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More Than a Title: What Makes a Real Leader?

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Lesson Plan

More Than a Title: What Makes a Real Leader?

Students will be able to identify at least three key qualities of an effective leader.

Understanding true leadership helps students recognize positive role models and develop their own influential qualities, fostering responsible citizens and thoughtful community members.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, brainstorming, and reflection.

Materials

Who is a Leader? Slide Deck, and Leadership Qualities Graphic Organizer

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Opening Circle: What Does "Leader" Mean to You?

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "When you hear the word 'leader,' what comes to mind? What does it mean to be a leader?"
  • Facilitate a brief open discussion, encouraging students to share initial thoughts and ideas.
  • Introduce the lesson by stating that today they will explore what truly makes a leader, beyond just a title or position. (Refer to Who is a Leader? Slide Deck - Slide 1)

Step 2

Group Discussion: Exploring Different Types of Leaders

10 minutes

  • Project Who is a Leader? Slide Deck - Slide 2 and 3.
  • Lead a discussion using the prompts on the slides. Ask students to consider leaders they know from history, their community, or even their own lives.
  • Guide the conversation to highlight that leaders come in many forms and don't always hold official titles.
  • Emphasize the key concepts of Influence and Responsibility in leadership.

Step 3

Activity: "Qualities of a Leader" Brainstorm

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Leadership Qualities Graphic Organizer to each student.
  • Project Who is a Leader? Slide Deck - Slide 4.
  • Instruct students to work individually or in small groups to brainstorm and list qualities they believe effective leaders possess.
  • After a few minutes, bring the class together and have groups share their ideas. Create a master list on the board or screen, adding to the qualities already on the Who is a Leader? Slide Deck - Slide 5 and 6.

Step 4

Reflection: What is One Leadership Quality I Want to Develop?

5 minutes

  • Project Who is a Leader? Slide Deck - Slide 7.
  • Ask students to silently reflect on the qualities discussed and choose one leadership quality they personally want to develop or strengthen.
  • Have them write this reflection on their Leadership Qualities Graphic Organizer.
  • Conclude by reinforcing that everyone has the potential to be a leader by embodying these qualities.
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Slide Deck

More Than a Title:

What Makes a Real Leader?

Welcome students and prepare for an open discussion about their initial thoughts on leadership.

Who Are Leaders?

Is it just someone with a special title?

Think about leaders you know from history, your community, or even your own life.

What do they do?

Prompt students to think about different examples of leaders, both famous and everyday.

Beyond the Title:

Leaders Influence others to work towards a common goal.

Leaders take Responsibility for their actions and the well-being of their group.

Guide the discussion towards the idea that leadership is about actions and influence, not just positions.

Activity: Qualities of a Leader

What qualities do effective leaders have?

  • Think individually or in small groups.
  • Write down as many qualities as you can on your graphic organizer.

Introduce the activity. Distribute the 'Leadership Qualities Graphic Organizer' before starting this slide.

Brainstorming Leadership Qualities

Here are some ideas:

  • Honest
  • Kind
  • Brave
  • Good listener

Facilitate a class share-out. Begin listing some key qualities based on student input.

More Leadership Qualities

Let's add more:

  • Problem-solver
  • Communicates clearly
  • Encouraging
  • Fair

Continue the list, adding more qualities. Encourage students to think broadly.

Your Leadership Journey

What is one leadership quality YOU want to develop or strengthen?

Write it down on your graphic organizer. Remember, everyone can be a leader!

Conclude the lesson by asking students to reflect on their own leadership potential.

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Worksheet

Leadership Qualities Graphic Organizer

Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

Part 1: What Does "Leader" Mean to You?

Think about the word "leader." What comes to mind? What does it mean to be a leader?







Part 2: Brainstorming Leadership Qualities

In the spaces below, list as many qualities as you can think of that make a person an effective leader. Think about leaders from history, your community, or your own life.

  1. __________________________________
  2. __________________________________
  3. __________________________________
  4. __________________________________
  5. __________________________________
  6. __________________________________
  7. __________________________________
  8. __________________________________
  9. __________________________________
  10. __________________________________

Part 3: My Leadership Journey

From the qualities we discussed, what is one leadership quality you personally want to develop or strengthen? Why is this quality important to you?













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