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Mental Health Matters

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Lesson Plan

Mental Health Matters Lesson Plan

Introduce 6th graders to the basics of mental health, increasing awareness and understanding of emotional wellbeing through a short 15-minute session.

Early mental health understanding builds empathy, self-awareness, and important coping strategies, which are essential for navigating daily school challenges.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and video to facilitate engagement.

Materials

Mental Health Matters Lesson Plan, and Mental Health Video Resource

Prep

Preparation for Mental Health Matters

5 minutes

  • Review the Mental Health Matters Lesson Plan to understand session flow.
  • Watch the assigned video to ensure it aligns with the mental health basics.
  • Prepare discussion questions to encourage student engagement and reflection.

Step 1

Introduction and Video Viewing

7 minutes

  • Begin with a brief introduction about the importance of mental health.
  • Play the Mental Health Video Resource.
  • Highlight key terms and concepts as they appear in the video.

Step 2

Class Discussion and Reflection

8 minutes

  • Facilitate a class discussion using open-ended questions about the video content.
  • Encourage students to share thoughts or feelings about mental health.
  • Summarize key points and reinforce the importance of mental health awareness.
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Discussion

Mental Health Discussion

Welcome to our discussion on mental health! In this session, we'll share our thoughts on mental health, explore our feelings, and connect the ideas from the video to our personal experiences. Remember, this is a safe space where everyone's ideas and feelings are respected.

Discussion Guidelines

  • Listen Actively: When someone shares, listen carefully without interrupting.
  • Respect Others: Use kind and respectful language, even if you have different opinions.
  • Share Openly: Share your thoughts and feelings honestly. There is no right or wrong answer.
  • Ask Questions: If you're curious about someone else's perspective, politely ask follow-up questions.

Guiding Questions

  1. What surprised you most in the video about mental health?


    • Think about one idea or fact from the video that made you stop and think.

  2. How do you think understanding mental health can help you in your daily life?


    • Consider the ways that knowing more about mental health might help you handle stress or support a friend.

  3. What questions do you still have about mental health after watching the video?


    • This could be something confusing from the video or something you are curious about.

  4. Can you share a time when talking about your feelings helped you feel better?


    • Reflect on your own experiences and consider how sharing has been helpful.

Follow-Up Points

  • If a student mentions feeling stressed or overwhelmed, encourage a conversation about strategies like deep breathing or talking to someone they trust.
  • Highlight that everyone experiences different feelings and that it's okay to have questions or need help.
  • Reiterate that learning about mental health is about understanding ourselves and supporting each other.

Let's have a thoughtful and open conversation about mental health and how it affects us every day. Your voice matters!







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