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Breaking the Silence

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Zakiya Moore

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Breaking the Silence Lesson Plan

Students will identify warning signs of suicidal thoughts, practice supportive outreach, and locate safe resources for help.

Adolescence is a high-risk period for mental health crises. This lesson empowers students with life-saving skills, reduces stigma, and fosters a supportive community by teaching them to recognize warning signs and seek help.

Audience

12th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive slides, pair discussions, role-play, and a quiz.

Materials

Breaking the Silence Slide Deck, Signs of Hope Quiz, and Local and National Resources Handout

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Review the Breaking the Silence Slide Deck
  • Print copies of the Signs of Hope Quiz for each student
  • Print the Local and National Resources Handout
  • Familiarize yourself with crisis hotline procedures and local support contacts

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Display the first 2 slides of the Breaking the Silence Slide Deck
  • Establish a safe, respectful classroom environment
  • Review lesson objectives and norms for discussion
  • Explain confidentiality and encourage openness

Step 2

Recognizing Warning Signs

7 minutes

  • Present slides on common warning signs of suicidal thoughts
  • Prompt students to brainstorm additional signs in pairs
  • Capture student responses on a shared whiteboard or slide

Step 3

How to Reach Out

8 minutes

  • Show slides outlining supportive communication techniques
  • Have students role-play in pairs initiating a conversation with someone in distress
  • Encourage use of “I” statements and active listening
  • Debrief as a whole class, sharing effective phrases and challenges

Step 4

Quick Quiz

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Signs of Hope Quiz
  • Instruct students to complete independently
  • Collect responses for assessment of understanding

Step 5

Closure and Resources

5 minutes

  • Summarize key takeaways: warning signs, communication steps, resources
  • Distribute the Local and National Resources Handout
  • Ask each student to share one action they can take if they notice a warning sign
  • Remind students of confidentiality and available support services
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Slide Deck

Breaking the Silence

Recognizing Warning Signs
and Offering Support

Welcome students and set the tone: explain confidentiality, respect, and the purpose of today’s lesson.

Today's Objectives

• Identify warning signs of suicidal thoughts
• Practice supportive communication techniques
• Locate safe resources for help

Read slide aloud. Emphasize that these are the lesson objectives.

Why This Matters

• Suicide is a leading cause of death among teens
• Early recognition can save lives
• Reduces stigma and builds community support

Briefly share statistics on adolescent mental health and suicide risk. Highlight why discussion matters.

Common Warning Signs

• Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless
• Withdrawing from friends and activities
• Dramatic mood swings or changes in behavior
• Expressing feeling like a burden

Present each bullet, pausing for clarifying questions. Then prompt pairs to brainstorm more signs.

Pair Discussion

In pairs, brainstorm
additional warning signs
and be ready to share one.

Display this slide and instruct students to discuss in pairs for 2 minutes, then share one new sign.

How to Reach Out

  1. Approach with care: “I’m concerned about you.”
  2. Use “I” statements: “I’ve noticed…”
  3. Listen actively: avoid judgment
  4. Offer help: “How can I support you?”

Explain each communication step. Model an example using “I” statements and active listening.

Role-Play Activity

• In pairs, practice a supportive conversation
• Use steps from previous slide
• Switch roles after 3 minutes

Explain the role-play guidelines: one student plays the person in distress, the other offers support.

Quick Quiz

Please complete the
Signs of Hope Quiz
independently.

Transition to quiz. Explain that this assesses their understanding of warning signs and outreach steps.

Resources for Help

• School counselor or nurse
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• See full list: Local and National Resources Handout

Review availability of each resource. Encourage students to keep the handout accessible.

Closing & Next Steps

• Share one action you’ll take
• Remember confidentiality
• You’re not alone—reach out if you need support

Invite each student to share one action they will take if they notice warning signs.

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Discussion

Guided Discussion: Breaking the Silence

Discussion Guidelines

  • Speak one at a time and listen respectfully.
  • What’s shared here stays here—confidentiality is essential.
  • Be supportive, nonjudgmental, and empathetic.

1. Reflecting on Warning Signs

Question: Which warning sign from today’s lesson stood out to you the most, and why?







Follow-Up Probes:

  • Have you ever observed this sign in someone you know? How did it feel?
  • What might prevent a person from recognizing this sign?

2. Practicing Supportive Outreach

Question: Imagine a friend tells you they’ve been feeling hopeless. What could you say first to show you care?







Follow-Up Probes:

  • Which “I” statement feels most genuine for you? (e.g., “I’ve noticed...”)
  • How would you respond if they become silent or upset?

3. Navigating Uncertainty

Scenario: You suspect someone is considering self-harm, but they deny it when you ask. What steps will you take next?








Follow-Up Probes:

  • Who else could you involve for support? (teacher, counselor, parent)
  • How might you keep checking in without pressuring them?

4. Action Planning

Prompt: Identify one specific action you will take if you notice a warning sign in someone this week.












Examples:

  • Sending a text to check in.
  • Inviting them to hang out or study together.
  • Reporting concerns to a trusted adult.

Closing Reflection

  • One word to describe how you feel after today’s discussion: ________



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Quiz

Signs of Hope Quiz

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