Lesson Plan
Supporting Student Mental Health
Participants will develop a practical Tier 1 classroom action plan to proactively support students with mental health concerns. By session’s end, teachers will identify classroom strengths, brainstorm targeted strategies, and draft an individualized plan with clear steps, timeline, and resources.
Early, universal supports foster positive learning environments, reduce barriers to instruction, and promote student well-being. This session equips teachers with concrete strategies and tools to recognize needs and implement proactive accommodations for all learners.
Audience
K-12 Teachers
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Guided discussions, audits, and collaborative planning with ready-made tools and resources.
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
10 minutes
- Print or prepare copies of Accommodations Brainstorm Worksheet
- Print or prepare copies of Classroom Environment Audit Checklist
- Ensure digital access to Resource Guide for Mental Health Support
- Review the Supporting Student Mental Health lesson plan
Step 1
Introduction & Objectives
5 minutes
- Welcome participants and outline session goals: creating a Tier 1 action plan to support student mental health
- Review the importance of universal mental health supports in classrooms
- Explain session flow and expected outcomes
Step 2
Environmental Audit
5 minutes
- Distribute the Classroom Environment Audit Checklist
- Participants individually assess their current classroom climate
- Note strengths and areas for mental health support improvements
Step 3
Strategy Brainstorm
7 minutes
- Form small groups to discuss audit findings
- Use the Accommodations Brainstorm Worksheet to list proactive strategies and accommodations
- Prioritize 2–3 strategies based on feasibility and impact
Step 4
Action Plan Drafting
8 minutes
- Individually draft an action plan using the worksheet template:
- Identify a target student need or scenario
- Select 2–3 specific actions with success indicators
- Set a timeline for implementation and review
Step 5
Share & Resources
5 minutes
- Volunteers briefly share key elements of their action plans
- Facilitator provides feedback and highlights entries in the Resource Guide for Mental Health Support
- Summarize next steps, including implementation and colleague collaboration
use Lenny to create lessons.
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Slide Deck
Caring Classrooms: Tier 1 Action Plan
30-Minute Session for K-12 Teachers
Welcome participants. Introduce yourself and the session. Emphasize that today’s goal is to leave with a ready-to-implement Tier 1 action plan for supporting student mental health.
Session Objectives
• Identify classroom strengths & areas for mental health support
• Brainstorm proactive strategies & accommodations
• Draft a Tier 1 action plan with steps, timeline, & success indicators
Read each objective aloud and invite participants to reflect on which resonates most with their current classroom needs.
Environmental Audit
- Access the Classroom Environment Audit Checklist
- Assess your current classroom climate
- Note key strengths & areas for improvement
Explain that a quick audit gives a baseline view of the classroom environment. Distribute the checklist and remind participants to capture both strengths and gaps.
Strategy Brainstorming
- Form small groups
- Use the Accommodations Brainstorm Worksheet
- List and prioritize 2–3 strategies based on feasibility & impact
Divide participants into small groups. Encourage them to discuss common themes from their audits before filling out the worksheet.
Drafting Your Action Plan
• Identify a target student need or scenario
• Select 2–3 specific actions
• Define success indicators for each action
• Set an implementation & review timeline
Guide teachers through each field of the template. Remind them to keep action steps specific and measurable.
Sample Action Plan
Target Need: Student anxiety during transitions
Actions:
• Provide a visual schedule before each transition (Indicator: reduced transition delays)
• Establish a discreet check-in signal at class start (Indicator: student expresses feeling prepared)
Timeline: Implement next week; review progress in two weeks
Walk through this example, highlighting how each component aligns with best practices. Invite questions about adapting the template to other scenarios.
Resources & Next Steps
• Access the Resource Guide for Mental Health Support
• Share & refine your plan with a colleague
• Implement strategies, monitor progress, & adjust as needed
Encourage participants to explore further resources and plan a follow-up check-in with a colleague or coach.
Worksheet
Accommodations Brainstorm Worksheet
Part 1: Student Needs & Observations
- Describe a target student or scenario where mental health concerns impact learning:
- What specific behaviors, triggers, or challenges have you observed?
Part 2: Brainstorm Accommodations & Strategies
For each area below, list possible supports. Be as specific as possible.
- Environmental Supports (e.g., seating options, sensory corners):
- Instructional Supports (e.g., flexible deadlines, visual aids):
- Social-Emotional Supports (e.g., check-in/check-out, peer-buddy systems):
- Communication & Check-Ins (e.g., signal cards, daily progress tracker):
Part 3: Prioritization & Planning
Choose 2–3 strategies to implement first. For each, specify how you will know it’s working and set a timeline.
Strategy 1
• Description:
• Success Indicator(s):
• Timeline for Implementation & Review:
Strategy 2
• Description:
• Success Indicator(s):
• Timeline for Implementation & Review:
Strategy 3 (optional)
• Description:
• Success Indicator(s):
• Timeline for Implementation & Review:
Worksheet
Classroom Environment Audit Checklist
Use this checklist to evaluate aspects of your classroom that support student mental health. For each item, mark Yes, No, or In Progress, and add notes as needed.
Physical Environment
- Flexible seating options (e.g., cushions, standing desks)
- Quiet or sensory corner available
- Calming visuals or plants displayed
- Clutter is minimized and organized
- Lighting is adjustable to reduce overstimulation
Notes:
Classroom Culture & Climate
- Clear, positive expectations are posted
- Students greet each other and teacher warmly
- Celebrations of successes (big and small) occur regularly
- Conflict resolution strategies are taught and practiced
- Classroom norms support respect and inclusion
Notes:
Instructional Practices
- Lessons include varied modalities (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)
- Breaks or brain breaks are built into instruction
- Opportunities for choice and autonomy exist
- Check-for-understanding signals allow discreet feedback
- Differentiation is provided for diverse learning needs
Notes:
Routines & Transitions
- Visual schedules or timers support transitions
- Predictable routines are taught and reinforced
- Transition cues (audio/visual) are consistent
- Students know where to seek help if anxious
- Downtime or cool-down moments are available
Notes:
Communication & Support Systems
- Check-in/check-out procedure is in place
- Signal cards or gestures for needs/anxiety exist
- Regular one-on-one touchpoints scheduled
- Peer-support or buddy systems are used
- Family and counselor contact protocols are clear
Notes:
Use your observations and notes to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Refer to the Accommodations Brainstorm Worksheet to develop targeted strategies based on this audit.
Reading
Resource Guide for Mental Health Support
Equip yourself with these trusted resources to support students and your own well-being.
National Hotlines & Crisis Lines
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 for immediate emotional support.
Key Websites & Online Information
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org – Resources for teachers, families, and students.
- Child Mind Institute: https://childmind.org – Articles on child and adolescent mental health.
- Mental Health America (MHA): https://mhanational.org – Screening tools and educational materials.
Professional Organizations & Guidelines
- American School Counselor Association (ASCA): https://www.schoolcounselor.org – Best practices for school-based mental health services.
- American Psychological Association (APA): https://www.apa.org – Research and policy statements on youth mental health.
Recommended Books for Educators
| Title | Author(s) | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| The Whole-Brain Child | Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson | Strategies to foster emotional regulation in students. |
| Trauma-Sensitive Schools | Susan E. Craig | Creating classroom environments that respond to trauma. |
| Helping Children Succeed | Paul Tough | Building resilience and problem-solving skills. |
Teacher Self-Care & Professional Learning
- Headspace for Educators: 6-month complimentary mindfulness subscription.
- Teacher Vision – Self-Care Library: https://www.teachervision.com/self-care – Lesson ideas and well-being tips.
- Mindful Schools: https://www.mindfulschools.org – Training in mindfulness practices for educators.
Digital Tools & Student Supports
- MindShift CBT: Free app using cognitive-behavioral strategies for anxiety.
- Stop, Breathe & Think: Meditation app with check-ins for emotional awareness.
- GoNoodle: https://www.gonoodle.com – Brain breaks and movement activities to reduce stress.
Local & School-Based Contacts
- School Counselor / Psychologist: _________________________
- District Mental Health Coordinator: _______________________
- Community Mental Health Agency: _________________________
Tip: Always follow your district’s referral protocol when connecting students to services.