Card 7: Witnessing Something Unfair
You saw another student being treated unfairly by someone, and it made you uncomfortable. You want to help, but you're not sure how to intervene. Which adult should you tell, and what details would you share?

Card 8: Need a Recommendation
You want to apply for a summer program, and you need a letter of recommendation from an adult who knows you well. How do you ask someone for this?

Card 9: Conflict at Home
Things are tense at home, and you're feeling stressed. You need a trusted adult to listen without judgment. Who could that be outside of your immediate family?

Card 10: New Responsibility
You've been given a new responsibility (e.g., babysitting, pet care) that you're excited about but also a little nervous to handle on your own. Who could you ask for tips or advice?