Lesson Plan
Allyship Adventures Lesson Plan
Students will learn what allyship means and practice ways to support their peers through interactive discussion and role-playing.
Fostering allyship from an early age builds empathy, kindness, and a supportive classroom community.
Audience
1st Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and role-play.
Materials
Prep
Review and Setup
5 minutes
- Review Allyship Role-Play Cards and Story Time: Being a Friend materials.
- Prepare a quiet and open space for discussion and role-playing activities.
- Ensure all materials are easily accessible to the students.
Step 1
Introduction and Discussion
10 minutes
- Introduce the concept of allyship with simple questions like, 'What does it mean to be a good friend?'
- Use examples to explain how we can help and support others in class.
- Encourage students to share their ideas about how to be an ally.
Step 2
Story Time
5 minutes
- Read a short story from Story Time: Being a Friend to illustrate moments of allyship.
- Ask guiding questions about the characters' actions and decisions.
Step 3
Role-Play Activity
10 minutes
- Divide students into small groups and distribute the Allyship Role-Play Cards.
- Have each group act out scenarios where they practice supportive behaviors and standing up for friends.
- Gather the class to discuss what they learned from the role plays.
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Slide Deck
Allyship Adventures!
Today, we learn how to be great allies by supporting our friends and classmates.
Welcome the students and generate excitement about today's lesson. Explain that they will learn about allyship in a fun and interactive way.
What is an Ally?
An ally is someone who stands up for others and helps friends feel safe and happy.
Let's talk: What does it mean to be a good friend?
Introduce the idea of being an ally. Ask the children what it means to be a good friend, and note down some simple responses.
Story Time: Being a Friend
Listen to the story of a friend who helps others. Think about the actions that show good allyship.
Explain that a fun story will be read. Encourage the children to listen carefully to the characters and their actions.
Let's Role Play!
In small groups, use the Allyship Role-Play Cards to act out ways to support your friends. Show us your ideas on how to be an ally!
Give clear instructions for the role-play activity. Divide the students into groups, give them the Allyship Role-Play Cards, and let them perform the scenarios.
Recap & Share
What did we learn today about being an ally?
Share one way you can help a friend in our class.
Wrap up the lesson by summarizing the key points. Ask students what they learned and how they can use these ideas every day.
Activity
Allyship Role-Play Cards
These role-play cards are designed to help our 1st-grade students practice allyship in a fun, interactive way. Each card presents a simple scenario that encourages the students to consider supportive behaviors and actions for their peers.
How to Use the Cards
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Divide into Small Groups: Organize the class into small groups of 3-4 students.
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Distribute the Cards: Give each group a set of role-play cards. Each card presents a different scenario where allyship can be practiced.
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Act Out the Scenario: In their groups, students will choose a card and read the scenario together. They will discuss and decide how they can act out the situation to show allyship (e.g., supporting a friend who is feeling lonely or standing up for someone who is being left out).
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Perform for the Class: Each group will take turns performing their scenario. Encourage applause and positive feedback from the rest of the class after each performance.
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Class Discussion: After all groups have performed, lead a discussion asking questions like:
- What did you notice about the different ways to be an ally?
- How did it feel to support a friend?
- What can we do in our class to make sure everyone feels included?
Example Scenarios
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Scenario 1: A friend is sitting alone during recess. How can you invite them to join your game?
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Scenario 2: Someone is being teased by others. How can you stand up for them or seek help?
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Scenario 3: A friend is feeling sad because they lost a game. What kind words or actions could you offer to support them?
These role-play cards will not only develop the students' understanding of allyship but also enhance their social skills and empathy towards others.
Reading
Story Time: Being a Friend
Once upon a time in a bright, cheerful classroom, there was a little girl named Mia. Mia loved playing with her friends during recess, but one day, she noticed a new student sitting quietly alone.
Mia remembered what her teacher had said about being a good friend—an ally is someone who helps others feel happy and safe. So, she walked over to the new student, introduced herself with a big smile, and invited her to join in a fun game of tag.
As the game started, Mia made sure that everyone was included. When she saw someone feeling left out, Mia asked them to join her group. Soon, all the classmates were laughing, playing, and helping each other.
By the end of the day, the classroom was filled with happy voices. Mia felt proud because she knew she had helped make her new friend feel welcome and important. And that is what being an ally means—standing up for one another, showing kindness, and spreading joy.
What are some ways you can be a good friend and an ally in your classroom?