Lesson Plan
Mind Matters Challenge Lesson Plan
Students will engage in a fun 'Would You Rather' mental health challenge to explore emotions, coping strategies, and supportive communication, building self-awareness and empathy.
Celebrating Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month helps students recognize and discuss feelings, learn healthy coping skills, and foster a supportive classroom community.
Audience
5th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive game and guided reflection.
Materials
Would You Rather Mental Health Challenge Cards, - Feelings Reflection Template, - Group Discussion Ground Rules Poster, and - Chart Paper and Markers
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Print and cut out the Would You Rather Mental Health Challenge Cards.
- Photocopy one Feelings Reflection Template per student.
- Hang up or display the Group Discussion Ground Rules Poster.
- Review all materials and familiarize yourself with each scenario.
- Prepare chart paper and markers for optional note-taking during discussion.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Explain that May is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month and why talking about feelings matters.
- Review the Group Discussion Ground Rules Poster: respectful listening, no put-downs, everyone shares.
- Tell students they’ll play a “Would You Rather” game that explores emotions and coping skills.
Step 2
Would You Rather Game
15 minutes
- Shuffle the Would You Rather Mental Health Challenge Cards.
- Invite a volunteer to draw a card, read the two choices aloud (e.g., “Would you rather talk to a friend when you’re upset or journal your feelings?”).
- Ask students to move to two sides of the room or raise hands for their choice.
- Select students from each side to share why they picked that option and name a coping strategy or emotion word.
- Continue until you’ve covered 6–8 cards or time runs out.
Step 3
Reflection & Closing
10 minutes
- Distribute the Feelings Reflection Template.
- Have students write down one new coping strategy they learned and one emotion word they want to use more.
- Invite volunteers to share their responses.
- Reinforce positive communication and remind students they can talk to trusted adults any time.
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Slide Deck
Mind Matters Challenge
Celebrate Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month
5th Grade Social-Emotional Activity
30 Minutes
Welcome everyone! Introduce the “Mind Matters Challenge.” Explain that today we’re celebrating Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. We’ll play a fun “Would You Rather” game to explore feelings, coping strategies, and supportive communication.
Today’s Objectives
- Explore different emotions and how we feel
- Identify healthy coping strategies
- Practice supportive, respectful communication
Share the session objectives aloud. Check that students understand any new terms (e.g., coping strategy, emotion vocabulary).
Agenda
- Introduction & Ground Rules (5 min)
- Would You Rather Game (15 min)
- Reflection & Closing (10 min)
Walk students through the flow of the session. Keep an eye on the clock so we stay on time.
Group Discussion Ground Rules
- Respectful listening (no interruptions)
- One speaker at a time
- No put-downs or teasing
- Everyone’s perspective matters
Display the Group Discussion Ground Rules Poster. Discuss each rule and ask students to give examples of what following the rule looks like.
Would You Rather Game
- Shuffle the Would You Rather Mental Health Challenge Cards
- Volunteer draws a card and reads both choices aloud
- Students move to two sides of the room or raise hands for their choice
- Selected students share why they chose that option and name a coping strategy or emotion word
- Repeat for 6–8 cards or until time’s up
Explain step by step how to play. Show the Would You Rather Mental Health Challenge Cards. Model one round if time allows.
Sample Challenge Card
Would you rather:
- Talk to a friend when you’re upset
- Journal your feelings
Why? Name one coping strategy you’d use.
Use this sample card to demonstrate. Ask a volunteer to respond so students see an example of naming a coping strategy.
Reflection & Closing
- Write one new coping strategy you learned
- Write one emotion word you want to use more
- Volunteer to share your responses
Remember: talking about how you feel is a sign of strength!
Hand out the Feelings Reflection Template. Give clear directions and circulate to support students who need help writing.
Thank You!
Keep talking, supporting each other, and practicing your coping strategies.
You’re never alone in how you feel.
Thank students for their participation. Remind them they can always talk to trusted adults—teachers, family members, or counselors—about their feelings.
Game
Would You Rather Mental Health Challenge Cards
Use these cards for the “Would You Rather” game. After you read the two options, ask students to choose a side, then invite volunteers to explain their choice and name an emotion word or coping strategy.
- Would you rather talk to a friend when you feel upset or write your feelings in a journal? Why? Name one coping strategy you’d use.
- Would you rather take five deep breaths to calm down or count to ten slowly before you respond when you’re angry? Why? Name one emotion word you notice.
- Would you rather go for a short walk outside when you’re stressed or listen to your favorite song? Why? Name one coping strategy you’d use.
- Would you rather call a family member to talk about how you feel or use positive self-talk (e.g., “I can handle this”)? Why? Name one emotion word you notice.
- Would you rather draw or color to express your feelings or do five minutes of stretching? Why? Name one coping strategy you’d use.
- Would you rather create a gratitude list (things you’re thankful for) or make a playlist of songs that lift your mood? Why? Name one emotion word you notice.
- Would you rather join a sports activity with friends to get your mind off worries or read a favorite book quietly? Why? Name one coping strategy you’d use.
- Would you rather take a brain break (stand up and move every hour) or organize your desk to feel less overwhelmed? Why? Name one coping strategy you’d use.
Worksheet
Feelings Reflection Template
Name: ________________________________ Date: _______________
- One new coping strategy I learned today is:
- An emotion word I want to use more often is:
- How will I practice this coping strategy or emotion word at school or at home?
- (Optional) Draw a small picture or symbol that represents how you feel after today’s activity:
Discussion
Group Discussion Ground Rules
- Respectful Listening 👂
• Listen without interrupting.
• Show you’re listening by looking at the speaker. - One Speaker at a Time 🗣️
• Raise your hand to share.
• Wait patiently for your turn. - Speak Kindly 🤝
• Use positive, encouraging words.
• No teasing, put-downs, or name-calling. - Use “I” Statements 💬
• Say “I feel…” or “I think…” when sharing your experiences. - Everyone’s Perspective Matters 🌟
• Be open to different ideas and experiences.
• Respect others’ opinions, even if they differ from yours. - Keep It Confidential 🔒
• What we share here stays here, unless someone is unsafe.
Let’s create a safe, supportive space where everyone can share and learn!