Lesson Plan
Peer Power Lesson Plan
Students will learn what peer mentoring is and practice active listening, empathy, and supportive communication through collaborative scenario analysis and role-play activities.
Building peer mentoring skills fosters a supportive classroom environment, boosts social-emotional development, and empowers 9th graders to help each other’s academic and personal growth.
Audience
9th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussions and role-playing exercises
Materials
Peer Mentoring Scenarios Worksheet, Peer Mentoring Role-Play Cards, Peer Power Reflection Sheet, Index Cards, Pens or Pencils, and Timer (or stopwatch)
Prep
Review and Print Materials
10 minutes
- Print enough copies of Peer Mentoring Scenarios Worksheet and Peer Mentoring Role-Play Cards for each small group.
- Prepare one Peer Power Reflection Sheet per student.
- Gather index cards, pens/pencils, and set up the timer.
Step 1
Introduction to Peer Mentoring
5 minutes
- Briefly define peer mentoring and list its benefits (social support, improved learning).
- Invite students to share examples of peers supporting each other.
- Outline today’s objectives and activities.
Step 2
Scenario Analysis
10 minutes
- Form small groups of 3–4 students.
- Distribute Peer Mentoring Scenarios Worksheet.
- In groups, read each scenario and identify mentor/mentee roles and strategies.
- Record two key mentoring strategies per scenario on index cards.
Step 3
Role-Play Activity
10 minutes
- Give each group a set of Peer Mentoring Role-Play Cards.
- In pairs, students role-play a mentoring conversation for 3 minutes.
- Rotate roles so every student practices both mentor and mentee.
- Teacher circulates to observe, prompt deeper empathy, and offer feedback.
Step 4
Reflection and Debrief
5 minutes
- Hand out Peer Power Reflection Sheet.
- Students write one key takeaway and one mentoring strategy they’ll use.
- Invite volunteers to share reflections.
- Summarize main points and encourage continued peer support.
Slide Deck
Peer Power: Mentoring 101
Welcome students! Introduce today’s focus on peer mentoring. Explain that we’ll learn what peer mentoring is and practice key communication skills.
Objectives
• Understand peer mentoring and its benefits
• Practice active listening, empathy, and supportive communication
Highlight the two main objectives: understanding peer mentoring and practicing active listening, empathy, and supportive communication.
What is Peer Mentoring?
Peer mentoring is when classmates support each other’s learning and well-being.
Benefits:
• Builds trust and empathy
• Enhances academic success
• Fosters a supportive classroom community
Define peer mentoring in your own words and invite examples from students. Emphasize benefits for both mentor and mentee.
Scenario Analysis
- Form groups of 3–4 and receive the Peer Mentoring Scenarios Worksheet.
- In your group, read each scenario and identify mentor and mentee roles.
- Discuss two mentoring strategies per scenario and record them on index cards.
Time: 10 minutes
Explain group formation and hand out the scenario worksheets. Circulate to guide discussions and prompt deeper thinking.
Role-Play Activity
- Pair up and receive a set of Peer Mentoring Role-Play Cards.
- Role-play a mentoring conversation for 3 minutes.
- Switch roles and repeat.
Teacher will circulate, observe, and provide feedback.
Time: 10 minutes
Distribute role-play cards and model a quick example. Encourage students to take feedback from peers seriously.
Reflection & Debrief
- Complete the Peer Power Reflection Sheet.
• Write one key takeaway.
• Note one mentoring strategy you’ll use. - Volunteers share reflections.
Time: 5 minutes
Hand out reflection sheets and guide students to capture their key learning. Invite a few volunteers to share aloud.
Thank You!
Thank you for participating!
Keep supporting one another and practicing your mentoring skills every day.
Thank students for their participation. Encourage them to use these skills daily in and out of class.
Worksheet
Peer Mentoring Scenarios Worksheet
Instructions
In your small group, read each scenario below. For each:
- Identify the mentor and mentee roles.
- List two key mentoring strategies you would use to support the mentee.
Use the space provided to write your answers.
Scenario 1: Jamie Struggles with Homework
Jamie is a student who often falls behind on math homework. They feel embarrassed asking the teacher for help and spend a lot of time stuck on problems. You’ve noticed Jamie’s grades slipping and want to help.
- Who is the mentor? Who is the mentee?
- Mentoring Strategy 1:
- Mentoring Strategy 2:
Scenario 2: Alex Feels Anxious About a Presentation
Alex is nervous about giving an oral report in class next week. They practice at home but still feel anxious in front of peers. You have given presentations before and want to support Alex’s confidence.
- Who is the mentor? Who is the mentee?
- Mentoring Strategy 1:
- Mentoring Strategy 2:
Scenario 3: Taylor Feels Isolated in Group Projects
Taylor often ends up doing most of the work when classmates do not participate equally in group projects. They feel frustrated and unsupported. You want to help Taylor address this and improve teamwork.
- Who is the mentor? Who is the mentee?
- Mentoring Strategy 1:
- Mentoring Strategy 2:
Activity
Peer Mentoring Role-Play Cards
Instructions
• In pairs, take one card. One student reads the Mentor prompt and the other reads the Mentee prompt.
• Role-play the conversation for 3 minutes, focusing on active listening, empathy, and supportive communication.
• Switch roles (mentor ↔ mentee) and practice again with a new card.
Cards
Card 1: Homework Help
Mentor:
You’ve noticed your classmate struggling with math homework. Offer to review a few problems together. Ask what parts feel most confusing and suggest a step-by-step approach.
Mentee:
You feel embarrassed that you can’t solve the math problems. You’re worried your grades will slip. Share which questions are hardest and how you’ve tried to solve them so far.
Card 2: Presentation Prep
Mentor:
Your friend is anxious about an upcoming oral report. Encourage them by highlighting their strengths. Offer to practice the introduction and give positive feedback.
Mentee:
You feel your voice shakes when speaking in front of the class. Describe your biggest fear about the presentation and what would help you feel more confident.
Card 3: Group Project Frustration
Mentor:
Taylor tells you they’re doing most of the work in a group project and feel isolated. Ask specific questions about group roles and suggest strategies for including everyone.
Mentee:
You feel frustrated that teammates don’t pull their weight. Explain how it affects the project and propose one idea for improving collaboration.
Card 4: Personal Stress Support
Mentor:
Your peer shares they’re overwhelmed by balancing school and personal responsibilities. Use active listening to reflect their feelings and suggest one small time-management tip.
Mentee:
You’re stressed about meeting deadlines because you have responsibilities at home. Describe your biggest challenges and one area where peer support could help.
Worksheet
Peer Power Reflection Sheet
Instructions
Complete the reflection by writing your answers in the spaces provided below.
- Key Takeaway: What is the most important thing you learned about peer mentoring today?
- Mentoring Strategy to Use: Describe one specific mentoring strategy you will use with peers.
- Confidence Rating: How confident do you feel in using peer mentoring skills? (Circle one)
- Very Confident
- Somewhat Confident
- Not Confident
- Next Steps: What is one action you will take this week to support a classmate?