Change Explorers: Navigating New Paths

Ginger Harper

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Change Explorers: Navigating New Paths

Students will be able to identify different types of changes, understand that change is a normal part of life, and apply healthy coping strategies to navigate transitions.

Learning to cope with change is a vital life skill. This lesson helps students build resilience and adaptability, preparing them for inevitable transitions in school and personal life, fostering a positive mindset.

Audience

3rd to 5th Grade

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussions, visual aids, and a hands-on activity.

Materials

Change Explorers Slide Deck](#change-explorers-slide-deck), Change is a Breeze Activity Cards](#change-is-a-breeze-activity), My Change Journal](#my-change-journal), and Markers or colored pencils

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

Review the Change Explorers Slide Deck and ensure all slides are in order.
Print and cut out the Change is a Breeze Activity Cards.
Make copies of the My Change Journal for each student.
Gather markers or colored pencils for student use.
Familiarize yourself with the discussion prompts in the Change Explorers Slide Deck teacher notes.

Step 1

Introduction: What is Change?

10 minutes

Begin with the "What is Change?" question on the Change Explorers Slide Deck.
Facilitate a brief class discussion about what change means to students and examples of change in their lives.
Introduce the concept of change being big or small, positive or challenging, using examples from the slides.
Emphasize that change is a normal part of life.

Step 2

Coping Strategies Carousel Activity

20 minutes

Divide students into small groups.
Distribute the Change is a Breeze Activity Cards to each group.
Explain that each card describes a common change.
Instruct groups to brainstorm and discuss healthy ways to cope with the change on their card.
After 5-7 minutes, have groups rotate cards and repeat the brainstorming process.
Bring the class back together and have each group share one change and a coping strategy they discussed.

Step 3

Introducing the Change Journal

10 minutes

Introduce the My Change Journal.
Explain that the journal is a personal space for them to reflect on changes and practice coping strategies.
Guide students through the first prompt in the journal as a class or in small groups.
Encourage students to use their journals whenever they experience change.
Discuss the importance of self-reflection and seeking support when needed.

Step 4

Wrap-Up: Key Takeaways

5 minutes

Revisit the main ideas from the Change Explorers Slide Deck.
Ask students to share one new thing they learned about change or coping.
Reinforce that they are "Change Explorers" equipped to navigate new paths.

Slide Deck

Change Explorers: Navigating New Paths

Welcome, Change Explorers! Today, we're going on an adventure to understand change and how to navigate it.

What comes to mind when you hear the word 'change'?

Let's share our ideas!

Welcome students and introduce the exciting journey we're about to embark on. Ask them to think about what 'change' means to them. Record their initial ideas on the board or chart paper.

Big or Small, Change Happens to All!

Change can be many things:

Small Changes: Like getting a new hairstyle or trying a new food.
Big Changes: Like moving to a new city or starting a new school.

Can you think of a small change you've experienced?

What about a big change?

All changes, big or small, are a part of life.

Explain that change can be big or small. Provide examples like: small (new haircut, new pencil) and big (new school, moving to a new house). Emphasize that all changes can feel different. Ask students for examples of small and big changes in their own lives.

How Does Change Make Us Feel?

When things change, we can feel many different emotions:

Excited!
Nervous!
Sad or a little confused.
Happy!

What are some feelings you've had when something changed?

It's okay to feel different ways when things change.

Discuss different feelings associated with change. It's important to validate all emotions. Explain that it's normal to feel a mix of excitement, nervousness, sadness, or happiness. Ask students what feelings they might have during a change. Normalize talking about these feelings.

Our Coping Toolbox!

Good news! We have a special 'Coping Toolbox' to help us with changes. These are healthy ways to deal with our feelings and new situations.

Some tools in our toolbox:

Talk about it: Share your feelings with a trusted adult or friend.
Breathe deeply: Take slow, calming breaths.
Draw or write: Express your feelings creatively.
Play or move: Do something active you enjoy.
Ask for help: It's okay not to know everything.

Let's explore these tools in our next activity!

Introduce the idea of coping strategies. Explain that 'coping' means finding healthy ways to deal with our feelings and adjust to new situations. Show them the 'Coping Toolbox' and briefly explain what each tool represents. Transition into the 'Change is a Breeze Activity'.

Reflecting on Our Journey

As Change Explorers, it's important to reflect on our experiences.

How can we remember our coping tools?
How can we practice being flexible and resilient?

Introducing your new tool: The My Change Journal!

This slide serves as a transition to the journal activity. Remind students that reflection is a powerful tool for navigating change. Introduce the 'My Change Journal' and explain its purpose.

You Are A Change Explorer!

You are now equipped to navigate new paths!

Remember:

Change is normal.
It's okay to have feelings about change.
You have a coping toolbox.
You can be resilient and flexible!

What is one thing you will remember from today's lesson?

Recap the main points of the lesson. Emphasize that they now have tools and a mindset to handle change. Encourage them to be proud of their explorer spirit. Ask one final question to check for understanding or a personal connection.

Activity

Change is a Breeze: Coping with Change Activity Cards

Instructions:

Work with your group to read each "Change Card."
For each card, discuss and write down at least two healthy ways someone could cope with that change. Use ideas from our "Coping Toolbox" or come up with new ones!
Be ready to share your ideas with the class.

Change Card 1: New Teacher

Imagine you come to school one day, and your favorite teacher is suddenly absent, and there's a new substitute teacher for the week. You feel a little nervous and miss your regular teacher.