Show Up Strong!
Students will understand the importance of consistent attendance for academic success and personal well-being, identify personal barriers to attendance, and explore strategies to overcome these barriers.
Consistent attendance is crucial for learning, building relationships, and accessing support. This lesson helps students recognize these benefits and develop coping mechanisms for challenges like anxiety, depression, or housing instability, empowering them to prioritize their education.
Middle and High School Students
Interactive discussion, personal reflection, and strategy sharing.
Prep
Review Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm Up: Daily Check-In
5 minutes
- Begin with the Warm Up: Daily Check-In activity. Display the prompt on the screen or read it aloud.
- Ask students to reflect on how they are feeling today and what might make today a good learning day.
- Facilitate a brief, low-pressure share-out, emphasizing that participation is optional and creating a safe space.
Step 2
Introduction: Why Show Up Strong?
5 minutes
- Use Slide 1 and Slide 2 of the Show Up Strong Slide Deck to introduce the lesson.
- Explain that attendance is about more than just being physically present; it's about being present for themselves and their future.
- Briefly discuss the benefits of attendance highlighted in the slides (learning, relationships, opportunities).
Step 3
Individual Reflection: My Attendance Journey
10 minutes
- Distribute the Worksheet: My Attendance Journey.
- Instruct students to complete the worksheet individually, reflecting on their own experiences with attendance, identifying personal benefits, and noting any barriers they face.
- Reassure students that this is a personal reflection and they will only share what they are comfortable with.
Step 4
Group Discussion: Overcoming Barriers
8 minutes
- Transition to the Discussion Guide: Overcoming Barriers using Slide 3 of the Show Up Strong Slide Deck.
- Facilitate a small group or whole-class discussion (depending on comfort level and group size) based on the prompts in the discussion guide.
- Focus on brainstorming practical strategies for overcoming common barriers, such as anxiety, depression, or logistical challenges related to housing.
- Emphasize available school resources and support systems.
Step 5
Cool Down: One Big Idea
2 minutes
- Conclude the lesson with the Cool Down: One Big Idea.
- Ask students to share one key takeaway or one strategy they will try to implement regarding their attendance.
- Thank students for their honesty and participation, reiterating that support is available.
