Lesson Plan

Day 1 Lesson Plan

Introduce kindness and empathy through Pink Day activities, helping students recognize the power of small acts and start suicide prevention conversations.

Building empathy and fostering a caring classroom lays the foundation for early suicide awareness, helping 6th graders feel connected and supported.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Creative kindness activities and reflection prompts.

Materials

Pink Day Kindness Cards, - Empathy Journal Template, and - Markers and Stickers

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Print enough copies of Pink Day Kindness Cards for each student
Print the Empathy Journal Template one per student
Gather markers and stickers
Arrange desks or tables in small clusters to facilitate sharing

Step 1

Welcome & Pink Day Intro

5 minutes

Greet students and explain that today is Pink Day, focused on kindness and empathy
Briefly discuss why kindness matters for everyone’s well-being and suicide prevention
Introduce the idea of a kindness chain: small acts can make a big difference

Step 2

Kindness Card Creation

15 minutes

Distribute one Pink Day Kindness Card to each student
Invite students to write a kind note or drawing encouraging a classmate
Provide markers and stickers for decoration
Encourage thoughtful, positive messages that uplift peers

Step 3

Share & Empathy Reflection

10 minutes

Have students exchange cards with a partner or place them anonymously in a ‘Kindness Box’
Distribute the Empathy Journal Template
Prompt students to reflect:
- How did it feel to create kindness for someone else?
- How do acts of kindness support a caring community?
Collect journals for review or allow volunteers to share responses

Slide Deck

Colors of Hope: Day 1 (Pink Day)

Agenda:

Introduce Pink Day & Themes
Kindness Card Creation
Share & Reflect

Welcome everyone! Today is Day 1 of our Colors of Hope Spirit Week—Pink Day. We’ll focus on kindness and empathy to build a caring community and support suicide awareness. Walk through the agenda briefly before we begin.

What Are Kindness & Empathy?

Kindness: Acting in ways that help or uplift others.
Empathy: Understanding and sharing someone else’s feelings.

Both help us support each other’s well-being and prevent isolation.

Ask students what kindness means to them and record a few answers. Then introduce empathy and its role in understanding others’ feelings.

Why Kindness Matters

• Builds connections & belonging
• Boosts mood and reduces stress
• Creates a supportive school community
• Contributes to suicide prevention by reducing feelings of loneliness

Highlight the mental-health benefits of kindness. Remind students that small acts can make a big difference in someone’s day.

Kindness Card Creation

Take a Pink Day Kindness Card.
Write or draw a positive, uplifting message.
Decorate with markers & stickers.

Be thoughtful—your words can brighten someone’s day!

Distribute the Pink Day Kindness Cards. Explain that students will write or draw a kind message for a classmate.

Sample Kindness Messages

“You make our classroom a happier place!”
“Thank you for always listening—you’re a great friend.”
“Your smile can light up someone’s day!”

Show these sample messages to inspire students. Encourage creativity and sincerity.

Share & Empathy Reflection

• Exchange cards with a partner or drop anonymously in the Kindness Box.
• Distribute the Empathy Journal Template.
• Reflect on prompts in your journal.

Explain the sharing options clearly: exchange one-to-one or drop into the ‘Kindness Box’ anonymously. Then guide them to the empathy journal.

Reflection Prompts

How did it feel to create kindness for someone else?
How do acts of kindness strengthen our classroom community?

Read each prompt aloud and give students time to write. Offer support to any student who seems unsure.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow: Blue Day—Express Yourself!
• Share positive words about yourself
• Learn how self-awareness supports mental health

Collect journals or invite volunteers to share. Preview tomorrow’s Blue Day activity focused on positive self-expression.

Worksheet

Pink Day Kindness Card

To: ___________________________ From: ___________________________

Drawing Area (Decorate with markers & stickers!):

Your Kind Message:

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Journal

Empathy Journal Template

Use these prompts to reflect on today’s Pink Day kindness activity. Take your time and write honestly.

How did it feel to create a kindness card for someone else?
What do you think the recipient felt when they received your card?
How do small acts of kindness help build a supportive classroom community?
Describe a time when someone showed you kindness. How did it impact you?
What is one specific way you can show kindness to a classmate tomorrow?
How can practicing empathy and kindness help us support each other’s mental health?

Feel free to add any additional thoughts or drawings below:

Lesson Plan

Day 2 Lesson Plan

Encourage students to practice positive self-expression through self-affirmations and creative art, fostering self-esteem and mental wellness.

Building self-awareness and positive self-talk helps 6th graders develop resilience, boost confidence, and support suicide prevention by reducing negative thought patterns.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Affirmation creation and art-based reflection.

Materials

Blue Day Affirmation Cards, - Self-Expression Art Template, - Colored Markers, and - Construction Paper

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Print enough copies of Blue Day Affirmation Cards for each student
Print the Self-Expression Art Template one per student
Gather colored markers and construction paper
Arrange desks or tables with space for art activities
Review examples of positive affirmations and sample artwork

Step 1

Welcome & Blue Day Intro

5 minutes

Greet students and introduce Blue Day: positive self-expression and self-affirmations
Define self-affirmation: positive statements we say to ourselves
Discuss how affirmations support mental health and prevent negative thoughts

Step 2

Affirmation Brainstorm

10 minutes

Distribute Blue Day Affirmation Cards
Ask students to brainstorm positive statements about themselves (e.g., “I am capable,” “I am kind”)
Write at least three affirmations on your cards

Step 3

Creative Art Expression

10 minutes

Distribute the Self-Expression Art Template
Invite students to illustrate their favorite affirmation using colors and imagery
Encourage creativity: symbols, drawings, unique lettering styles

Step 4

Share & Discuss

5 minutes

Invite volunteers to share their affirmation and artwork with the class
Prompt discussion: How did creating and sharing affirmations make you feel?
Encourage supportive feedback and applause

Slide Deck

Colors of Hope: Day 2 (Blue Day)

Agenda:

What Are Self-Affirmations?
Affirmation Brainstorm
Creative Art Expression
Share & Reflect

Welcome back! Today is Day 2 of Colors of Hope Spirit Week—Blue Day. We’ll focus on positive self-expression through affirmations and creative art. Review today’s agenda and link the importance of self-talk to mental wellness.

What Are Self-Affirmations?

• Positive statements we say to ourselves aloud or in our heads
• Examples: “I am capable,” “I am kind,” “I can handle challenges”

Self-affirmations help build self-esteem and reduce negative thoughts.

Ask students if they’ve ever said something nice to themselves. Introduce self-affirmations as positive statements we repeat to boost confidence and mental health.

Why Affirmations Matter

• Boost self-confidence and resilience
• Reduce stress and negative self-talk
• Encourage a positive mindset that supports mental health
• Contribute to suicide prevention by strengthening self-worth

Explain how affirmations support our well-being by replacing critical thoughts with encouraging ones. Tie this to preventing feelings of hopelessness and isolation.

Affirmation Brainstorm

Take your Blue Day Affirmation Cards.
Brainstorm 3–5 positive statements about yourself.
Write each affirmation on a separate card.

Examples:
• I am creative.
• I am a good friend.
• I am strong

Distribute the Blue Day Affirmation Cards. Guide students through brainstorming at least three positive statements about themselves.

Sample Affirmations

“I am a caring friend who listens.”
“I am brave when I try new things.”
“I am talented at solving problems.”
“I am proud of my hard work.”

Show these sample affirmations to spark ideas. Encourage students to be specific and authentic in their statements.

Creative Art Expression

Choose one affirmation from your cards.
Use the Self-Expression Art Template to illustrate it.
Add colors, symbols, and drawings that reflect your statement.

Be creative—make it visually inspiring!

Introduce the art activity. Distribute the Self-Expression Art Template and explain how to illustrate a favorite affirmation.

Sample Art Ideas

• Bold, colorful lettering of your affirmation
• Illustrations: sun, heart, mountain, etc.
• Patterns or symbols that represent strength and positivity

Show sample artwork ideas (e.g., colorful lettering, symbols like hearts or stars). Encourage students to think about imagery that represents their affirmation.

Share & Reflect

• Volunteers share their affirmation and artwork
• Discussion prompts:

How did expressing your affirmation through art feel?
How can affirmations help you on a tough day?

Invite volunteers to share their affirmation art. Ask how creating and expressing affirmations made them feel. Reinforce supportive feedback.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow: Green Day—Healthy Coping Strategies
• Learn ways to manage stress and emotions
• Practice simple breathing and relaxation activities

Preview tomorrow’s Green Day focused on coping strategies and stress relief. Encourage students to think about how they handle stress today.

Lesson Plan

Day 3 Lesson Plan

Introduce healthy coping strategies and stress-relief techniques through interactive exploration and guided breathing, helping students build emotional resilience.

Equipping students with practical tools to manage stress and emotions fosters self-care habits and supports suicide prevention by reducing feelings of overwhelm.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Hands-on coping activities and guided relaxation practice.

Materials

Green Day Coping Strategy Cards, - Guided Breathing Practice Sheet, - Calm Background Music (optional), and - Yoga Mats or Cushions (optional)

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Print enough Green Day Coping Strategy Cards for each student
Print the Guided Breathing Practice Sheet one per student
Arrange a calm area; set out yoga mats or cushions if available
Queue soft background music to play quietly during activities
Review each coping strategy to guide classroom demonstrations

Step 1

Welcome & Green Day Intro

5 minutes

Greet students and explain that today is Green Day: focusing on healthy coping strategies and stress relief techniques
Briefly discuss why managing stress is important for well-being and suicide prevention
Introduce today’s activities: exploring coping strategies and practicing guided breathing

Step 2

Coping Strategy Exploration

10 minutes

Distribute Green Day Coping Strategy Cards
In pairs, have students draw one card and discuss how they might use that strategy (e.g., journaling, stretching, listening to music)
Invite a few pairs to share their strategy and ideas with the class
Demonstrate any strategy that requires modeling (e.g., simple stretches or mindfulness pause)

Step 3

Guided Breathing Practice

10 minutes

Distribute the Guided Breathing Practice Sheet
Lead the class through each step of the breathing exercise, reading aloud the prompts
Encourage students to follow the visual cues and focus on slow, deep breaths
Play calm background music softly to support the relaxation experience

Step 4

Reflection & Personal Plan

5 minutes

Ask students to complete the reflection section on their breathing sheet:
- Which coping strategy resonated most with you?
- When might you use this strategy?
Invite volunteers to share their personal plan
Encourage students to practice these techniques when feeling stressed and to support classmates in doing the same

Slide Deck

Colors of Hope: Day 3 (Green Day)

Agenda:

What Are Coping Strategies?
Coping Strategy Exploration
Guided Breathing Practice
Reflection & Personal Plan

Welcome everyone! Today is Day 3 of our Colors of Hope Spirit Week—Green Day. We’ll focus on healthy coping strategies and stress‐relief techniques. Walk through today’s agenda and explain how these tools support emotional well‐being and suicide prevention.

What Are Coping Strategies?

Coping strategies are healthy actions we choose to handle stress, strong feelings, or tough moments.

Examples:
• Taking deep breaths
• Talking with a friend
• Journaling or drawing
• Stretching or moving our bodies

Define coping strategies as actions we can take to manage stress and difficult emotions. Prompt students: “When you feel upset or worried, what do you do to feel better?”

Why Healthy Coping Matters

• Reduces feelings of anxiety and overwhelm
• Builds emotional resilience over time
• Helps us stay calm and focused
• Supports a positive, connected classroom community

Explain how healthy coping reduces stress, improves mood, and helps us feel more in control. Tie this to preventing overwhelm and supporting mental health.

Coping Strategy Exploration

Take a Green Day Coping Strategy Card.
In pairs, discuss how you might use this strategy (e.g., journaling, listening to music, gentle stretching).
Be ready to share one idea with the class.

Distribute the Green Day Coping Strategy Cards. In pairs, have students draw a card and discuss how they could use that strategy. Invite a few pairs to share aloud.

Sample Coping Strategies

• Journaling your thoughts or feelings
• Going for a walk or stretching
• Listening to calming music
• Talking with a trusted friend or adult
• Drawing, coloring, or crafting
• Using deep breathing or mindfulness

Show this slide if students need inspiration. Emphasize that everyone’s go-to strategies can be different—there’s no right or wrong choice.

Guided Breathing Practice

Open your Guided Breathing Practice Sheet.
Follow the visual prompts for slow inhale and exhale.
Focus on filling your belly with air, then gently release.
Repeat for 5–7 breaths, noticing how your body relaxes.

Hand out the Guided Breathing Practice Sheet. Lead students through each step, modeling slow inhales and exhales. Play soft background music if available.

Reflection & Personal Plan

• Which coping strategy resonated most with you?
• When and where might you use this strategy?

Write your answers on your sheet, then share with a partner or as a volunteer.

Ask students to complete the reflection questions on their breathing sheet. Then invite a few volunteers to share which strategy resonated most and when they might use it.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow: Yellow Day—Building Connections
• Activities to strengthen peer support
• Learn how friendships and teamwork boost mental health

Preview tomorrow’s Yellow Day theme focused on building connections and peer support. Encourage students to think about who helps them feel supported.

Worksheet

Green Day Coping Strategy Cards

Cut out the cards below. In pairs, draw one card and discuss how you might use the strategy. On your card, write a short plan or example.

Card 1: Deep Breathing
Take slow, deep breaths: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 2, exhale for 6.
How might you use this strategy?

Card 2: Journaling
Write down your thoughts and feelings for 5–10 minutes.
When could this help you?

Card 3: Stretching or Movement
Stand up and stretch or take a quick walk to release tension.
Where and when could you try this?

Card 4: Calming Music
Listen to a favorite song or calming playlist to shift your mood.
Which song would you choose and why?

Card 5: Talking with Someone
Share your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or teacher.
Who would you talk to, and what might you say?

Card 6: Drawing or Coloring
Use art to express how you feel—draw shapes, patterns, or pictures.
What would you create?

Card 7: Mindfulness/Meditation
Sit quietly, focus on your breathing or a guided prompt for 3–5 minutes.
When could you fit this into your day?

Card 8: Gratitude Listing
Write down three things you’re grateful for right now.
What will you list?

Worksheet

Guided Breathing Practice Sheet

Follow the steps below to help you relax and manage stress. Find a comfortable seat—sit up straight or lie down. Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest. When you’re ready, begin:

Breathe In (4 counts):
– Slowly inhale through your nose for a count of 4, feeling your belly expand under your hand.
Hold (2 counts):
– Gently hold your breath for a count of 2.
Breathe Out (6 counts):
– Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 6, feeling your belly fall.

Repeat this cycle 5 times. Notice how your body responds to each breath.

Reflection

Before practicing breathing, I felt:
After practicing breathing, I felt:
The step I found easiest was (Inhale / Hold / Exhale):
The step I found most challenging was (Inhale / Hold / Exhale):
I could use this breathing exercise when I feel (e.g., stressed, nervous, upset):

Lesson Plan

Day 4 Lesson Plan

Strengthen peer connections and support through Yellow Day activities, encouraging students to recognize and celebrate each other’s strengths and build a caring classroom community.

Fostering positive peer relationships creates a safety net of trust and belonging, which reduces isolation and contributes to suicide prevention by ensuring students know they have support.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive peer-feedback and network-building activities.

Materials

Yellow Day Peer Connection Cards, - Connection Web Template, - Sticky Notes, and - Markers

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Print one set of Yellow Day Peer Connection Cards per student
Print one Connection Web Template per student
Gather sticky notes and markers
Arrange desks in a large circle or open space for sharing
Review cards and template prompts to guide student support

Step 1

Welcome & Yellow Day Intro

5 minutes

Greet students and explain today is Yellow Day: Building Connections
Discuss why strong peer relationships matter for well-being and suicide awareness
Introduce today’s focus: giving and receiving supportive feedback to strengthen our classroom community

Step 2

Peer Connection Card Activity

10 minutes

Distribute one Yellow Day Peer Connection Card to each student
On each card, write your name at the top and answer the prompt:
• “One thing I appreciate about you is…”
Students circulate quietly and trade cards, writing a positive note for each classmate until all cards are signed

Step 3

Connection Web Creation

10 minutes

Distribute the Connection Web Template
In the center, write your name; around it, write peers’ names you feel connected to
On each line, jot a brief note about why you feel supported by that peer
Use markers and sticky notes to decorate and highlight key connections

Step 4

Share & Reflect

5 minutes

Invite volunteers to share one connection from their web and how it felt to give/receive support
Ask reflection questions:
• How did it feel to see peers’ positive words about you?
• How can we continue to support each other beyond today?
Preview tomorrow’s Purple Day—Celebrating Growth and Hope

Slide Deck

Colors of Hope: Day 4 (Yellow Day)

Agenda:

What Are Peer Connections?
Peer Connection Card Activity
Connection Web Creation
Share & Reflect
Looking Ahead

Welcome everyone! Today is Day 4 of our Colors of Hope Spirit Week—Yellow Day. We’ll focus on building connections and supporting each other. Review the agenda and explain how strong peer relationships promote well-being and suicide prevention.

What Are Peer Connections?

Peer connections are supportive relationships with classmates and friends.
They help us:
• Feel understood and valued
• Share challenges and joys
• Build a caring, safe classroom community

Engage students by asking: “Who do you turn to when you need support?” Define peer connections and their role in creating trust and belonging.

Why Peer Support Matters

• Creates a safety net of trust and belonging
• Encourages sharing feelings before they become overwhelming
• Boosts self-esteem through positive feedback
• Helps prevent loneliness and hopelessness

Highlight why peer support matters for mental health and suicide prevention. Emphasize that knowing we’re not alone reduces isolation and worry.

Peer Connection Card Activity

Take a Yellow Day Peer Connection Card (#yellow-day-peer-connection-cards).
Write your name at the top and answer: “One thing I appreciate about you is…”
Circulate quietly and trade cards, signing each classmate’s card with a positive note.
Continue until every card is signed.

Introduce the Peer Connection Card activity. Distribute cards and explain how to write appreciation notes for each classmate.

Sample Appreciation Notes

“I appreciate how you always listen.”
“I appreciate your sense of humor—it makes me smile.”
“I appreciate how you help others with their work.”
“I appreciate your kindness and patience.”

Show sample appreciation phrases to inspire students. Encourage sincerity and specificity.

Connection Web Creation

Take a Connection Web Template (#connection-web-template).
Write your name in the center.
Around your name, write peers you feel connected to.
On each line, note why you feel supported by that peer.
Decorate with markers and sticky notes.

Explain how to fill out the Connection Web. Distribute templates and guide students through mapping their support network.

Share & Reflect

Discussion Prompts:
• How did it feel to give and receive positive words?
• Which connection surprised you?
• How can we keep supporting each other every day?

Invite volunteers to share one connection and reflect on the experience. Use prompts to deepen understanding and encourage ongoing support.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow: Purple Day—Celebrating Growth & Hope
• Reflect on your journey this week
• Create a symbol of hope and share your story

Preview tomorrow’s Purple Day, which focuses on celebrating growth and hope. Encourage students to think about how they’ve grown this week.

Worksheet

Yellow Day Peer Connection Cards

Use these cards to share positive feedback with your classmates. Distribute one card to each classmate. On each card, write your name at the top and answer the prompt:

“One thing I appreciate about you is…”

Circulate quietly and have every classmate sign your card with their note.

Card 1
To: ______________________ From: ______________________