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Reach Out Early

Lesson Plan

Reach Out Early

suicide prevention/awareness

This lesson aims to raise awareness about the importance of seeking help early for mental health issues. Students will learn about the consequences of delayed treatment for mental health conditions through a video and engage in an inquiry-based discussion and restorative circle activity. The lesson also includes an exit ticket for assessment.

Audience

6th grade students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Restorative Practices, Inquiry-Based Learning

Materials

Why Getting Help Early is Important for Mental Health video link, Discussion Questions, and Exit Ticket

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Greet the students and briefly introduce the topic of mental health and its importance.
  • Explain that today's lesson will focus on understanding why it's crucial to seek help early for mental health issues.
  • Inform students that they will watch a video, engage in a discussion, and participate in a restorative circle activity.

Step 2

Video Viewing

5 minutes

Step 3

Inquiry-Based Discussion

10 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups and provide them with discussion questions.
  • Allow each group to discuss and write down their responses.
  • After 5 minutes, bring the class back together and ask each group to share their key insights.

Step 4

Restorative Circle Activity

7 minutes

  • Introduce the restorative circle and explain its purpose to the students.
  • Invite students to sit in a circle and share their thoughts and reflections based on the discussion and video.
  • Encourage respectful listening and sharing within the circle.

Step 5

Exit Ticket

3 minutes

  • Distribute the exit ticket to each student.
  • Ask them to write down one key takeaway from the lesson and one way they can support a friend who might be struggling with mental health issues.

Step 6

Closure

2 minutes

  • Thank the students for their participation and remind them about the importance of seeking help early for mental health issues.
  • Provide them with resources like texting "HOME" to 741741 to chat with a trained counselor or visiting NAMI.org for more information.
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Discussion

Discussion Questions

These questions aim to engage students in thinking critically about the importance of seeking help early for mental health issues.

Why is it important to seek help early for mental health issues?

Encourage students to think about the potential consequences of not addressing mental health concerns early.







What are some barriers that might prevent someone from seeking help?

Discuss common barriers such as stigma, lack of knowledge, or fear of judgment and how they can be overcome.







How can we support friends or classmates who might be struggling with mental health issues?

Encourage students to think about ways to provide support, such as listening, encouraging them to talk to a trusted adult, or sharing mental health resources.







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Quiz

Exit Ticket

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Reach Out Early • Lenny Learning