Lesson Plan
Classmate Heroes Lesson Plan
Students will identify behaviors that promote trust and collaboration among peers—including respecting personal boundaries—analyze realistic social scenarios, and craft personal ally pledges to reinforce a supportive classroom environment.
Empowering students as active allies develops mutual respect, sharpens social problem-solving skills, fosters safe personal space, and prepares them to navigate complex peer dynamics both in and out of school.
Audience
6th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Guided discussion and reflective writing.
Materials
- Kindness Scenario Cards, - Ally Pledge Worksheet, - Classmate Allies Certificate, - Chart Paper, and - Markers
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Review the Kindness Scenario Cards and note discussion prompts, including personal-space scenarios
- Print a Ally Pledge Worksheet for each student
- Print a Classmate Allies Certificate for each participant
- Set up Chart Paper and Markers for capturing key ideas
Step 1
Introduction: Defining an Ally
5 minutes
- Ask: “What qualities make someone an effective ally to their peers?”
- Record answers on Chart Paper under headings like Trust, Respect, and Empathy
- Discuss why respecting personal space and keeping hands to yourself contributes to trust and comfort
- Emphasize how allies step in to support, not just stand by
Step 2
Scenario Analysis
10 minutes
- Form small groups (3–4 students)
- Distribute Kindness Scenario Cards
- In each group:
- Read a scenario together
- Discuss possible responses and their impact
- Consider different perspectives (who’s helped, who’s hurt)
- Ask each group to share their analysis and recommended action
Step 3
Personal Ally Pledge Activity
10 minutes
- Hand out Ally Pledge Worksheet
- Individually, students write two specific pledges that demonstrate active allyship (e.g., inviting someone into a group, speaking up against unfair comments, keeping hands to yourself)
- Encourage thoughtful, realistic commitments and note why each pledge matters
Step 4
Reflection and Recognition
5 minutes
- Invite volunteers to read one pledge aloud and explain its significance
- Facilitate a brief discussion on how these pledges can shape daily interactions and reinforce personal boundaries
- Present each student with a Classmate Allies Certificate
- Display certificates and pledge summaries on a classroom bulletin board
Slide Deck
Becoming Classroom Allies
Objective:
- Define what allyship means in our classroom
- Analyze challenging peer scenarios
- Develop personal ally pledges
Welcome everyone! Today we’re shifting from kindness to allyship—learning how to actively support peers in everyday situations. Review our objectives and set the tone for thoughtful participation.
What Is an Ally?
Think-Pair-Share:
- What does it mean to be an ally?
- Why is allyship important?
- Share examples of ally behaviors you’ve seen or wish to see
Lead a Think-Pair-Share to surface students’ understanding of allyship. Capture their ideas under headings like Advocacy, Empathy, and Courage.
Respecting Personal Space
• Keep your hands to yourself—ask before touching
• Notice nonverbal cues (body language, eye contact)
• Honor each other’s “bubble” to build trust
• Speak up if you see someone’s boundaries crossed
Explain that respecting personal space is a core part of allyship—physical comfort builds trust. Discuss what “keeping your hands to yourself” looks like and why it matters.
Peer Scenarios
In groups of 3–4:
- Read your scenario card closely
- Identify the challenge and perspectives involved
- Propose constructive actions an ally could take
- Be ready to share your group’s plan
Divide into groups and hand out scenario cards. Encourage students to look beyond surface details and consider underlying feelings and power dynamics.
Craft Your Ally Pledge
Individually:
- Write two specific ally actions you will commit to this week
- Make each pledge actionable and relevant (e.g., speaking up, checking in, including others)
- Keep your pledge visible in class
Explain that an ally pledge is a personal commitment to take intentional, supportive actions. Model a pledge using an example scenario.
Share & Discuss
• Volunteers share one pledge and explain why it matters
• Discuss how pledges strengthen respect and trust
• Consider how you might adapt your pledge if new challenges arise
Invite volunteers to share their pledges and facilitate a deeper discussion on how each pledge addresses real classroom challenges and builds trust.
Your Allyship Journey
Allyship is continuous—observe, listen, and act every day.
Small, consistent actions build a supportive community.
Let’s commit to being active allies—today and beyond!
Reinforce that allyship is an ongoing process. Encourage students to reflect daily and look for new opportunities to step up.
Activity
Kindness Scenario Cards
Use these cards in small groups to discuss how you would respond in each situation. Choose one card, read it aloud, talk through your ideas, and decide on a constructive ally action.
Scenario 1: Online Rumor
A group chat in your class is spreading an unverified rumor about Maya that’s starting to affect how others treat her. What can you do to stop the spread and support Maya?
Scenario 2: Group Project Politics
Your group is deciding who presents the final project, and a few members are insisting on excluding Jordan because they’re quieter. How can you ensure everyone’s voice is heard and valued?
Scenario 3: Cultural Teasing
You overhear classmates making jokes about Sam’s cultural traditions. Sam looks embarrassed but says nothing. What respectful intervention could you make?
Scenario 4: Academic Pressure
Liam seems overwhelmed—he’s stayed after class multiple times for extra help and still looks discouraged. How might you offer meaningful support without making him feel uncomfortable?
Scenario 5: Online Harassment
A classmate shares a disrespectful comment about Alex on social media, and several people are liking it. How can you use digital citizenship to stand up for Alex?
Scenario 6: Cheating Temptation
During a tough math quiz, you notice your friend copying answers. You know they’re under pressure, but it violates classroom rules. What honest and caring action can you take?
Scenario 7: Tryout Rejection
At basketball tryouts, Taylor misses several shots and is teased by peers. Taylor’s confidence is shaken. How could you show encouragement and inclusion?
Scenario 8: New Culture, New Challenges
A student who recently moved here struggles with language and social cues. They sit alone at lunch and in class. What thoughtful step can you take to make them feel welcome?
Scenario 9: Respecting Personal Space
During a group assignment, you notice classmates leaning over Morgan’s shoulder or playfully grabbing their arm. Morgan seems tense and uncomfortable. What respectful intervention could you make to help everyone keep hands to themselves and honor personal boundaries?
Scenario 10: Unwanted Physical Contact
During a classroom discussion, someone teases one of your classmates by tapping them repeatedly on the back despite them asking to stop. How would you address this situation as an ally?
Worksheet
Ally Pledge Worksheet
Instructions:
Reflect on the role of an ally and commit to two specific, intentional actions you will take this week to support your classmates. For each pledge, describe the challenge it addresses and how you will measure your impact.
1. My First Ally Pledge
I will ____________________________________________________________________
What challenge does this pledge address?
How will I know my action made a difference?
2. My Second Ally Pledge
I will ____________________________________________________________________
Why is this pledge important for my classmates?
What evidence will show I succeeded?
Reflection (End of Week)
Review your pledges and their outcomes. Write about:
- The most valuable insight you gained
- Any obstacles you faced and how you overcame them
- How you will adapt or extend your ally efforts moving forward
Student Signature: ________________________ Date: ____________
Activity
Classmate Allies Certificate
This certificate is proudly presented to:
_____________________________
For demonstrating outstanding allyship, respect, and support as a Classmate Ally.
Date: ____________________
Teacher’s Signature: ____________________