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Group Up!

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Janice Zimmerman

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Group Up!

Students will understand the value of social-emotional support groups, self-assess their own needs for such groups, and explore options for participation.

Adolescence can present many challenges. Social-emotional groups provide a safe space to develop crucial life skills, build connections, and navigate difficult emotions, fostering overall well-being and academic success.

Audience

11th and 12th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, self-reflection, and exploration of group benefits and options.

Materials

Group Up! Slide Deck, Group Discussion Prompts, and Group Needs Self-Assessment Activity

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

  • Review the Group Up! Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
    - Read through the Group Discussion Prompts to prepare for facilitating conversation.
    - Familiarize yourself with the Group Needs Self-Assessment Activity and prepare copies if distributing physically (or plan for digital distribution).

Step 1

Introduction and Hook

5 minutes

  • Begin with an engaging question to spark student interest (refer to Group Up! Slide Deck for ideas).
    - Introduce the concept of social-emotional support groups and their purpose.
    - Explain that this session is about exploring resources for personal growth and well-being.

Step 2

Exploring Group Benefits

10 minutes

  • Use the Group Up! Slide Deck to present the benefits of group support (e.g., skill-building, community, immersion therapy).
    - Facilitate a class discussion using the Group Discussion Prompts to delve deeper into these benefits and address student questions.
    - Emphasize the unique advantages of a structured, in-person, short-term group setting.

Step 3

Self-Assessment and Options

10 minutes

  • Distribute or guide students through the Group Needs Self-Assessment Activity.
    - Explain that this is a personal reflection and participation in groups is optional.
    - Present existing group options (if applicable) and explain how students can suggest new groups.
    - Allow time for students to privately consider their choices.

Step 4

Wrap-Up and Next Steps

5 minutes

  • Briefly summarize the key takeaways about group support.
    - Provide clear instructions on how students can sign up for a group, suggest a new group, or indicate they are not interested.
    - Reassure students that all choices are respected and confidential.
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Slide Deck

Group Up! Finding Your Support Squad

Ever felt like you could use a little extra support?
What if there was a place to grow together?

Welcome students. Start with a quick icebreaker question or an intriguing statement to get them thinking about support and growth.

What Are Support Groups?

Safe spaces to learn new skills.
Connecting with others who understand.
Focused on personal growth and well-being.

Explain what social-emotional groups are in simple terms. Emphasize that these are about building skills, not just fixing problems.

Why Join a Group?

Build Essential Skills

  • Social Skills
  • Decision-Making
  • Coping with Anxiety or Grief

Find Your Community

  • Connect with peers
  • Share experiences
  • Discover you're not alone

Grow Through Immersion

  • Practice skills in real-time
  • Receive support and feedback
  • Experience positive change

Highlight the key benefits: skill development, community, and the idea of 'immersion' where they actively practice in a supportive setting.

The Power of In-Person, Short-Term Groups

Dedicated time for focused learning.
Consistent support over several weeks.
Real-time interaction and feedback.
Building trust and deeper connections.

Explain why 6-8 weeks in-person is effective: consistency, direct interaction, and dedicated time for progress.

Time for Self-Reflection

What areas of your social-emotional health could use a boost?
Think about skills like communication, managing stress, or dealing with big feelings.

Today, we'll do a quick self-assessment to help you think about this.

Introduce the idea of self-assessment. Reassure students it's private and there's no pressure. Guide them to the Group Needs Self-Assessment Activity.

Your Choices, Your Growth

Option 1: Join an Existing Group

  • We have groups focusing on [List 2-3 examples of existing group topics if you have them, e.g., 'Anxiety Management', 'Grief Support', 'Leadership Skills'].

Option 2: Suggest a New Group

  • Is there a topic you need support with that isn't listed?

Option 3: Opt Out

  • It's okay if a group isn't for you right now.

Your decision is private and respected.

Explain the options clearly: existing groups, suggesting new ones, or opting out. Emphasize respect for all choices and confidentiality.

Take the Next Step

Think about what's best for you.
Decide if a group could help you grow.

Further instructions on how to communicate your choice will be provided.

Final encouraging slide. Provide practical next steps for signing up or indicating their choice.

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Discussion

Group Up! Discussion Prompts

Introduction

  1. What comes to mind when you hear the words "support group" or "social-emotional group"?


  2. Can you think of any situations in life where having a dedicated group for support or skill-building might be really helpful?


Exploring Benefits

  1. We talked about groups helping to build skills like social interaction, decision-making, or managing anxiety. Which of these skills do you think are most important for high school students?


  2. How might sharing experiences with peers in a group make a difference compared to trying to handle things alone?


  3. The term "immersion therapy" means actively practicing new ways of thinking or behaving in a safe environment. Why do you think practicing skills in a group setting, rather than just talking about them, could be more effective?


The Group Format

  1. Why might meeting in person be beneficial for building trust and connection in a group?


  2. What are the advantages of a group meeting for a set number of weeks (like 6-8 weeks) instead of an ongoing, open-ended format?


Personal Connection (Optional)

  1. Without sharing personal details, what is one general area of social or emotional well-being that you believe many high school students could benefit from exploring in a supportive environment?


Closing

  1. Based on our discussion, what's one new idea you have about the value of social-emotional groups?


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Activity

Group Up! Group Needs Self-Assessment

This activity is for your personal reflection only. You do not need to share your answers with anyone. Your participation in any group is completely voluntary, and your choices will be respected.

Part 1: Reflecting on Social-Emotional Skills

Think about different areas of your social and emotional well-being. Consider what skills you feel confident in and what areas you might be interested in strengthening.

Instructions: For each statement below, circle the number that best reflects how much you agree or disagree. (1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree)

  1. I feel confident in expressing my thoughts and feelings effectively.

    1     2     3     4     5
  2. I can manage stress and pressure in healthy ways.

    1     2     3     4     5
  3. I feel comfortable making decisions, especially when they are difficult.

    1     2     3     4     5
  4. I navigate conflicts or disagreements with others constructively.

    1     2     3     4     5
  5. I effectively cope with feelings of sadness, loss, or worry.

    1     2     3     4     5
  6. I feel a strong sense of belonging and connection with others.

    1     2     3     4     5
  7. I am able to set and achieve personal goals for my well-being.

    1     2     3     4     5

Part 2: Considering Group Support (MOVE THIS TO A GOOGLE FORM)

Based on your reflections and our discussion about social-emotional groups, think about whether joining a group might be beneficial for you at this time.

Instructions: Please check the box that best describes your current interest.

  • I am interested in joining an existing support group. (Please list any specific topics you're interested in below, e.g., 'anxiety management', 'social skills', 'decision-making', 'grief support', etc. if known.)






  • I would be interested in a group if it focused on a different topic. (Please suggest a topic you feel would be beneficial to you and others.)






  • I am not interested in joining a group at this time.






Part 3: Optional Further Reflection

If you checked one of the "interested" boxes, what is one thing you hope to gain from participating in a social-emotional support group?












 
 
If you chose "not interested," is there any reason you feel a group isn't right for you at this time (e.g., preference for individual support, no perceived need, time constraints)? You do not need to answer this if you prefer not to.












Thank you for your thoughtful reflection. Your responses will help us understand student needs and offer relevant support. Instructions on how to confidentially submit your choice will be provided by your teacher.

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