lenny

Hands-On Helping

user image
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Helping Hands Lesson Plan

Students will explore the role and skills of social workers by examining real-life scenarios and reflecting on how these professionals support communities.

Helps students build empathy, critical thinking, and awareness of community support systems, preparing them to recognize and respond to social needs around them.

Audience

7th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive presentation, scenario discussion, and reflection.

Materials

Prep

Review and Organize Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Ask students what they know about social workers and record responses on chart paper
  • Highlight common misconceptions and link to today’s objectives
  • Share lesson goals: understanding the role and skills of social workers

Step 2

Direct Instruction

10 minutes

  • Present the Social Worker Role Overview
  • Emphasize key skills: empathy, communication, and problem-solving
  • Share a brief real-world example of a social worker intervention

Step 3

Group Activity

10 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups and distribute Case Scenario Cards
  • In groups, read each scenario and discuss how a social worker would approach it
  • Groups record their proposed actions and reasoning on chart paper

Step 4

Reflection and Assessment

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Reflection Worksheet
  • Students individually write what they learned and how they might help someone in need
  • Collect worksheets to assess understanding and share key takeaways with the class
lenny

Lesson Plan

Hands-On Helping Lesson Plan

Students will explore the role and key skills of social workers—empathy, active listening, and problem-solving—by analyzing real-life scenarios and reflecting on how they can support peers and community members.

This lesson builds empathy, communication, and critical thinking while raising awareness of community support systems, empowering students to recognize and respond to social needs around them.

Audience

7th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive presentation, group discussion, and individual reflection.

Materials

Social Worker Role Overview, Case Scenario Cards, Reflection Worksheet, Chart Paper, Markers, and Timer

Prep

Review and Organize Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Ask students what they know about social workers and record responses on chart paper
  • Highlight common misconceptions and link to today’s objectives
  • Share lesson goals: understanding the role and skills of social workers

Step 2

Direct Instruction

10 minutes

  • Present the Social Worker Role Overview
  • Emphasize key skills: empathy, communication, and problem-solving
  • Share a brief real-world example of a social worker intervention

Step 3

Group Activity

10 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups and distribute Case Scenario Cards
  • In groups, read each scenario and discuss how a social worker would approach it
  • Groups record their proposed actions and reasoning on chart paper

Step 4

Reflection and Assessment

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Reflection Worksheet
  • Students individually write what they learned and how they might help someone in need
  • Collect worksheets to assess understanding and share key takeaways with the class
lenny

Slide Deck

Hands-On Helping: Understanding Social Work

Objectives:

  • Explore the role of social workers
  • Understand key skills: empathy, active listening, problem-solving
  • Practice applying these skills in real-life scenarios

Welcome students to the lesson. Introduce the topic of social work and review the objectives displayed. Emphasize the importance of empathy, active listening, and problem-solving. Outline the activities: warm-up discussion, overview presentation, group scenario work, and reflection.

Warm-Up: What Do You Know About Social Workers?

  • Ask: What comes to mind when you hear “social worker”?
  • Record responses on chart paper
  • Discuss common misconceptions and clarify today’s goals

Engage students by asking them to share their thoughts. Write responses visibly. Gently correct any misconceptions and link ideas to today’s objectives. Prepare them for learning about the realities of social work.

Social Worker Role Overview

  • Role: Support individuals, families, and communities in need
  • Key Skills:
    • Empathy: Understanding others’ feelings
    • Active Listening: Paying full attention and asking questions
    • Problem-Solving: Identifying issues and finding solutions
  • Example: School counselor helping a student cope with stress

Use the Social Worker Role Overview material to guide this slide. Explain each skill with examples. Share a brief real-world story—e.g., a school social worker helping a student navigate challenges—to illustrate impact.

Group Activity: Case Scenarios

  • Divide into small groups (3–4 students)
  • Distribute Case Scenario Cards
  • Read and discuss each scenario
  • As a group, decide how a social worker would help
  • Record proposed actions and reasoning on chart paper

Arrange students into groups. Hand out the scenario cards. Remind them to think like social workers, using the skills discussed. Circulate to support discussions and prompt deeper thinking if needed.

Reflection and Assessment

  • Distribute the Reflection Worksheet
  • Individually write: What did you learn today? How might you help someone in need?
  • Collect worksheets to assess understanding
  • Share key takeaways briefly with the class

Give students time to reflect quietly. Encourage honest responses. Collect worksheets for assessment. After collection, ask a few volunteers to share insights and reinforce the lesson’s main points.

Key Takeaways

  • Empathy helps build trust and understanding
  • Active listening uncovers real needs
  • Problem-solving guides effective support
  • Social workers play a vital role in communities

Summarize the lesson by reviewing these key points. Encourage students to apply these skills in everyday interactions with friends, family, and community members. Thank them for their participation.

lenny

Worksheet

Reflection Worksheet

Name: ___________________________ Date: ____________

  1. What is one thing you learned today about social workers and their role?






  2. Choose one key skill—empathy, active listening, or problem-solving—and describe how you might use this skill to help a friend or community member in need.










  3. Think about a time when you faced a challenge. How could a social worker support you using the skills you learned in class today?










  4. What is one action you can take this week to practice helping someone using the skills we discussed?




  5. Reflect on how understanding social work might influence your future choices or behavior.








lenny
lenny

Reading

Social Worker Role Overview

Social workers are caring professionals who help individuals, families, and communities navigate life’s challenges. Whether someone is facing problems at home, school, or in their neighborhood, social workers step in to offer support, resources, and solutions. By building trust and understanding, they empower people to find their own strengths and improve their well-being.

What Does a Social Worker Do?

  • Connects people to services such as counseling, housing assistance, or medical care
  • Advocates for individuals’ rights and needs in schools, courts, or community agencies
  • Collaborates with families, teachers, and other professionals to create a safe, supportive environment
  • Teaches clients new skills—like coping strategies or effective communication—to solve problems independently

Key Skills of Social Workers

  1. Empathy: Putting themselves in someone else’s shoes to understand feelings and perspectives.
  2. Active Listening: Paying full attention, asking thoughtful questions, and reflecting back what they hear.
  3. Problem-Solving: Identifying challenges, brainstorming solutions, and helping clients take small steps toward their goals.
  4. Communication: Explaining complex information clearly, whether talking with a child, a parent, or a community leader.
  5. Advocacy: Standing up for people’s rights and connecting them with the resources they need.

Why Social Work Matters

Social work isn’t just a job—it’s a way to make communities stronger. By addressing issues like bullying, family stress, or mental health, social workers create safer schools and neighborhoods. They help reduce misunderstandings, prevent crises, and promote fairness for everyone.

Real-Life Glimpse

Imagine a student named Carlos who is struggling to keep up in class because his family recently moved and he feels isolated. A school social worker meets with Carlos to understand his worries. They listen without judgment, help him set small goals—like joining a club—and connect him with a peer buddy and after-school tutoring. Over time, Carlos feels more confident and engaged at school.

Through empathy, listening, and creative problem-solving, social workers like this make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

lenny
lenny

Activity

Case Scenario Cards

Use these scenarios for group discussions. Each group should read their card, identify which social worker skills to use—empathy, active listening, problem-solving—and decide on a plan of action. Record your reasoning on chart paper.

Scenario 1: New Student Feeling Isolated

Maria just moved from another state and is struggling to make friends. She eats lunch alone and seems hesitant to join class activities.

What would a social worker do?

  • How can empathy help Maria feel welcome?
  • What questions might you ask her?
  • What resources or steps could you suggest?






Scenario 2: Family Stress at Home

Jamal’s parents are going through a difficult divorce. He’s distracted in class, his grades are slipping, and he’s been arguing with friends.

What would a social worker do?

  • How might active listening help Jamal?
  • What small goals could you set with him?
  • Who else might you involve for support?






Scenario 3: Witnessing Bullying

Alex sees another student being teased in the hallway every day but is too afraid to speak up. The victim looks upset and is avoiding school.

What would a social worker do?

  • How can you approach both students safely?
  • What problem-solving steps could stop the bullying?
  • What school resources or policies apply?






Scenario 4: Food Insecurity

Sophie sometimes comes to school without lunch because her family is having financial difficulties. She seems tired and loses focus by mid-morning.

What would a social worker do?

  • How can you discuss the issue with Sophie compassionately?
  • What community or school programs could help?
  • How do you maintain her dignity while offering support?






Scenario 5: Friend Showing Signs of Anxiety

Jordan’s best friend, Sam, has been skipping classes and avoids social situations. Sam says they feel “overwhelmed” and “too nervous” to talk.

What would a social worker do?

  • How can active listening encourage Sam to share more?
  • What coping strategies might you teach?
  • Who else on campus could provide help?






lenny
lenny

Cool Down

Lesson Wrap-Up

Name: ___________________________ Date: ____________

  1. What is one new thing you learned about social workers today?




  2. Which key skill—empathy, active listening, or problem-solving—do you feel most confident using? Why?




  3. What is one action you will take this week to help someone using the skills we discussed?




Thank you for sharing! Your responses will help guide our next steps.

lenny
lenny