• lenny-learning-logoLenny Learning
  • Home
    Home
    • Lessons
    Lessons
  • Curriculum
    Curriculum
  • Surveys
    Surveys
  • Videos
    Videos
  • Support
    Support
  • Log In
lenny

Breaking The Silence

user image

Marcia Kinley

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Breaking The Silence Lesson Plan

Students will learn to recognize physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators of self-harm in themselves or peers, explore healthy coping strategies, and identify trusted sources for help.

Early awareness of self-harm signs and coping skills empowers students to address distress safely, reduces stigma around mental health, and fosters a classroom culture where seeking help is normalized and supported.

Audience

6th Grade, Middle School Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive visuals, discussion, role-play, and personal reflection.

Materials

Self-Harm Signs Poster, Coping Strategies Chart, Scenario Role-Play Cards, Reflection Index Cards, Support Resources Handout, and Flip Chart and Markers

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print and review Self-Harm Signs Poster.
  • Print and review Coping Strategies Chart.
  • Print and cut Scenario Role-Play Cards.
  • Arrange Reflection Index Cards for each student.
  • Print copies of Support Resources Handout.
  • Set up flip chart and markers at the front of the room.

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Establish a safe, respectful classroom environment and review confidentiality.
  • Explain lesson objectives: recognize signs, explore coping strategies, learn where to seek help.
  • Set ground rules: listen without judgment and respect confidentiality.

Step 2

Recognizing Signs

7 minutes

  • Display Self-Harm Signs Poster on the flip chart.
  • Guide students to identify physical, emotional, and behavioral signs.
  • Facilitate a brief group discussion; invite observations and questions.

Step 3

Healthy Coping Strategies

8 minutes

  • Present Coping Strategies Chart.
  • In pairs, students discuss which strategies feel most helpful and why.
  • Students write a personal favorite strategy on their Reflection Index Cards.

Step 4

Role-Play Scenarios

6 minutes

  • Distribute Scenario Role-Play Cards to small groups.
  • Groups role-play responding to a peer showing distress, practicing empathy and support.
  • Observers note effective verbal and nonverbal support techniques.

Step 5

Closing and Support

4 minutes

  • Debrief: students share key takeaways from discussions and role-plays.
  • Collect Reflection Index Cards to gauge understanding.
  • Distribute Support Resources Handout listing school and community help.
  • Encourage students to approach trusted adults if they or peers need support.
lenny

Slide Deck

Breaking The Silence

• 30-minute lesson • 6th Grade • Tier 1 (Classroom)

Objectives:
– Recognize signs of self-harm
– Explore healthy coping strategies
– Identify trusted help sources

Welcome everyone. Establish a safe, respectful space by reviewing confidentiality—what’s shared here stays here. Introduce today’s objectives: we’ll learn to recognize signs of self-harm, explore healthy coping strategies, and find out where to get help. Remind students to listen without judgment and support one another.

Recognizing Signs

Review the Self-Harm Signs Poster:
• Physical: cuts, bruises, frequent bandages
• Emotional: mood swings, sadness, irritability
• Behavioral: isolation, dropping grades, giving away belongings

Display the Self-Harm Signs Poster on the flip chart. Prompt students: “What physical, emotional, or behavioral changes do you notice?” Guide them to identify examples like unexplained injuries, mood swings, withdrawal, or talking about feeling hopeless. Encourage questions.

Healthy Coping Strategies

Explore the Coping Strategies Chart:
• Creative outlets (drawing, music)
• Relaxation techniques (breathing, meditation)
• Physical activity (walking, sports)
• Social support (talking to a friend or trusted adult)

Present the Coping Strategies Chart. Ask students to pair up and discuss which strategies resonate most with them (e.g., deep breathing, journaling, talking to a friend). After 4 minutes, have each student write their personal favorite strategy on a Reflection Index Card.

Role-Play Scenarios

Using Scenario Role-Play Cards:

  1. Read your scenario about a peer in distress
  2. Practice responding with empathy:
    • Open body language
    • “I’m here for you” statements
  3. Observers note effective support techniques

Divide the class into small groups and hand out the Scenario Role-Play Cards. Each group reads their scenario and practices responding with empathy and support. Observers should note effective verbal and nonverbal techniques. After 4 minutes, invite one group to demonstrate.

Support Resources

Take home the Support Resources Handout:
• School counselor & trusted teachers
• Parent or guardian
• 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 1-800-123-HELP
• Local mental health clinics & youth centers

Distribute the Support Resources Handout and review key contacts: school counselor, trusted teacher, crisis hotlines, and community centers. Emphasize that reaching out is a sign of strength and support is always available.

Closing & Reflection

Reflection Prompts on Index Cards:

  1. My favorite coping strategy is: __________
  2. If I need help or see a friend in need, I will talk to: __________

Thank you for your openness and support.

Ask students to complete the Reflection Index Cards: “Which coping strategy will you try? Who will you talk to if you or a friend needs help?” Collect cards to gauge understanding. End by reminding students they’re not alone and help is available.

lenny

Activity

Self-Harm Signs Poster

Use this poster to spark discussion and help students identify potential warning signs of self-harm in themselves or peers. Display it on a wall or provide printed handouts.

Physical Signs

  • Unexplained cuts, bruises, or scars (often on wrists, arms, thighs)
  • Frequent use of bandages or long sleeves, even in warm weather
  • Signs of picking or scratching skin
  • Wearing clothing that hides arms and legs constantly

Emotional Signs

  • Persistent sadness, mood swings, or irritability
  • Expressing feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or shame
  • Talking about being “a burden” or wanting to disappear
  • Sudden emotional outbursts or tearfulness

Behavioral Signs

  • Social withdrawal or isolation from friends and family
  • Drop in grades or loss of interest in school activities
  • Giving away prized possessions without explanation
  • Increased secrecy (locked doors, deleting texts or social media)

Remember: noticing these signs is the first step. Always approach with care and encourage talking to a trusted adult.

lenny
lenny

Activity

Coping Strategies Chart

Use this chart to explore healthy ways to cope with stress and difficult emotions. Display it for students or hand out printed copies. Encourage students to circle or highlight the strategies they want to try.

Strategy CategoryExamples & How To Use
Creative Expression• Drawing or painting feelings in a sketchbook
• Writing poetry, stories, or journaling emotions
Relaxation Techniques• Deep breathing exercise (inhale for 4 counts, hold 4, exhale 4)
• Progressive muscle relaxation
Physical Activity• Taking a brisk walk or run
• Dancing or stretching to favorite music
Social Support• Talking with a trusted friend or family member
• Joining a club or group activity
Mindfulness & Meditation• Guided imagery (imagine a calm place)
• Short meditation using an app or silent breathing focus
Problem-Solving• Break a problem into smaller steps
• Make a simple action plan (what can I do right now?)
Distraction• Reading a book or comic
• Playing a board game or puzzle
• Listening to music
Professional Help• Visiting the school counselor or psychologist
• Calling a crisis hotline if feelings become intense

Tip for students: Try one new strategy each week and note how it makes you feel. Keep what works and share favorites with someone you trust!

lenny
lenny

Activity

Scenario Role-Play Cards

Print and cut along the lines below. Distribute one card per small group. Each group reads their scenario, then practices responding with empathy and support. Observers note effective verbal and nonverbal techniques.

Card 1: Sarah’s Change
Sarah, a usually chatty student, has stopped joining friends at lunch. She’s been missing class more often and sometimes looks upset when she does come. You notice she’s wearing long sleeves even on warm days.

Role-Play Prompt:
• One student acts as Sarah, the other as a friend.
• Practice asking Sarah how she’s feeling and offering to listen.

Card 2: Jamal’s Secret
Jamal’s grades have dropped suddenly. He used to love basketball but now avoids the court. Yesterday you overheard him say, “I can’t handle any of this.”

Role-Play Prompt:
• One student plays Jamal, another plays a classmate.
• Practice checking in: “I’m worried about you. Do you want to talk?”

Card 3: Emily’s Goodbye
Emily told a group chat she feels like a burden and that nobody cares. She didn’t seem to be joking. Later, you noticed she deleted those messages and looked embarrassed.

Role-Play Prompt:
• One student is the friend who saw the messages, the other is Emily.
• Practice gently bringing up what you saw and encouraging Emily to talk to an adult.

Card 4: Carlos’s Small Voice
Carlos used to be very social but now answers questions in class with a barely audible voice. He said, “I’m just tired,” but seems to withdraw when anyone offers help.

Role-Play Prompt:
• One student plays the concerned peer, the other is Carlos.
• Practice using open body language and saying, “I care about you—let’s chat after class.”

lenny
lenny

Activity

Reflection Index Cards

Use these index cards for your personal reflections at the end of the lesson. Write legibly and honestly. Keep your thoughts private or share with a trusted adult if you feel comfortable.

Name: ____________________ Date: __________

  1. My favorite coping strategy from today’s lesson is:
    ________________________________





  2. If I or a friend needs help, I will talk to:
    ________________________________





  3. One thing I learned about recognizing signs of distress is:
    ________________________________





  4. One action I will take this week to support my well-being or a friend is:
    ________________________________





lenny
lenny

Activity

Support Resources Handout

Keep this handout for reference. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, and there are caring adults and professionals ready to support you.

School-Based Resources

• School Counselor: Mrs. Rivera (Room 203)
• Available Monday–Friday during lunch and after school
• Email: rivera@school.edu

• Trusted Teacher or Staff: Any teacher you feel comfortable with—just ask to step aside for a quick chat.

• School Nurse: Mr. Thompson (Health Office)
• Drop in any time between 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM

Family & Community Contacts

• Parent or Guardian: A first person to talk with at home.

• Extended Family Member: Grandparent, aunt/uncle, older sibling, or family friend.

• Youth Group Leader or Coach: Someone you see regularly and trust.

24/7 Helplines

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (Free, confidential)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (Call or text)
• Teen Support Hotline: 1-800-852-8336 (Available weekdays, 3 PM–10 PM)

Local Mental Health Resources

OrganizationServicesContact Info
City Youth Wellness CenterCounseling, groups, workshops555-123-4567; 100 Wellness Ave.
Sunrise Community ClinicSliding-scale therapy, referrals555-987-6543; 250 Maple Street
Safe Space Teen Drop-In CenterPeer support, creative arts, mentoring555-321-0987; 45 Elm Road

Online & App-Based Support

• Calm – Free guided meditations for teens
• MindShift – CBT-based tools to manage anxiety
• 7 Cups – Anonymous chat with trained listeners
• GoNoodle – Short videos to move, breathe, and reset

What to Do Next:

  1. Choose one person or resource from this handout to reach out to if you ever feel overwhelmed or notice a friend in need.
  2. Write down their name and contact on a sticky note and place it somewhere you’ll see daily (locker, bathroom mirror, etc.).
  3. Remember: you are never alone, and help is always available.
lenny
lenny