Lesson Plan
Hope in Focus Lesson Plan
Students will learn the basics of mental health awareness and design a creative poster that promotes well-being in their school community.
Fostering mental health literacy and empathy helps students build self-awareness, reduce stigma, and support peers—empowering them to spread positive well-being messages.
Audience
9th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Guided discussion, quick research, and hands-on poster creation.
Materials
- Large Poster Paper, - Assorted Markers, Colored Pencils, or Crayons, - Digital Device (e.g., tablet or computer) for Research, - Mental Health Fact Sheet, - Poster Rubric, and - Reflection Journal or Paper
Prep
Prepare Materials and Review Resources
10 minutes
- Print enough copies of Mental Health Fact Sheet and Poster Rubric for each student or pair.
- Gather and arrange art supplies: poster paper, markers, colored pencils, crayons.
- Set up digital devices for quick online research.
- Familiarize yourself with key points on the fact sheet to guide the warm-up discussion.
Step 1
Warm-Up Discussion
5 minutes
- Define "mental health" and "well-being" as a class.
- Ask: “What does mental health mean to you?” and record responses.
- Highlight key facts from the Mental Health Fact Sheet.
Step 2
Research & Brainstorming
5 minutes
- In pairs, use digital devices to explore quick mental health resources online.
- Brainstorm slogans, keywords, and imagery ideas that promote well-being.
- Each pair lists at least three message ideas on scrap paper.
Step 3
Poster Creation
15 minutes
- Sketch your poster layout on the paper.
- Incorporate a clear slogan, supportive imagery, and at least one fact.
- Use markers, colored pencils, or crayons to finalize your design.
- Refer to the Poster Rubric to ensure you meet all criteria.
Step 4
Gallery Walk & Reflection
5 minutes
- Display posters around the room.
- Students walk around, view each poster, and leave positive sticky-note comments.
- Conclude with a brief journal response: “What new insight about mental health did you gain today?”
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Hope in Focus: Mental Health Poster Project
A 30-minute lesson for 9th graders to raise mental health awareness and design a poster promoting well-being.
Welcome students! Introduce today’s 30-minute project: designing a mental health poster to promote well-being. Encourage participation and creativity.
Lesson Objectives
• Understand the basics of mental health and well-being
• Learn supportive facts and resources
• Design a creative poster with a clear slogan, imagery, and factual support
Read the objectives aloud and explain why each is important. Emphasize empathy, awareness, and visual communication skills.
What Is Mental Health & Well-Being?
Definitions:
• Mental health: A person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
• Well-being: Feeling healthy, supported, and able to cope with life’s stresses.
Discussion Prompt:
“What does mental health mean to you?”
Guide the warm-up discussion. Define both terms, record student answers, and connect to later poster themes.
Key Facts & Statistics
• 1 in 5 teens experience a mental health issue each year
• Talking about feelings can reduce stress and anxiety
• Support is available: school counselors, trusted adults
Highlight these facts verbally and point students to the full Mental Health Fact Sheet.
Research & Brainstorming
In pairs:
• Use devices for quick mental health research
• Brainstorm slogans, keywords, and imagery
• List at least 3 message ideas on scrap paper
Invite pairs to use their devices for quick research. Circulate and offer examples of strong slogans or imagery.
Poster Creation & Rubric
• Sketch your layout: include a clear slogan, supportive imagery, and ≥1 fact
• Finalize with markers, colored pencils, or crayons
• Refer to the Poster Rubric to ensure criteria are met
Remind students to check the Poster Rubric often to meet all criteria. Support sketching and materials use.
Gallery Walk & Reflection
• Display posters around the room
• Walk, view, and leave positive sticky-note comments
• Journal: “What new insight about mental health did you gain today?”
Organize the gallery walk. Prompt journal reflections as they conclude. Collect sticky-notes to share compliments.
Thank You & Next Steps
• Share posters with the school community
• Continue checking in with peers
• Keep advocating for positive mental health
Encourage students to keep these conversations going beyond today’s lesson and to share their posters more broadly.
Reading
Hope Mental Health Fact Sheet
What Is Mental Health?
Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and act each day.
Why Mental Health Matters
• Shapes how we cope with stress and challenges
• Affects our relationships with friends, family, and teachers
• Impacts our ability to learn, focus, and make healthy choices
Key Facts & Statistics
- 1 in 5 teens experience a mental health issue each year.
- 50% of all lifelong mental health conditions begin by age 14, yet only about 1 in 3 young people receive the services they need.
- The most common concerns among teens are anxiety and depression.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10–24 in the U.S.
Tips for Supporting Your Well-Being
- Talk with a trusted friend, family member, or school counselor when you’re feeling stressed.
- Practice mindfulness or deep-breathing exercises for a few minutes each day.
- Stay active: regular exercise can boost mood and reduce anxiety.
- Maintain a consistent sleep routine—aim for 8–10 hours per night.
- Balance your time: mix work, social activities, and downtime.
Where to Find Help
- School Counselor or Psychologist
- Trusted Adult (teacher, coach, mentor)
- National Crisis/Text Line (U.S.): Dial 988
Use these facts and tips to inspire your poster slogan, imagery, and message.
Rubric
Hope Poster Rubric
Use the following rubric to assess student posters. Each criterion is scored on a 1–4 scale: 1 = Beginning, 2 = Developing, 3 = Proficient, 4 = Exemplary.
| Criterion | 4 – Exemplary | 3 – Proficient | 2 – Developing | 1 – Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slogan & Message Clarity | Exceptional and impactful slogan; clearly conveys a positive mental health message that inspires action. | Clear slogan that effectively communicates a supportive mental health message. | Slogan present but message is somewhat vague or only partially aligned with mental health awareness. | Slogan is missing, unclear, or unrelated to mental health awareness. |
| Use of Factual Content | Integrates at least one accurate mental health fact seamlessly into the design; demonstrates deep understanding. | Includes at least one correct fact from reliable sources; relates appropriately to the poster theme. | Attempts to include factual information, but accuracy or relevance is limited. | No factual content or information included, or included content is inaccurate. |
| Imagery & Visual Appeal | Imagery is highly engaging, original, and enhances the poster’s message; excellent use of color and layout. | Imagery is clear, relevant, and supports the message; good use of color and design elements. | Imagery is present but may be generic or somewhat disconnected from the message; basic design. | Little to no imagery; visuals are confusing, sloppy, or detract from the message. |
| Creativity & Originality | Demonstrates outstanding creativity; original concept and innovative design elements. | Shows creativity and some original ideas; thoughtful design choices. | Limited creativity; relies on overused concepts or templates. | No evident creativity; design is unoriginal or minimal effort. |
| Overall Presentation & Neatness | Exceptionally neat and professional; text is legible, and elements are well-organized. | Neat presentation; text and visuals are clear, with minor organizational issues. | Presentation is somewhat messy; some elements are hard to read or out of place. | Messy or illegible; poor organization and lack of attention to presentation. |