Lesson Plan
Finding Your Spark Lesson Plan
Guide a 5th grader through seven individual 30-minute sessions to understand depression, identify triggers and symptoms, and build personalized coping skills and support plans.
Early intervention teaches resilience and emotional literacy, empowers the student with practical tools to manage depression, and reduces the risk of self-harm.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
Before Session 1
Step 1
Session 1: Introduction to Depression
30 minutes
Step 2
Session 2: Recognizing Symptoms
30 minutes
Step 3
Session 3: Identifying Triggers
30 minutes
Step 4
Session 4: Linking Thoughts and Feelings
30 minutes
Step 5
Session 5: Building Coping Skills
30 minutes
Step 6
Session 6: Creating a Support Network
30 minutes
Step 7
Session 7: Reflection and Future Planning
30 minutes
Slide Deck
Finding Your Spark
What Is Depression?
Depression Myths vs. Facts
Emotional Symptoms
Physical Symptoms
Behavioral Symptoms
Internal Triggers
External Triggers
Identifying Your Triggers
Thoughts → Feelings → Actions
Challenging Negative Thoughts
Healthy Coping Strategies
Unhealthy Coping Strategies
Choosing Your Coping Skills
Building Your Support Team
Why Asking for Help Matters
How to Ask for Help
Looking Back: What We’ve Learned
Setting Your Goals
Keep Your Spark Alive
Worksheet
Worksheet
Worksheet
Worksheet
Discussion
