Be a STAR: Support & Allyship Script

Warm Up: My Support System (5 minutes)

(Display Warm Up: My Support System on the screen)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! To start our session today, I want you to take a few moments to think about something important: your support system. Look at the prompt on the screen: 'Who are the people in your life who support you? What do they do that makes you feel supported?' Take a minute to quietly reflect on this. You don't have to write anything down, just think about it."

(Pause for 1 minute for reflection)

Teacher: "Now, would anyone like to share a person or an example of how someone supports them?"

(Call on 2-3 students to share. Affirm their responses.)

Teacher: "Thank you for sharing. It's wonderful to hear how much those connections mean to you. Today, we're going to talk about how we can all be that kind of support for each other."

Introduction to Peer Support & Allyship (10 minutes)

(Transition to Be a STAR Slide Deck, Slide 1: Be a STAR: Support & Allyship)

Teacher: "Our lesson today is called 'Be a STAR: Support & Allyship.' Have you ever heard these words before? What do you think they mean?"

(Allow a few student responses.)

(Transition to Be a STAR Slide Deck, Slide 2: What is Peer Support?)

Teacher: "Let's start with Peer Support. Peer support is all about helping our friends and classmates through challenges. It's about being there for someone when they need a listening ear, offering encouragement when they're feeling down, or even giving a helping hand with something. Think of it as teamwork in friendship!"

Teacher: "Can anyone think of a time they gave or received peer support? How did it feel?"

(Facilitate a brief discussion.)

(Transition to Be a STAR Slide Deck, Slide 3: What is Allyship?)

Teacher: "Now, let's talk about Allyship. Allyship is about actively supporting and advocating for others, especially those who might be facing unfairness or challenges because of who they are. An ally stands up for what's right, even if it doesn't directly affect them. It's about making sure everyone feels safe, included, and respected."

Teacher: "Why do you think being an ally is so important in our classroom and community? You can use the Discussion: The Power of Presence as a guide."

(Facilitate a brief class discussion, encouraging students to share their thoughts on the importance of creating an inclusive environment.)

Reading: What Does It Mean To Be A STAR? (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Great discussion! Now, we have a short reading that will help us understand these ideas even better. I'm going to hand out the Reading: What Does It Mean To Be A STAR?. You can read this silently to yourselves, or if you prefer, you can read it with a partner in a quiet voice. This reading introduces the STAR acronym, which is a fantastic way to remember how to practice support and allyship."

(Distribute reading. Allow students 7-8 minutes to read.)

Teacher: "Alright, let's come back together. What are some of the key takeaways from the reading? What does each letter in STAR stand for?"

(Discuss the STAR acronym: Support, Trust, Act, Respect. Use Be a STAR Slide Deck Slides 4-8 to reinforce these points.)

Activity: Support Scenario Role-Play (15 minutes)

Teacher: "Now that we understand the STAR principles, let's put them into practice! We're going to do an Activity: Support Scenario Role-Play. I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will receive a scenario card. Your task is to role-play the scenario, showing how you can use the STAR principles to offer support or be an ally in that situation."

(Divide students into groups, distribute scenario cards. Circulate and provide guidance and feedback.)

Teacher: "Alright, groups, let's bring it back together. Who would like to share a brief summary of their scenario and how they chose to be a STAR?"

(Debrief the activity, highlighting effective strategies and different approaches.)

Worksheet: Ally Action Plan (10 minutes)

Teacher: "That was excellent! Now, let's think about how we can make these ideas a part of our daily lives. I'm distributing a Worksheet: Ally Action Plan. On this worksheet, you'll create your own personal plan for how you can apply allyship in different situations. Think about specific actions you can take, whether it's in the classroom, at home, or in your community."

(Distribute worksheets. Allow students 7-8 minutes to work.)

Teacher: "As you finish up, would anyone like to share one action item from their plan with a partner or with the class?"

(Call on a few students to share.)

Game: Ally Bingo (5 minutes)

Teacher: "To reinforce what we've learned, we're going to play a quick round of Game: Ally Bingo! I'll call out different behaviors or situations related to support and allyship. If you have that item on your bingo card, mark it. The first one to get a bingo wins!"

(Explain the rules and play a quick round of Ally Bingo.)

Cool Down: One Word Ally (5 minutes)

(Display Cool Down: One Word Ally on the screen)

Teacher: "We're almost out of time, but before we go, I want you to think about everything we discussed today. What is one word that describes what being an ally means to you now? You can write it on an index card or a sticky note, or just think about it and be ready to share. This will be your exit ticket."

(Collect responses as students leave.)

Teacher: "Thank you all for an incredible discussion and for your engagement today! Remember, you all have the power to be a STAR and make a positive difference in the lives of those around you."

Warm Up: My Support System

Instructions: Take a few moments to think about the following questions. You don't need to write anything down, just reflect on your thoughts.

1. Who are the people in your life who support you?
   
   
   
   
2. What do they do that makes you feel supported?
   
   
   
   

What Does It Mean To Be A STAR?

Being a good friend and a supportive classmate is something we all want to be. But sometimes, it can be tricky to know how to help when someone needs it. That's where being a "STAR" comes in! Being a STAR means you are Supportive, Trustworthy, Active, and Respectful.

S: Support

To support someone means to offer help, encouragement, or comfort when they are going through something tough or even just having a bad day. It's about letting them know you care and that they're not alone.

• How to be Supportive:
  • Listen carefully: Sometimes, people just need to talk, and they need someone to truly listen without interrupting or judging.
  • Offer kind words: A simple "Are you okay?" or "I'm here for you" can make a big difference.
  • Ask how you can help: Instead of assuming, ask directly, "Is there anything I can do?" or "Do you want to talk about it?"
  • Be a comforting presence: Sometimes just being near someone, even without saying much, can be supportive.

T: Trust

Being trustworthy means others can rely on you and feel safe with you. It's about being honest and keeping your promises.

• How to be Trustworthy:
  • Keep secrets (when appropriate): If someone shares something personal with you, don't spread it around. However, if someone tells you something that suggests they or someone else is in danger, it's important to tell a trusted adult.
  • Be honest: Tell the truth, even if it's difficult. People trust you when you are truthful.
  • Be dependable: If you say you're going to do something, try your best to do it.

A: Act

To act as an ally means to take action when you see something unfair happening. It's about standing up for others and making sure everyone feels included and treated fairly.

• How to Act as an Ally:
  • Speak up: If you hear someone being unkind or bullying another person, safely speak up. You can say, "That's not cool" or "Please stop."
  • Include everyone: See someone sitting alone? Invite them to join your group or game. Make sure no one feels left out.
  • Get help: If a situation feels too big or unsafe, find a teacher or another trusted adult right away. Acting as an ally sometimes means getting grown-ups involved.
  • Educate yourself: Learn about different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. The more you know, the better you can understand and support others.

R: Respect

Respect is about valuing everyone for who they are, even if they are different from you. It means treating others with dignity and acknowledging their feelings and opinions.

• How to Show Respect:
  • Listen to different opinions: You don't have to agree with everyone, but you should listen to what they have to say without interrupting.
  • Celebrate differences: Our differences make our community interesting and strong. Appreciate what makes each person unique.
  • Understand personal space and boundaries: Ask before touching someone's belongings, and respect it if someone says no to something.
  • Use kind language: Be mindful of the words you use. Words have power, and kind words build people up.

Being a STAR means you are a positive force in your classroom and community. By practicing these four qualities, you can help create a place where everyone feels valued, safe, and happy.

Discussion: The Power of Presence

Instructions: Discuss the following questions with your classmates.

1. When someone is going through a tough time, how important is it just to be there for them, even if you don't say much? Why?
   
   
   
   
2. Can you think of a time when someone's presence made a difference to you, even without a lot of words?
   
   
   
   
3. What does it mean to truly listen to someone?
   
   
   
   
4. How does being present and truly listening connect to being a good friend or ally?
   
   
   
   

Activity: Support Scenario Role-Play

Instructions: In your small groups, read the scenario card you are given. Then, discuss and role-play how you would use the STAR principles (Support, Trust, Act, Respect) to respond to the situation. Be prepared to share your role-play or a summary of your discussion with the class.

Scenario Card 1: The Quiet Lunch

Your classmate, Alex, has been looking sad all week and is eating lunch alone. You notice some other students at a nearby table whispering and occasionally glancing at Alex. You suspect they might be talking about Alex in a not-so-nice way.

• How can you Support Alex?
• How can you show Respect for Alex and the situation?
• What Action could you take to be an ally?

Scenario Card 2: The Homework Struggle

Your friend, Maya, is really struggling with a math assignment and is starting to get frustrated and upset. She mumbles that she feels stupid and wants to give up, even though you know she's usually great at math.

• How can you Support Maya and help her regain her Trust in herself?
• What kind of Respectful encouragement can you offer?
• What Action can you take to help her with her frustration?

Scenario Card 3: New Kid on the Block

A new student, Sam, has joined your class. Sam seems shy and hasn't really talked to anyone yet. At recess, Sam is standing by themselves, looking a bit lost, while other groups are playing games.

• How can you Support Sam in feeling welcome?
• What Action can you take to include Sam?
• How can you show Respect for Sam's feelings and help them Trust their new classmates?

Scenario Card 4: Unfair Group Work

In a group project, one of your teammates, Liam, is doing most of the work, and the other members are just chatting or playing on their phones. Liam looks stressed and frustrated but isn't saying anything.

• How can you Support Liam?
• What Action can you take to ensure fair participation and show Respect for Liam's efforts?
• How can you build Trust within the group for future projects?

Scenario Card 5: Different Interests

Your friend, Chloe, loves a hobby that isn't very popular with your other friends. When Chloe talks about it, some of your friends roll their eyes or make quiet jokes. Chloe starts to seem embarrassed.

• How can you Support Chloe and her interests?
• What Action can you take to show Respect for Chloe's passion and encourage others to be more accepting?
• How can you help Chloe Trust that her interests are valued?

Scenario Card 6: Misheard Story

You overhear a student, Noah, telling a story about something that happened, but another student, Ben, interrupts and twists the story to make Noah look bad. Noah tries to correct them, but Ben just laughs it off.

• How can you Support Noah and ensure their voice is heard?
• What Action can you take to respectfully correct Ben and show Respect for Noah's experience?
• How can you help restore Trust in the conversation?

Worksheet: Ally Action Plan

Instructions: Now that you understand what it means to be a STAR (Supportive, Trustworthy, Active, Respectful), it's time to create your own Ally Action Plan! Think about how you can apply these principles in your daily life at school, at home, and in your community.

S: Support

• One specific way I can offer support to a friend or classmate this week:
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What I will say or do:
  
  
  
  
  
  

T: Trust

• One specific way I can build or maintain trust with someone this week:
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What I will say or do:
  
  
  
  
  
  

A: Act

• One specific action I can take to be an ally if I see something unfair or someone being excluded:
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What I will say or do (or who I will tell):
  
  
  
  
  
  

R: Respect

• One specific way I can show more respect for someone else's differences or opinions this week:
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What I will say or do:
  
  
  
  
  
  

My Overall Allyship Goal:

• In one sentence, what is your main goal for being a better ally?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Game: Ally Bingo!

Instructions: Get ready to play Ally Bingo! Your goal is to get five squares in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) by identifying and marking the actions or qualities of a good ally and supporter.

How to Play:

1. Each student will receive an Ally Bingo Card.
2. The teacher will read out different statements or examples related to peer support and allyship.
3. If you have a square on your card that matches the statement, mark that square.
4. The first student to get five squares in a row yells "BINGO!" and wins the round.

Ally Bingo Card Example:

Journal: My Ally Journey

Instructions: Take some time to reflect on what you've learned about peer support and allyship. Use these prompts to help you think about how you can apply these ideas in your life.

1. What is one new thing you learned about peer Support or Allyship today?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Describe a time when you saw someone being a good ally or supporter. What did they do?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Describe a time when you wished someone had supported you or been an ally for you. What would that have looked like?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Thinking about the STAR principles (Support, Trust, Act, Respect), which one do you think is easiest for you to practice? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Which STAR principle do you think might be the most challenging for you to practice? What's one step you can take to get better at it?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. How do you think our classroom and school community would change if everyone consistently practiced peer support and allyship?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Write a letter to yourself, reminding yourself why it's important to be a STAR and what kind of supporter/ally you want to be. You can reread this letter whenever you need a reminder.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Answer Key: Support & Allyship Check-In

Here are the answers and explanations for the Support & Allyship Check-In Quiz.

Question 1:

Which of the following best describes peer support?

• A. Ignoring someone who is upset.
• B. Helping a friend through a challenge.
• C. Only talking to people who are exactly like you.
• D. Waiting for a teacher to solve all problems.

Correct Answer: B. Helping a friend through a challenge.

Thought Process: Peer support is about offering help and encouragement to people your age or in similar situations. Options A, C, and D do not reflect the principles of helping or inclusivity.

Question 2:

What does it mean to be an ally?

• A. Only caring about your own feelings.
• B. Actively supporting and advocating for others.
• C. Gossiping about people behind their backs.
• D. Always agreeing with everyone.

Correct Answer: B. Actively supporting and advocating for others.

Thought Process: Allyship involves taking action to stand up for and support others, especially those who may be facing injustice or challenges. Options A, C, and D are contrary to the definition of allyship.

Question 3:

In the STAR acronym, what does the 'S' stand for?

• A. Sharing
• B. Silence
• C. Support
• D. Staring

Correct Answer: C. Support.

Thought Process: The STAR acronym stands for Supportive, Trustworthy, Active, and Respectful. The 'S' specifically refers to Support, meaning to offer help, encouragement, or comfort.

Question 4:

Which action shows Respect?

• A. Interrupting someone when they are talking.
• B. Making fun of someone's hobby.
• C. Listening to different opinions.
• D. Telling someone their feelings are wrong.

Correct Answer: C. Listening to different opinions.

Thought Process: Showing respect involves valuing others and their perspectives, even if they differ from your own. Interrupting, making fun, or invalidating feelings are all disrespectful actions.

Question 5:

Describe one specific way you can Act as an ally in our school community.

Correct Answer: Answers will vary but should include concrete actions. Examples include: speaking up if someone is being bullied, inviting a new student to join a group, asking a friend if they need help, telling a trusted adult about unfair treatment, or making sure everyone feels included.

Thought Process: The 'Act' principle of STAR focuses on taking tangible steps to support others or intervene in unfair situations. The response should demonstrate an understanding of proactive engagement.

Answer Key: Being a STAR: Ultimate Ally Assessment

Here are the answers and explanations for the Ultimate Ally Assessment.

Question 1:

Which of the following is NOT a core component of effective peer support?

• A. Active listening
• B. Offering unsolicited advice
• C. Providing encouragement
• D. Being a comforting presence

Correct Answer: B. Offering unsolicited advice

Thought Process: Effective peer support focuses on listening, encouraging, and being present. Offering unsolicited advice can sometimes be unhelpful or make the person feel unheard, as it implies you know what's best for them without fully understanding their situation.

Question 2:

Allyship primarily involves:

• A. Only helping friends who ask for it.
• B. Actively supporting and advocating for marginalized groups.
• C. Avoiding conflict at all costs.
• D. Waiting for someone else to step in.

Correct Answer: B. Actively supporting and advocating for marginalized groups.

Thought Process: Allyship is about proactive and active support, often for those whose voices might not be heard as loudly. It goes beyond just friends and often involves taking a stand.

Question 3:

In the STAR acronym, what does 'T' stand for?

• A. Talking
• B. Teamwork
• C. Trust
• D. Thinking

Correct Answer: C. Trust

Thought Process: The STAR acronym stands for Supportive, Trustworthy, Active, and Respectful. 'T' represents Trust, which is crucial for building strong, reliable relationships.

Question 4:

If you witness a classmate being excluded from a game during recess, the most appropriate 'Act' as an ally would be to:

• A. Join the game yourself and ignore the excluded student.
• B. Tell the excluded student to find another game.
• C. Invite the excluded classmate to join the game or suggest a new activity together.
• D. Go tell a teacher immediately without trying to help first.

Correct Answer: C. Invite the excluded classmate to join the game or suggest a new activity together.

Thought Process: The 'Act' principle involves taking direct, positive action. Inviting someone to join or suggesting an alternative is a direct way to include them. Options A and B are unhelpful, and D might be necessary in some cases, but a first attempt at direct inclusion is often more empowering.

Question 5:

Showing 'Respect' means:

• A. Always agreeing with everyone to avoid arguments.
• B. Valuing and appreciating differences in opinions and backgrounds.
• C. Only being friends with people who share your interests.
• D. Ignoring someone if they are different.

Correct Answer: B. Valuing and appreciating differences in opinions and backgrounds.

Thought Process: Respect is about acknowledging and appreciating the inherent worth and uniqueness of every individual, not necessarily agreeing with them or limiting your interactions.

Question 6:

Explain the difference between 'peer support' and 'allyship' using examples.

Correct Answer: Peer support is generally about helping someone you know through a challenge, like listening to a friend who is upset or helping a classmate with homework. Allyship is more about actively advocating for someone, especially those who may be marginalized, even if you don't know them well. For example, peer support is comforting a crying friend, while allyship is standing up for a student who is being unfairly teased for their cultural background.

Thought Process: This question requires students to differentiate between the two concepts and provide relevant examples to illustrate their understanding. Key is recognizing the proactive and often broader scope of allyship for potentially marginalized individuals.

Question 7:

Describe a situation where you would need to use the 'Trust' principle. How would you demonstrate it?

Correct Answer: Answers will vary but could include: A friend tells you a personal secret (not harmful). You demonstrate trust by keeping that secret and not gossiping about it. Another example: You promise to help a classmate with a project; you demonstrate trust by following through and being dependable.

Thought Process: Students should provide a scenario where honesty, reliability, or confidentiality is at stake, and then explain how they would uphold trust in that situation.

Question 8:

Why is it important to 'Act' as an ally, even if the situation doesn't directly affect you?

Correct Answer: It's important to act as an ally because it creates a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone. If we only act when something affects us, injustice and exclusion can continue. Acting for others demonstrates empathy and strengthens the community, showing that everyone deserves to be treated fairly and respectfully.

Thought Process: This question probes the understanding of the broader impact of allyship beyond personal benefit, emphasizing empathy, community building, and fighting injustice.

Question 9:

How can practicing the 'Respect' principle lead to a more positive school environment?

Correct Answer: Practicing respect leads to a more positive school environment by fostering understanding and acceptance. When students respect each other's differences (opinions, backgrounds, interests), there is less conflict, more collaboration, and a stronger sense of belonging. It encourages open-mindedness and reduces bullying and discrimination.

Thought Process: Students should connect the practice of respect to tangible positive outcomes in the school setting, such as reduced conflict, increased inclusivity, and a more harmonious atmosphere.

Question 10:

Imagine a new student joins your class and seems shy. Using all four STAR principles, outline a plan to help them feel welcome and supported.

Correct Answer: Answers will vary but should incorporate all STAR elements:

• Support: Greet them warmly, ask if they need help finding anything.
• Trust: Be consistent in your friendliness, keep any conversations private they might share.
• Act: Invite them to sit with your group at lunch or join a game at recess. Speak up if you hear others making fun of them.
• Respect: Learn their name, ask about their interests respectfully, listen to their answers without judgment, and value their unique background.

Thought Process: This is a comprehensive application question. Students should demonstrate their ability to integrate all four STAR principles into a practical scenario, showing a holistic understanding of peer support and allyship.

Project Guide: Community Ally Project

Project Goal

The goal of the Community Ally Project is to empower you to apply the principles of peer support and allyship in a real-world setting. You will identify a need within your school or local community related to support and inclusion, and then design and implement a small project to address that need. This project will allow you to be a

Rubric: Community Ally Project Rubric

This rubric will be used to assess your Community Ally Project. Your project will be evaluated based on how well you demonstrate understanding and application of peer support and allyship principles.

Project Title: __________________________________

Student Name: __________________________________

Total Score: /20

Teacher Feedback:

Cool Down: One Word Ally

Instructions: Think about everything we discussed today about peer support and allyship. In one word, what does being an ally mean to you now?