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Lesson Plan
Helping Hands Lesson Plan
Students will understand the role and impact of social workers by analyzing real-life scenarios, practicing empathetic communication in role-plays, and reflecting on advocacy skills.
This lesson cultivates empathy, raises awareness of social work’s role in supporting individuals and communities, fosters emotional intelligence, and encourages students to consider advocacy and helping professions.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Scenario analysis, role play, reflection
Materials
- Social Work Scenarios Handout, - Empathy Role-Play Cards, - Reflection Prompts Sheet, - Whiteboard and Markers, and - Timer
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print enough copies of Social Work Scenarios Handout for each pair of students
- Print and cut apart sets of Empathy Role-Play Cards
- Print Reflection Prompts Sheet for each student
- Arrange classroom seating to facilitate pair and whole-group discussions
- Set up the whiteboard and have markers ready
- Review all materials to ensure clarity and familiarity with scenarios
Step 1
Introduction to Social Work
5 minutes
- Write “Social Work” on the whiteboard and ask students to share words or ideas that come to mind
- Provide a concise definition: social workers help individuals, families, and communities navigate challenges
- Highlight three key focus areas: mental health support, community resources, and advocacy strategies
Step 2
Scenario Exploration
10 minutes
- Distribute Social Work Scenarios Handout
- In pairs, students read each scenario, identify the client's need, and discuss how a social worker could assist
- Circulate and prompt deeper thinking with guiding questions (e.g., “What resources might be needed?”)
- Invite 2–3 pairs to share insights and record key strategies on the whiteboard
Step 3
Empathy Role-Play Activity
10 minutes
- Introduce Empathy Role-Play Cards and explain active listening techniques
- In pairs, assign one student as social worker and the other as client; role-play for 4 minutes focusing on empathetic responses
- After time is up, have students switch roles and repeat with a new card
- Encourage use of body language, reflective statements, and supportive questions
Step 4
Reflection and Discussion
5 minutes
- Hand out Reflection Prompts Sheet
- Students respond individually to prompts (e.g., “Why is empathy crucial in social work?”)
- Invite volunteers to share reflections
- Summarize key takeaways on the whiteboard, emphasizing empathy, advocacy, and available support systems
Slide Deck
Helping Hands: Exploring Social Work
30-Minute Lesson | 7th Grade
Welcome students! Today we’ll explore what social work is and why it matters. We’ll define the field, analyze real-life scenarios, practice empathetic communication, and reflect on advocacy skills. This slide serves as our roadmap for the next 30 minutes.
What Is Social Work?
• Social workers help individuals, families, and communities navigate challenges
• Key focus areas:
– Mental Health Support
– Community Resources
– Advocacy Strategies
Ask students: “What comes to mind when you hear ‘social work’?” Listen to responses, then share the definition and key areas. Invite examples from their own lives.
Scenario Exploration
- Form pairs
- Read scenarios on Social Work Scenarios Handout
- Identify the client’s need and brainstorm social work support strategies
- After 8 minutes, share key insights with the class
Explain the pair activity. Circulate, listen in, and ask guiding questions such as “What resources might this student need?” After 8 minutes, invite 2–3 pairs to share their strategies.
Empathy Role-Play Activity
- Take an Empathy Role-Play Card from Empathy Role-Play Cards
- In pairs, assign roles: Social Worker & Client
- Role-play for 4 minutes focusing on active listening
- Switch roles and repeat with a new card
Model active listening and supportive language. Encourage students to use open questions and reflective statements. Provide quick feedback as they role-play.
Reflection & Discussion
Use Reflection Prompts Sheet to respond:
• Why is empathy crucial in social work?
• How can advocacy support individuals or communities?
• What did you learn about helping others?
Write for 3 minutes, then share.
Distribute the Reflection Prompts Sheet. Give students 3 minutes to write. Then invite volunteers to share. Capture highlights on the board to reinforce learning.
Key Takeaways & Next Steps
• Empathy builds trust and support
• Social workers connect people to resources
• Advocacy can drive positive change
• Anyone can practice helping skills
Thank you for your participation!
Summarize the lesson: empathy builds trust, social workers connect to resources, advocacy drives change, and everyone can practice helping skills. Encourage students to look for ways to support peers.
Worksheet
Social Work Scenarios Handout
In pairs, read each scenario below. Then answer the questions that follow. Be prepared to share your ideas with the class.
Scenario 1: Test Anxiety at School
Alex is a 7th grader who feels overwhelmed by upcoming math tests. Lately, Alex has been missing school occasionally, claiming a stomachache. When at school, Alex seems distracted, avoids group work, and worries aloud about failing.
- What is Alex’s main concern?
- How could a social worker help Alex manage anxiety and stay engaged in class?
Scenario 2: Family Financial Stress
The Martinez family recently lost their car and struggled to get to work. Their rent is overdue, and the children sometimes go hungry. The school counselor noticed that the Martinez siblings are tired, have unclean uniforms, and often ask for extra meals from the cafeteria.
- What challenges is this family facing?
- What community resources or strategies might a social worker connect them with?
Scenario 3: Bullying and Peer Conflict
Jordan has been avoiding the playground and eating lunch alone because a group of classmates teases Jordan at recess. Jordan’s grades have begun to slip, and Jordan seems sad and withdrawn during class discussions.
- What issue is Jordan experiencing at school?
- Describe two ways a social worker could support Jordan and address the bullying.
Scenario 4: Community Advocacy for a New Park
Residents in Oakwood neighborhood lack safe play spaces. Kids play on busy streets, and families worry about traffic injuries. A group of parents and teachers wants to petition the city for a park, but they don’t know where to start.
- What is the community’s concern?
- How could a social worker facilitate an advocacy project to help this community?
Worksheet
Empathy Role-Play Cards
Cut along the lines to create individual cards. In each pair, one student takes the “Client” card and shares their situation, while the other practices empathetic listening and supportive responses as the “Social Worker.” After 4 minutes, switch roles and draw a new card.
Card 1: New Student Anxiety
You just moved to a new town and started at a new school. You feel lonely and worry that you won't make friends.
Card 2: Family Arguments
You are upset because your parents have been arguing more often. You don’t know how to help and feel stressed at home.
Card 3: Peer Pressure
Your friends are pressuring you to try something you don’t feel comfortable with. You feel torn and scared to say no.
Card 4: Sibling Bullying
Your older sibling has been mean to you, calling you names and taking your things. You feel hurt and don’t know what to do.
Card 5: Academic Overload
You have too many homework assignments and feel overwhelmed. You worry about letting your teacher and family down.
Card 6: Community Worry
You live in a neighborhood with no safe play spaces or parks. You feel frustrated and worried about safety when playing outside.
Worksheet
Reflection Prompts Sheet
Individually reflect on the questions below. Write your responses in the space provided. Be prepared to share one of your answers with the class.
- Why is empathy crucial in social work?
- How can advocacy support individuals or communities?
- Describe one empathetic listening or communication technique you practiced during the role-play. How did it help the “client”?
- Think of one way you can show empathy or advocate for someone at school or in your community. Describe your idea.
- What is one new insight you gained about the role of social workers?
Lesson Plan
Who’s Got Your Back Lesson Plan
Students will learn the role and impact of social workers by analyzing real-life scenarios, practicing empathy-based interactions, and reflecting on the importance of social work support. They will identify social work strategies and demonstrate empathetic communication.
This lesson builds students’ social-emotional skills, fosters empathy, and introduces a vital helping profession. It empowers them to recognize support systems in their lives and consider social work as a career path.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Scenario analysis, role play, and reflection
Materials
Social Work Scenarios Handout, - Empathy Role-Play Cards, - Reflection Prompts Sheet, - Whiteboard and Markers, and - Timer
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction to Social Work
5 minutes
Step 2
Scenario Exploration
10 minutes
Step 3
Empathy Role-Play Activity
10 minutes
Step 4
Reflection and Group Discussion
5 minutes