lenny

Be a Lifeline: Suicide Awareness & Prevention

user image

Lesson Plan

Be a Lifeline: Suicide Awareness & Prevention

Teach suicide awareness and prevention

This lesson aims to raise awareness about suicide and emphasize the importance of seeking help early. Through videos, discussions, and activities, students will learn how to recognize warning signs, start conversations, and support those in need. This lesson is crucial for fostering a supportive school environment and empowering students to act as lifelines for their peers.

Audience

6th-8th Grade Students

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Trauma-Informed Teaching, Blended Learning, Collaborative Learning

Materials

Video: Why Getting Help Early is Important for Mental Health, Video: Having a Conversation with Someone in a Mental Health Crisis, Reading: Understanding Mental Health & Suicide Prevention, Interactive Quiz: Suicide Awareness Quiz on Kahoot!, Pre-Test: Suicide Awareness Knowledge Check (Google Form), Post-Test: Suicide Awareness Knowledge Check (Google Form), Discussion: Recognizing the Signs, and Exit Ticket: Reflect and Share on Google Forms

Step 1

Introduction

2 minutes

  • Welcome students and introduce the topic of suicide awareness and prevention.
  • Introduce the mental health professional who will be present to provide support and answer questions.
  • Emphasize the importance of mental health and seeking help early.
  • Briefly explain the structure of the lesson (videos, discussion, activity, interactive quiz, and exit ticket).

Step 2

Pre-Test

3 minutes

  • Instruct students to open the Google Form link for the 'Suicide Awareness Knowledge Check Pre-Test' using their devices.
  • Allow students 3 minutes to complete the pre-test.
  • Ensure all students have submitted their responses.

Step 3

Video & Brief Discussion

5 minutes

  • Show the video 'Why Getting Help Early is Important for Mental Health' (3 mins 9 secs).
  • Facilitate a short discussion by asking: "Why is it important to seek help early?" and "What can happen if we delay getting help?"
  • Ensure the video is accessible with English and Spanish subtitles.
  • The mental health professional can provide additional insights and answer any questions that arise.

Step 4

Reading & Small Group Discussion

5 minutes

  • Distribute the handout 'Understanding Mental Health & Suicide Prevention' (provided in both English and Spanish).
  • Ask students to read silently for 2 minutes.
  • Organize students into small groups to discuss: "What are some warning signs of mental health issues or suicidal thoughts that you read about?"
  • Have each group share a key point with the class.
  • The mental health professional can help facilitate the discussion and address any concerns.

Step 5

Video & Collaborative Activity

5 minutes

  • Show the video 'Having a Conversation with Someone in a Mental Health Crisis' (2 mins 11 secs).
  • In pairs, have students role-play using the conversation steps discussed in the video.
  • Walk around to support and guide students during the activity.
  • The mental health professional can provide feedback and assistance.

Step 6

Interactive Quiz & Discussion

5 minutes

  • Use the Kahoot! quiz 'Suicide Awareness Quiz' for an interactive quiz session.
  • Display the quiz and involve the students in answering the questions.
  • Ensure students are engaged and provide instant feedback during the quiz.
  • Discuss each question's correct answer and reinforce key points.
  • The mental health professional can help explain the answers and provide additional context.

Step 7

Post-Test

3 minutes

  • Instruct students to open the Google Form link for the 'Suicide Awareness Knowledge Check Post-Test' using their devices.
  • Allow students 3 minutes to complete the post-test.
  • Ensure all students have submitted their responses.

Step 8

Exit Ticket

3 minutes

  • Ask students to open the electronic exit ticket in Google Forms on their devices.
  • Have them reflect and write down one thing they learned and one question they still have on the 'Reflect and Share Exit Ticket'.
  • Ensure students submit the Google Form before leaving.
  • The mental health professional can be available to address any lingering questions or provide additional resources.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Discussion

Recognizing the Signs

This discussion aims to help students identify warning signs of mental health issues and suicidal thoughts.

Why is it important to recognize the warning signs of mental health issues?

Discuss the importance of early intervention and how recognizing signs can save lives.







What are some common warning signs of suicidal thoughts?

Mention signs such as withdrawal, changes in behavior, expressing hopelessness, etc.







How can you support a friend who is showing these signs?

Emphasize listening, providing support, and seeking help from trusted adults or professionals.







lenny
lenny

Quiz

Suicide Awareness Quiz

lenny

Answer Key

Suicide Awareness Quiz Answer Key

This answer key provides correct answers and explanations for the Suicide Awareness Quiz.

Why is it important to seek help early when experiencing mental health issues?

Early treatment can prevent worsening conditions
Early treatment can prevent the worsening of mental health conditions and improve outcomes.

What is one sign that someone might be considering suicide?

Withdrawal from friends and activities
Withdrawal from friends and activities can be a warning sign of suicidal thoughts.

Who can you reach out to if you or a friend need support?

All of the above
Trusted adults, mental health professionals, and crisis hotlines are all resources for support.

lenny
lenny

Reading

Understanding Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

This reading provides an overview of mental health, warning signs of suicide, and preventive measures.

Understanding Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Good mental health allows us to handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. However, sometimes people may experience mental health issues that can affect their daily lives.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Warning Signs of Mental Health Issues

  • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Changes in sleeping or eating habits
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
  • Talking about wanting to die or to hurt oneself

Suicide Prevention

If you notice any warning signs in yourself or others, seek help immediately. Talk to a trusted adult or professional. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is in crisis, text "HOME" to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor, or visit NAMI.org for resources.

lenny
lenny

Worksheet

Reflect and Share Exit Ticket

These exit tickets help students reflect on their learning and identify any remaining questions or concerns.




One thing I learned today is...







One question I still have is...







One way I can help a friend who is struggling is...




lenny
lenny

Quiz

Suicide Awareness Knowledge Check Pre-Test

lenny

Quiz

Suicide Awareness Knowledge Check Post-Test

lenny
Be a Lifeline: Suicide Awareness & Prevention • Lenny Learning