Lesson Plan
Session 1 Lesson Plan
In this 30-minute session, the student will map out their family communication patterns, identify areas of tension, and set compassionate goals for improving interactions with their parent.
Understanding family dynamics and establishing compassionate objectives empowers students to approach parent relationships with clarity and empathy, reducing conflict and fostering healthier communication.
Audience
9th Grade Students
Time
30 Minutes
Approach
Guided mapping, reflection, and goal-setting activities.
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 Minutes
- Review the Family Dynamics Worksheet to familiarize yourself with the mapping prompts.
- Preview the Session 1 Reflection Journal structure and reflection questions.
- Print one copy of each material for the student and organize your session space to be quiet and private.
Step 1
Introduction & Rapport Building
5 Minutes
- Welcome the student and create a safe, nonjudgmental space.
- Briefly explain the goals of the session: explore family dynamics and set personal objectives.
- Use open-ended questions to check in on the student's week and mood.
Step 2
Family Dynamics Mapping
10 Minutes
- Provide the student with the Family Dynamics Worksheet.
- Guide them to map key communication patterns and interactions with their parent (e.g., frequent disagreements, supportive moments).
- Ask probing questions to help them articulate emotions and triggers.
Step 3
Reflection & Compassionate Goal Setting
10 Minutes
- Hand out the Session 1 Reflection Journal.
- Prompt the student to reflect on insights from the worksheet: What surprised them? What patterns stand out?
- Support the student in formulating 1–2 compassionate goals (e.g., “I will listen without interrupting when my parent speaks”).
Step 4
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
5 Minutes
- Summarize key takeaways and the student's goals.
- Introduce the Active Listening Role-Play Cards as a tool for next session.
- Assign a brief reflection: have the student journal any moments they notice their goals in action before the next meeting.
Worksheet
Family Dynamics Worksheet (Session 1)
Use this worksheet to map out key family communication patterns, identify emotional triggers, and recognize positive moments. Complete each section with honest reflections.
Part 1: Family Members & Roles
List up to 4 family members (including yourself and your parent). For each person, write their name and describe their role in your family (e.g., “Mom – caregiver, decision-maker”).
- _________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________
Part 2: Communication Patterns
Identify 3 common ways you and your parent communicate. For each, note whether it feels positive, negative, or neutral, and give a brief example.
- _________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________
Part 3: Emotional Triggers
List 3 situations or topics that often trigger strong emotions when talking with your parent. For each, describe what you feel and why.
- _________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________
Part 4: Supportive Moments
Recall 3 times when communication with your parent felt supportive or positive. Describe what happened and how it made you feel.
- _________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________
Part 5: Reflection
What themes or patterns stand out across your responses above? How might these insights help you set a goal for improving communication with your parent?
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
When you’ve completed this worksheet, bring it to Session 1 to guide our discussion and goal-setting process.
Journal
Session 1 Reflection Journal
Use insights from the Family Dynamics Worksheet and our discussion to respond to the prompts below. Be honest and thoughtful—this is your space to explore what you discovered and how you’ll move forward.
1. What surprised you most about your family communication map?
Describe an insight or pattern that stood out. Why do you think this was unexpected?
2. Which communication patterns feel most positive or supportive? Which feel most challenging?
Reflect on why these moments feel good or difficult for you.
3. How do your emotional triggers influence your interactions with your parent?
Pick one trigger from your worksheet and describe how it affects your thoughts, feelings, and responses.
4. Review the compassionate goals you set for this week.
List each goal and explain why it matters to you. How will achieving this goal change your communication?
5. Action Plan
For each goal, write one specific step you will take before our next session (e.g., “When my parent speaks, I will pause and count to three before responding”).
6. Anticipated Challenges & Strategies
What obstacles might come up as you practice these goals? For each, note a strategy to help you stay on track.
Bring this journal to Session 2. We’ll review your reflections, celebrate progress, and adjust your plan as needed.
Slide Deck
Session 1: Understanding Family Dynamics
Welcome to Session 1 of Bridging the Gap.
Today’s focus:
• Explore how you and your parent communicate
• Identify patterns that feel helpful or tense
• Start setting compassionate goals
Welcome the student to the first session. Briefly introduce the Bridging the Gap program and emphasize that this is a safe, confidential space. Use an encouraging tone to build rapport.
Session Materials
Ensure the student has printed copies of all materials. Show each item and confirm they know how to use them.
Session Objectives
By the end of this session, you will:
• Map your family communication patterns
• Identify your emotional triggers
• Set 1–2 compassionate goals to practice
Read each objective aloud. Explain how mapping patterns leads to better understanding and goal-setting.
Activity: Family Dynamics Mapping
- Open the Family Dynamics Worksheet.
- List family members and their roles.
- Identify 3 communication patterns (positive, negative, neutral).
- Note 3 emotional triggers.
Guide the student step by step. Encourage them to think of concrete examples. Ask “What surprised you?” to deepen insight.
Reflection Prompts
Use your Session 1 Reflection Journal to answer:
- What surprised you most about your communication map?
- Which patterns feel supportive or challenging?
- How do your triggers influence interactions?
Model how to answer one prompt to get them started. Encourage honesty and remind them there are no “right” answers.
Compassionate Goal Setting
Based on your reflections, set 1–2 goals such as:
• Pause and count to three before responding
• Use “I feel” statements when sharing emotions
Write each goal and why it matters to you.
Help the student turn insights into SMART goals. Offer example goals if they struggle (e.g., using “I” statements).
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
• Review key takeaways and your goals
• Practice and note moments you apply these goals
• Bring your completed journal to Session 2
• Next session: role-play with Active Listening Cards
Summarize their goals out loud to reinforce commitment. Explain the homework assignment clearly.
Activity
Active Listening Role-Play Cards (Session 1)
Use these cards to practice active listening in common parent–teen conversations. Take turns: one person plays the parent (reading the statement), the other plays the student (listening and responding). After each role-play, discuss your response using the prompts.
Card 1: Concern about Grades
Parent says: “I saw your last report card, and I’m worried about these C’s and D’s. What’s going on?”
After your response, reflect:
- Paraphrase the parent’s concern: ________________________________
- What emotion do you think your parent is feeling? __________________
- One clarifying question you could ask: ___________________________
Card 2: Asking for Space
Parent says: “I’ve had a long day at work and I’m really tired. Could you give me some quiet time tonight?”
After your response, reflect:
- Paraphrase the parent’s request: ________________________________
- What need is your parent expressing? _____________________________
- One way you could respond supportively: __________________________
Card 3: New Curfew
Parent says: “From now on, you need to be home by 10 p.m. on weekends, no exceptions.”
After your response, reflect:
- Paraphrase the rule: ____________________________________________
- How might you express your feelings respectfully? _________________
- A question you could ask to understand their reasoning: ___________
Card 4: Comparing Generations
Parent says: “When I was a teenager, I never argued about coming home on time or doing chores.”
After your response, reflect:
- Paraphrase their experience: _____________________________________
- What perspective are they sharing? _______________________________
- How can you acknowledge their point before sharing yours? ________
Card 5: Career Advice
Parent says: “You spend too much time on video games. You should focus on college applications and your future.”
After your response, reflect:
- Paraphrase their advice: ________________________________________
- What are they worried about? ____________________________________
- One question to learn more about their priorities: ________________
Card 6: Apology & Openness
Parent says: “I’m sorry I snapped at you earlier. I’ve been stressed, but that wasn’t fair to you.”
After your response, reflect:
- Paraphrase the apology: _________________________________________
- What emotion is behind their apology? ____________________________
- How can you respond to show you’ve heard them? _________________
Tips for Active Listening:
- Maintain eye contact and open posture
- Nod or give small verbal acknowledgments (“I see,” “Mm-hmm”)
- Use “I” statements when sharing your perspective
- Ask open-ended questions to clarify (“Can you tell me more about…?”)
Practice each card until you feel comfortable noticing emotions, summarizing accurately, and asking thoughtful questions.