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Holiday Harmony Hub

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Lesson Plan

Holiday Harmony Hub

Students will explore strategies for managing holiday stress and 'seasonal blues,' recognize the importance of community support, and develop positive coping mechanisms during the holiday season.

The holiday season, while joyful for many, can also bring unique stressors, emotional challenges, and feelings of isolation. This lesson provides students with practical tools and a supportive space to navigate these experiences, promoting their mental well-being and reinforcing a sense of collective community.

Audience

9th-12th Grade African American/Latinx Students

Time

30 Minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, collaborative game, and reflective activity.

Materials

Projector, Whiteboard, Holiday Harmony Slide Deck, Holiday Harmony Circles Activity, Holiday Head-Scratcher Game, and Community Connection Discussion Guide

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Holiday Headlines (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Project Slide 1: Holiday Harmony Hub and then Slide 2: Holiday Headlines.
    - Ask students to share one word or short phrase that comes to mind when they think of the holidays. Write responses on the whiteboard, creating a 'word cloud.'
    - Facilitate a brief discussion: "What themes do you notice? Are there any surprises?"

Step 2

Mini-Lesson: Navigating the Season (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Project Slide 3: More Than Just Merry.
    - Briefly introduce the concept of 'seasonal blues' and common holiday stressors. Acknowledge that everyone's experience is different.
    - Project Slide 4: Community Care. Discuss the importance of collective well-being and supporting one another.

Step 3

Activity: Holiday Harmony Circles (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Introduce the Holiday Harmony Circles Activity.
    - Divide students into small groups (3-4 students).
    - Distribute the activity instructions (or project them from the slide deck).
    - Circulate and guide groups as they brainstorm and share strategies for managing stress and supporting community during the holidays.

Step 4

Game: Holiday Head-Scratcher (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Step 5

Cool-Down: Community Connection Discussion (5 minutes)

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

Holiday Harmony Hub

Navigating the Season with Support & Joy

Welcome students and introduce the topic of navigating the holiday season. The title aims to be uplifting and community-focused.

Holiday Headlines

What comes to mind when you think of the holidays?

Share one word or a short phrase.

Explain that students will share one word or short phrase that comes to mind when they think of the holidays. Write their responses on the whiteboard to form a word cloud.

More Than Just Merry

The holiday season can bring:

  • Stress & Expectations
  • Seasonal Blues (changes in mood/energy)
  • Feelings of Isolation

It's okay to not feel 'merry and bright' all the time.

Introduce the idea that the holidays can be challenging. Briefly explain 'seasonal blues' (changes in mood, energy, sleep related to seasonal changes) and common stressors like expectations, finances, family dynamics, or feelings of loneliness. Emphasize that these feelings are normal and valid.

Community Care

We're in this together!

  • Supporting Each Other
  • Building Connections
  • Shared Strength

How can we uplift our community during the holidays?

Shift focus to the power of community. Discuss how supporting each other can make a big difference. Ask: "What does 'community care' mean to you during this time of year?"

Head-Scratcher Challenge

Let's work together to find solutions!

  • Group Problem-Solving
  • Empathy & Creativity
  • Supporting Scenarios

Introduce the Holiday Head-Scratcher Game. Explain that they will work in groups to solve holiday-related scenarios. Encourage creative and empathetic solutions.

Our Harmony Pledge

What's one thing you'll carry with you?

  • One New Strategy
  • One Way to Support Community

Let's make this season one of genuine connection and care.

For the cool-down, present the questions from the Community Connection Discussion Guide. Encourage thoughtful reflection and sharing. Emphasize that taking care of themselves and others is a powerful act.

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Activity

Holiday Harmony Circles Activity

Objective: To collaboratively brainstorm strategies for managing holiday stress and supporting community well-being.

Instructions:

  1. Individual Reflection (2 minutes): Think quietly about the following questions. Jot down a few ideas for each:

    • What are some things that can make the holiday season stressful or difficult for people, including yourselves or your community?
    • What are some positive ways to cope with these challenges or feelings of "seasonal blues"?
    • How can we actively support our friends, family, and wider community during this time?

  2. Small Group Discussion (8 minutes): Share your ideas within your group (3-4 students). Discuss and record the best strategies your group comes up with for each of the following categories:

    • Managing Holiday Stress:











    • Coping with Seasonal Blues:











    • Strengthening Community Connection:











Be ready to share your group's best ideas with the class!

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Game

Holiday Head-Scratcher Game

Objective: To creatively and empathetically solve common holiday-related challenges as a team.

Instructions:

  • Your teacher will present a series of "Holiday Head-Scratcher" scenarios.
  • As a group, quickly brainstorm and discuss how you would navigate each situation.
  • Your goal is to come up with thoughtful, supportive, and practical solutions.
  • Be prepared to share your group's best solution with the class!

Scenario 1:

Your friend seems more withdrawn than usual during the holiday break and isn't responding to messages as quickly. You notice they haven't been their usual self since school let out. What could you do?






Scenario 2:

There's a lot of pressure around gifts or holiday celebrations that you or your family might not be able to afford. This is making you feel anxious or left out. How can you manage these feelings and still enjoy the season?






Scenario 3:

A classmate mentions they are feeling lonely because their family lives far away and they won't be having a big celebration. What are some ways you and your classmates could make them feel more included and connected?






Scenario 4:

During family gatherings, conversations sometimes turn tense or bring up uncomfortable topics. How can you navigate these situations while maintaining your peace and respect for others?






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Discussion

Community Connection Discussion Guide

Objective: To reflect on personal takeaways and commit to fostering community and well-being during the holiday season.

Discussion Questions:

  1. From today's discussion and activities, what is one new strategy or idea you learned for managing holiday stress or seasonal blues?



  2. How might recognizing and talking about these challenges openly with peers or trusted adults make a positive difference in your well-being?





  3. Thinking about our school community, what is one concrete action we could take, individually or as a group, to support each other and strengthen our collective harmony during this holiday season?






  4. What does true "harmony" look like in a community, especially when facing different personal experiences during the holidays?






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