What Does Support Look Like?

Think about a time someone helped you when you were struggling or needed a friend. Or, think about a time you helped someone else.

1. What did they do or say that was helpful?





2. How did it make you feel? Or how do you think it made the other person feel?





3. What's one way you can show support to a friend today?

Be a PAL: Peer & Ally Leaders! Script

Warm-Up: What Does Support Look Like? (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Let's start our day with a little reflection. Please take a moment to answer the questions on your Warm Up: What Does Support Look Like? worksheet. Think about a time you either received help from a friend or helped someone else. What did that look like? How did it feel?"


(Allow students 5 minutes to write.)

Teacher: "Alright, who would like to share one of their reflections with the class?" (Call on 3-5 students.) "Thank you for sharing those powerful experiences. It sounds like many of us know how important it is to have someone there for us."

Introduction: What is a PAL? (5 minutes)

Teacher: (Display Slide 1) "Today, we're going to dive deeper into those ideas of helping and supporting each other. Our lesson is called 'Be a PAL: Peer & Ally Leaders!' By the end of this lesson, you'll understand what peer support and allyship mean, and you'll have some practical ways to be a great PAL to your friends and classmates."

(Display Slide 2) "So, what exactly is a PAL? A PAL is someone who practices Peer Support and Allyship. Peer support is when you help out a friend. It's about being there for them, offering comfort, or lending a hand when they're struggling. Allyship is about standing up for someone, especially when they are being treated unfairly or unkindly. It’s about using your voice to make sure everyone feels safe and respected. Why do you think both of these are important?"

(Allow 1-2 student responses.)

Teacher: "Exactly! When we offer peer support and practice allyship, we create a stronger, kinder community for everyone in our school and beyond."

Video Lecture & Discussion: Being a PAL (15 minutes)

Teacher: (Display Slide 3) "Now, let's watch a short video that explores these ideas even more. It's called 'The Power of Being a PAL'. Pay close attention, as we'll discuss it afterward."


(Play the video.)

Teacher: (Display Slide 4) "Great video! Now, let's chat about it. Based on what you saw and what we've talked about:

• What was one new idea you learned about peer support?
• What about allyship? What did the video show us about standing up for others?
• Why do you think it's so important to be a PAL, not just at school, but everywhere you go?"

(Facilitate a class discussion, encouraging multiple students to share their thoughts and examples.)

Reading & Activity: The Power of Being a PAL (15 minutes)

Teacher: (Display Slide 5) "Now, let's put on our reading hats and then get ready to practice! I'm going to hand out a short reading called 'The Power of Being a PAL'. Please read it quietly to yourself, or if you're comfortable, you can read it with a partner."

(Distribute Reading: The Power of Being a PAL and allow 5 minutes for reading.)

Teacher: "Excellent. Now, let's move into an activity where you can practice being a PAL. I'm going to put you into pairs or small groups. Each group will get two scenarios. Your task is to role-play how you would act as a peer supporter or an ally in those situations. Remember the tips from our reading and discussion!"

(Assign groups and distribute scenarios. Circulate to assist and observe.)

Teacher: "Okay, let's hear from a couple of groups! Who wants to share how they handled one of their scenarios?" (Call on a few groups to share their role-plays or discuss their strategies.)

Worksheet: My Ally Action Plan (10 minutes)

Teacher: (Display Slide 6) "You've all done a fantastic job thinking and practicing today. Now, let's make it personal. I'm giving each of you a Worksheet: My Ally Action Plan. On this sheet, I want you to write down at least one specific thing you will do to be a better peer supporter, and one specific thing you will do to be a better ally. Think about what you learned today and how you can apply it in your daily life."

(Distribute worksheets and allow 5-7 minutes for students to complete them.)

Teacher: "Would anyone like to share one item from their Ally Action Plan? It's okay if you don't want to, but sometimes sharing helps us all get more ideas!"

(Allow a few students to share.)

Cool-Down: One Word Wonder (5 minutes)

Teacher: (Display Slide 7) "To wrap up our lesson, I want each of you to think of just one word that describes how you feel about being a PAL, or one important thing you learned today. When I call on you, please share your word with the class."

(Go around the room, or have students write their word on an exit ticket and collect them.)

Teacher: "Fantastic words, everyone! Thank you for being such thoughtful and engaged learners today. Remember, being a PAL makes a huge difference in our school and in the lives of those around us. Keep practicing, and keep being awesome!"

The Power of Being a PAL

Hey everyone! Have you ever had a day where you felt a little down? Maybe you struggled with a school assignment, felt left out at recess, or just had a grumpy morning. We all have those days! And on those days, having a PAL – a Peer and Ally Leader – can make all the difference.

What is Peer Support?

Peer support is simply when friends help friends. It's about noticing when someone needs a little extra kindness or help and offering it. It doesn't mean you have to solve all their problems, but it does mean you show you care. Here are some ways to offer peer support:

• Listen: Sometimes, a friend just needs someone to listen to them without judgment or interrupting.
• Offer comfort: A kind word, a reassuring smile, or even just sitting with them can show you're there.
• Ask if they need help: Instead of assuming, ask, "Is there anything I can do?" or "Do you want to talk about it?"
• Include them: If someone looks lonely, invite them to join your game or conversation.

Peer support creates a feeling of belonging and reminds us that we're not alone.

What is Allyship?

Allyship is a bit different, but just as important! An ally is someone who stands up for others, especially for people who might be treated unfairly or who are being picked on. It's about using your voice and actions to create a fair and respectful environment for everyone.

Imagine you see someone being teased for something they can't control, like how they look, what they like, or where they come from. An ally steps in. Here's how you can be an ally:

• Speak Up: Say something like, "Hey, that's not cool," or "Please stop." You don't have to be mean, just firm.
• Get Help: If you don't feel safe speaking up, find a trusted adult – a teacher, parent, or counselor – and tell them what's happening.
• Befriend the Person: Show support to the person being targeted. Let them know you're on their side.
• Educate Others (Gently): Sometimes people don't realize their words or actions are hurtful. You can gently explain why something isn't okay.

Being an ally takes courage, but it makes a huge difference. When you are an ally, you show everyone that you believe in fairness and kindness.

Why be a PAL?

Being a Peer and Ally Leader means you are a superhero of kindness and fairness! You help build a school where everyone feels safe, respected, and happy. When you support your friends and stand up for others, you're not just helping them in that moment; you're teaching everyone around you the importance of empathy and respect. So, let's all try to be the best PALs we can be!

My Ally Action Plan

Becoming a PAL (Peer and Ally Leader) means taking action! Use this worksheet to think about how you will put what you learned into practice.

Part 1: My Peer Support Pledges

Think of specific ways you can offer peer support to your friends and classmates. Write down at least two things you will try to do.

1. I will show peer support by:
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. I will show peer support by:
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: My Ally Action Steps

Think of specific ways you can be an ally and stand up for others. Write down at least two things you will try to do.

1. I will be an ally by:
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. I will be an ally by:
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: A Challenge for Myself

What is one challenging situation where you might need to use your PAL skills, and how will you try to handle it?

I will remember to be a PAL because: (Complete the sentence)

Being a PAL Discussion Prompts

Use these questions to facilitate a class discussion after the video and reading.

Reflecting on Peer Support

1. What does it feel like when someone offers you peer support? Can you share an example without naming anyone specific?
2. What are some simple ways we can show our friends we care and are there for them?
3. Is it always easy to offer peer support? Why or why not? What makes it difficult sometimes?

Understanding Allyship

1. What's the main difference between peer support and allyship?
2. Can you think of a situation where someone might need an ally? What would that look like?
3. Why is it brave to be an ally? What are some challenges an ally might face?
4. What does the phrase "use your voice" mean in the context of allyship?

Becoming a PAL

1. What's one thing you heard or read today that surprised you about being a PAL?
2. What's one small step you can take today to be a better peer supporter or ally?
3. How can our class or school become a place where everyone feels supported and has allies?
4. If you see something unfair happening, and you're not sure what to do, what's your plan?

Scenario Role-Play: Practice Being a PAL

Objective: To practice applying peer support and allyship skills in realistic scenarios.

Instructions:

1. Work with a partner or in a small group.
2. Read each scenario carefully.
3. Discuss how you would act as a Peer Supporter or an Ally in that situation.
4. Role-play the scenario, demonstrating what you would say and do.
5. Be prepared to share your role-play or your strategies with the class.

Scenario 1: A Disappointing Grade

Your friend, Alex, just got back a test. They look really sad and upset. You know they studied hard for it.

How would you offer peer support to Alex?

Scenario 2: Feeling Left Out

At recess, you see a new student, Maya, standing alone by the fence while a group of kids is playing a game you usually join.

How would you be an ally to Maya and/or offer peer support?

Scenario 3: Unkind Words

You overhear some classmates making fun of another student's lunch, saying it looks "weird" and "gross."

How would you be an ally in this situation?

Scenario 4: A Friend is Struggling with Homework

Your friend, Sam, is really frustrated with a math problem and is about to give up. You understand the concept.

How would you offer peer support to Sam?

One Word Wonder

Instructions: Think about everything we discussed today about being a PAL (Peer and Ally Leader). On the line below, write just ONE WORD that describes:

• How you feel about being a PAL, OR
• One important thing you learned about peer support or allyship.

My one word is:

Being a PAL Check-In Quiz Answer Key

Here are the answers and explanations for the Quiz: Being a PAL Check-In Quiz.

1. **Which of these is the BEST example of peer support?

   • Correct Answer: C. Listening to your friend talk about their feelings after a bad day.
   • Explanation: Peer support is about offering emotional or practical help to a friend. Listening actively shows care and empathy, which is a core part of peer support. Options A, B, and D are not supportive actions.

2. **What does it mean to be an ally?

   • Correct Answer: B. Standing up for others, especially when they are treated unfairly.
   • Explanation: Allyship involves actively advocating for and protecting those who might be marginalized or targeted. It's about using your position to help ensure fairness and respect for everyone. Options A, C, and D do not fully capture the essence of allyship.

3. Name one way you can show peer support to a classmate.

   • Correct Answer: Answers may vary, but could include: listening to them, offering a kind word, inviting them to play if they are alone, asking if they need help with a task, or sharing your materials.
   • Explanation: Any action that demonstrates care, empathy, and a willingness to help a peer in need is a valid form of peer support.

4. If you see someone being treated unfairly, and you decide to be an ally, what is one thing you could say or do?

   • Correct Answer: Answers may vary, but could include: directly saying "Hey, that's not cool" or "Please stop," telling a trusted adult (like a teacher or parent) about the situation, inviting the person being targeted to join your group, or gently explaining to the person causing harm why their actions are hurtful.
   • Explanation: Allyship requires taking action. The specific action depends on the situation and what feels safe and appropriate for the ally. The key is to intervene in some way to support the person being treated unfairly.

5. How confident do you feel in your ability to be a PAL (Peer and Ally Leader) after today's lesson?

   • Correct Answer: This is a Likert scale question, and the answer will vary by student. There is no single correct answer.
   • Explanation: This question is designed for students to self-assess their learning and confidence, providing valuable feedback for the teacher.

Be a PAL Campaign Project Guide

Project Title: Our School's "Be a PAL" Campaign

Objective: To design and create a campaign that promotes peer support and allyship within our school community.

Project Description:

After learning about peer support and allyship, your mission is to work in a small group to create a mini-campaign that encourages others in our school to be a PAL. Your campaign should clearly explain what peer support and allyship are, why they are important, and how students can practice them.

Deliverables:

Each group will choose one of the following campaign materials to create:

1. Poster Series (2-3 posters): Design colorful and informative posters that can be displayed around the school. Each poster should focus on a different aspect of being a PAL (e.g., one for peer support, one for allyship, one with a call to action).

   • Requirements: Clear message, engaging visuals, correct spelling/grammar, practical tips.

2. Short Skit/Role-Play (3-5 minutes): Write and perform a short skit that demonstrates a scenario where peer support or allyship is needed and how a PAL can help. It should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with a positive resolution.

   • Requirements: Clear message, involve at least 2 characters, demonstrate a problem and a PAL solution, be engaging.

3. Digital Presentation/Video (2-4 slides/1-2 minutes): Create a short digital presentation (e.g., using Google Slides, PowerPoint) or a very short video. This should explain peer support and allyship to other students and give examples of how to be a PAL.

   • Requirements: Clear message, appropriate visuals/audio, easy to understand, practical tips.

Timeline:

• Day 1 (In-class): Introduce project, form groups, brainstorm ideas.
• Day 2-3 (Homework/In-class): Work on chosen campaign material (research, writing, designing).
• Day 4 (In-class): Finalize materials, practice presentations/skits.
• Day 5 (In-class): Present campaigns to the class.

Group Roles (Suggestive):

• Team Leader: Helps keep the group on track, ensures everyone participates.
• Researcher/Idea Generator: Helps find examples, brainstorm creative ideas.
• Designer/Writer: Focuses on the visual appeal or written content.
• Presenter/Performer: Helps present the final product to the class.

Assessment: Your project will be assessed using the Rubric: Be a PAL Campaign Project. Make sure to review it carefully to understand how you will be graded.

Be a PAL Campaign Project Rubric

Project Name: Our School's "Be a PAL" Campaign

Group Members: ____________________________________________________________________

Total Score: ________ / 24

Teacher Comments:

PAL Challenge Cards

Objective: To reinforce understanding of peer support and allyship through quick scenario-based challenges.

Instructions:

1. Divide into small groups (3-4 students).
2. Shuffle the cards and place them face down in a pile.
3. One student draws a card and reads the scenario aloud.
4. As a group, discuss and decide: Is this a situation for Peer Support, Allyship, or Both?
5. Then, discuss and explain how you would act as a PAL in that specific situation. Be specific!
6. Move to the next card. Try to get through as many as possible!

Challenge Cards (Cut along the dotted lines)

Card 1

Your friend looks worried about a presentation they have to give today.

Is this Peer Support, Allyship, or Both? How would you act as a PAL?

Card 2

You hear someone spreading a rumor about another student who isn't around.

Is this Peer Support, Allyship, or Both? How would you act as a PAL?

Card 3

A classmate seems to be struggling to understand the instructions for an assignment.

Is this Peer Support, Allyship, or Both? How would you act as a PAL?

Card 4

Someone in your group project isn't letting another group member share their ideas.

Is this Peer Support, Allyship, or Both? How would you act as a PAL?

Card 5

Your friend is feeling sad because their pet is sick.

Is this Peer Support, Allyship, or Both? How would you act as a PAL?

Card 6

You see a new student eating lunch alone, and no one is talking to them.

Is this Peer Support, Allyship, or Both? How would you act as a PAL?

Card 7

A peer falls and scrapes their knee during recess.

Is this Peer Support, Allyship, or Both? How would you act as a PAL?

Card 8

You hear someone making a joke about another student's cultural background.

Is this Peer Support, Allyship, or Both? How would you act as a PAL?

Extension Challenge: Create 2-3 of your own PAL Challenge Cards!