Lesson Plan
Need a Hand? Lesson Plan
Students will learn to recognize situations where help is needed and practice clear, respectful strategies and language for asking for assistance in academic and personal contexts.
Teaching help-seeking empowers students to overcome challenges, builds confidence, and fosters a classroom culture where everyone feels supported and knows how to access resources.
Audience
9th Grade Students
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Interactive scenarios and role-play build practical help-seeking skills.
Materials
Whiteboard and Markers, Need a Hand? Student Worksheet, Need a Hand? Scenario Cards, and Need a Hand? Reflection Exit Ticket
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print enough copies of the Need a Hand? Student Worksheet for each student
- Print and cut the Need a Hand? Scenario Cards
- Print copies of the Need a Hand? Reflection Exit Ticket
- Arrange desks for pairs or small groups
- Review all materials to familiarize yourself with scenarios and key strategies
Step 1
Hook and Define
2 minutes
- Ask students: "When have you needed help in class or in life?"
- Record a few student responses on the whiteboard
- Define "help-seeking" (knowing when and how to ask for assistance) and list guiding questions:
- "Who can help me?"
- "How should I ask?"
- "When is it best to ask?"
Step 2
Scenario Analysis
5 minutes
- Divide students into groups of 2–3
- Distribute the Need a Hand? Scenario Cards and Need a Hand? Student Worksheet
- In groups, read each scenario and use the worksheet to:
- Identify who to ask for help
- Decide how to ask respectfully
- Explain why that person is the right choice
Step 3
Role-Play Practice
5 minutes
- Have each pair select one scenario from their cards
- Practice a short role-play:
- Student A asks for help using clear language and tone
- Student B responds supportively
- Encourage using phrases from the worksheet (e.g., "Could you help me understand…?")
Step 4
Share and Reflect
3 minutes
- Invite 2–3 pairs to share a successful phrase or strategy from their role-play
- Distribute the Need a Hand? Reflection Exit Ticket
- Students complete the exit ticket individually, reflecting on:
- One new help-seeking strategy they’ll use
- A situation when they’ll apply it
- Collect exit tickets as students leave
Slide Deck
Need a Hand? How to Get Help Effectively
• Objective:
– Recognize when you need help
– Identify who, how, and when to ask
– Practice clear, respectful help-seeking techniques
Welcome students and introduce the topic. Explain that today’s mini-lesson will focus on knowing when and how to ask for help, a skill you’ll use throughout high school and beyond. Briefly walk through each slide so students know the flow.
Hook & Definition
- When have you needed help in class or in life?
- Definition: Help-seeking = knowing when and how to ask for assistance
- Guiding Questions:
• Who can help me?
• How should I ask?
• When is it best to ask?
Ask students to turn to a partner and share a time they needed help this week (academic or personal). Call on a few to share out loud and record responses on the board. Then define help-seeking and introduce the guiding questions.
Scenario Analysis
• In groups of 2–3, read each scenario card
• Use your worksheet to:
- Identify who to ask for help
- Decide how to ask respectfully
- Explain why that person is the right choice
Explain grouping: students will work in small teams of 2–3. Distribute Scenario Cards and Student Worksheets. Model one quick example: e.g., “You’re stuck on a math problem at home—who could you ask?”
Helpful Phrases for Asking
• “Could you help me understand…?”
• “I’m having trouble with… Can you explain it?”
• “Do you have a moment to go over…?”
• “I tried X, but I’m still stuck. Could you show me…?”
Point out that these phrases can make your request clear and polite. Encourage students to refer back to this list during role-play.
Role-Play Practice
- Select one scenario from your cards
- Student A asks for help using a phrase from Slide 4
- Student B responds supportively
- Swap roles and try another scenario
Have each pair choose one scenario card and assign roles: A = seeker, B = helper. Circulate to listen and give quick feedback on tone and clarity.
Share & Reflect
- Volunteers share a successful phrase or strategy
- Complete your Exit Ticket:
• One help-seeking strategy I’ll use:
• A situation when I’ll apply it: - Submit ticket on your way out
Invite two or three pairs to share a phrase or strategy that worked well. Then hand out the Reflection Exit Ticket. Remind students to write legibly and think specifically about when they’ll use their new strategy.
Worksheet
Need a Hand? Student Worksheet
Part 1: Helpful Phrases for Asking
• “Could you help me understand…?”
• “I’m having trouble with… Can you explain it?”
• “Do you have a moment to go over…?”
• “I tried ___, but I’m still stuck. Could you show me…?”
Part 2: Scenario Analysis
In your group, pick a scenario card and use the prompts below to plan your request. Repeat for each scenario you discuss.
Scenario: ________________________________________
Who can help me?
How will I ask for help?
Why is this person the best choice?
Scenario: ________________________________________
Who can help me?
How will I ask for help?
Why is this person the best choice?
Scenario: ________________________________________
Who can help me?
How will I ask for help?
Why is this person the best choice?
Part 3: Reflection (Optional)
Before you finish, jot down one help-seeking strategy you’ll try and a situation when you’ll use it:
One strategy I’ll use:
A situation when I’ll apply it:
Game
Need a Hand? Scenario Cards
Print and cut the cards below. Distribute several to each group so students can pick and discuss multiple situations.
Scenario 1:
You’ve been working on a challenging math problem at home for 20 minutes and can’t figure out how to solve it.
Scenario 2:
Your English teacher just assigned an essay, but you’re confused about what the prompt is asking you to do.
Scenario 3:
During a science lab, you and your lab partner disagree on the steps for the experiment, and it’s holding up your progress.
Scenario 4:
You can’t remember your login and password for the online learning platform, and you need to submit an assignment by today’s deadline.
Scenario 5:
You feel overwhelmed studying for multiple tests this week and aren’t sure how to prioritize your time.
Scenario 6:
You’d like feedback on the draft of your art project before you finalize it, but you’re not sure who is available to help.
Scenario 7:
You’re not sure how to schedule an appointment with the school counselor and feel anxious about reaching out.
Scenario 8:
You and a close friend had an argument yesterday, and you’d like advice on how to resolve the conflict.
Cool Down
Need a Hand? Reflection Exit Ticket
One help-seeking strategy I’ll use:
A situation when I’ll apply it: