Backpack Boost

Lesson Plan

Backpack Boost Lesson Plan

Cheerleading team members write positive words on paper backpacks for each teammate, fostering support and boosting team morale in a quick, 10-minute activity.

This lesson builds team cohesion, encourages positivity, and provides athletes with tangible reminders of their strengths to carry with them throughout the season.

Audience

High School Cheerleading Team

Time

10 minutes

Approach

Students write uplifting notes inside backpack cutouts.

Materials

Paper Backpack Cutouts, Pens or Markers, and Blank Backpack Worksheet

Prep

Prepare Materials

3 minutes

Print enough copies of the Blank Backpack Worksheet for each student
Pre-cut paper backpack shapes or use the worksheet as cutouts
Gather pens, markers, or colored pencils
Review activity purpose and instructions

Step 1

Introduction & Purpose

2 minutes

Briefly explain that each teammate will write a positive word or encouragement inside another’s backpack shape
Emphasize the goal: to build each other up and have a tangible reminder of strengths
Model an example message

Step 2

Distribute Materials

1 minute

Hand out one pre-cut backpack shape (or worksheet) and a writing utensil to each student
Ensure everyone has enough space to write clearly

Step 3

Write Encouragements

5 minutes

Instruct students to write one positive word or short encouragement for each of their teammates inside the backpack shapes
Encourage varied compliments (e.g., “supportive,” “leader,” “determined”)
Circulate to offer prompts if students get stuck

Step 4

Exchange & Reflect

2 minutes

Have students pass the decorated backpacks to the appropriate teammates
Allow each student to read their messages quietly
Close with a brief share-out: ask a few volunteers how it felt to give or receive encouragement

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Worksheet

Backpack Image Placeholder

Blank Backpack Worksheet

To: ________________________________

Directions: Write positive words or short encouragements inside the backpack outline for your teammate. These notes will be a reminder of their strengths to carry with them!

Cut out along the outer lines if you wish to pass this directly to your teammate.