Lesson Plan
Spotting the Signals Lesson Plan
In 30 minutes, students will identify at least three warning signs of suicidal thoughts, practice empathetic listening techniques in role-play, and list two or more trusted adults for support.
Early detection and peer support can save lives. Teaching warning signs, listening skills, and help-seeking pathways empowers students to notice distress in themselves and others, fostering a safer community.
Audience
7th Grade Middle School Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, role-play, and reflection.
Materials
- Spotting the Signals Presentation Slides, - Warning Signs Infographic, - Empathetic Listening Role-Play Cards, - Trusted Adults Worksheet, - Sticky Notes, and - Pens or Pencils
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print and review Spotting the Signals Presentation Slides.
- Print enough copies of Empathetic Listening Role-Play Cards and Trusted Adults Worksheet for each student pair.
- Familiarize yourself with the Warning Signs Infographic and key talking points.
- Arrange desks for small-group role-plays and ensure writing supplies are available.
Step 1
Introduction and Norm Setting
5 minutes
- Welcome students and explain the lesson’s purpose: spotting warning signs, listening with empathy, and knowing who to turn to for help.
- Establish group norms: confidentiality, respect, and active participation.
- Display the first slide of Spotting the Signals Presentation Slides.
Step 2
Identifying Warning Signs
8 minutes
- Show Warning Signs Infographic on screen or handout.
- Ask students to brainstorm additional warning signs; record responses on the board.
- Facilitate a brief discussion on why these signs matter and how they might look in real life.
Step 3
Empathetic Listening Role-Play
10 minutes
- Organize students into pairs and distribute Empathetic Listening Role-Play Cards.
- In each pair, one student shares a scenario; the other practices active listening (eye contact, paraphrasing, validating).
- After 3 minutes, students switch roles.
- Debrief: ask volunteers what felt supportive and what was challenging.
Step 4
Trusted Adults Mapping
5 minutes
- Hand out the Trusted Adults Worksheet.
- Students list at least two adults they trust and write how they would approach them for help.
- Invite volunteers to share why they chose those adults (optional sharing, respecting confidentiality).
Step 5
Wrap-Up and Resources
2 minutes
- Recap key takeaways: warning signs, empathetic listening steps, trusted adults.
- Remind students of school counseling resources and crisis helpline numbers.
- Encourage them to keep their worksheets and reach out if they ever feel concerned about themselves or a friend.
Slide Deck
Spotting the Signals
A 30-minute suicide prevention lesson for 7th graders
- Recognize warning signs of suicidal thoughts
- Practice empathetic listening
- Identify trusted adults for support
Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Explain that today we’ll learn how to spot warning signs, listen with empathy, and know who to reach out to for help.
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will:
- Identify at least three warning signs of distress
- Practice empathetic listening techniques in role-play
- List two or more trusted adults you can turn to
Read the objectives out loud and ensure students understand each goal.
Why Suicide Prevention Matters
- Suicide is preventable when we notice and act on warning signs
- Friends can be the first line of support
- Learning to listen and refer keeps everyone safer
Explain why early intervention matters and how peers can save lives by noticing when someone is struggling.
Warning Signs of Distress
Common warning signs:
• Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless
• Withdrawing from friends, family, activities
• Drastic mood or behavior changes
• Giving away prized possessions
• Talking about being a burden
Display or hand out the Warning Signs Infographic. Walk through each sign and give examples.
Activity: Brainstorm Warning Signs
- Look at the infographic
- Think of any other signs you’ve noticed
- Share aloud—no idea is too small
- We’ll add your ideas to our list
Invite students to call out additional warning signs. Record answers on the board and validate each contribution.
Empathetic Listening Tips
When someone shares hard feelings:
- Make eye contact and lean in
- Paraphrase: “It sounds like you’re saying…”
- Validate: “That must be really tough for you.”
Introduce the three key listening steps. Demonstrate eye contact, paraphrasing, and validation with a volunteer.
Role-Play Activity
• Pair up and get one role-play card each
• Person A shares the scenario; Person B practices listening steps
• After 3 minutes, switch roles
• We’ll debrief together afterward
Explain the role-play process and timing. Distribute Empathetic Listening Role-Play Cards.
Trusted Adults Mapping
- List at least two adults you trust
- Write how you’d start the conversation
- Keep your worksheet for future reference
Hand out the Trusted Adults Worksheet and guide students through completing it.
Resources & Support
• School Counselor: room 102, Mon–Fri, 8am–3pm
• Crisis Text Line: text HELLO to 741741
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• Visit teenmentalhealth.org for tips and videos
Highlight available school and community supports. Encourage students to write these down.
Let’s Look Out for Each Other
• Warning signs matter—speak up if you notice them
• Use empathetic listening to show you care
• Reach out to trusted adults or crisis lines anytime
Questions?
Summarize the lesson and invite any final questions. Reinforce that they’re not alone and can help each other.
Activity
Empathetic Listening Role-Play Cards
Use these scenario cards to practice active, empathetic listening. In each pair:
- Student A reads and shares the scenario on their card, speaking as if this is their personal experience.
- Student B practices listening steps: eye contact, paraphrasing, and validating.
- After 3 minutes, switch roles with a new card.
Cards
- ID: listening-scenario-overwhelmed
You’ve been staying up late almost every night to finish homework. Despite your efforts, your grades aren’t improving, and you feel like you’re letting everyone down.
- ID: listening-scenario-friendship
Your best friend started hanging out with a new group and hasn’t included you this week. You feel hurt and worried that you’re losing your closest connection.
- ID: listening-scenario-family-pressure
Your parents expect straight A’s in every class and compare you to your older sibling. You’re anxious you’ll never measure up to their expectations.
- ID: listening-scenario-leftout
You just found out about a birthday party at lunch, and none of your classmates invited you. You feel lonely and wonder if anyone cares about you.
- ID: listening-scenario-loss
Your pet passed away over the weekend. You’re heartbroken and don’t know how to talk about your feelings without crying.
- ID: listening-scenario-anxiety
You have a big test tomorrow in a subject you struggle with. You can’t stop worrying that you’ll fail and disappoint yourself and your family.
Debrief Questions (after role-play):
- What paraphrase did you use to show you understood?
- Which validation phrase felt most natural?
- How did it feel to be heard? How did it feel to listen?
- What was challenging about using these steps?
Keep practicing these skills—they help build trust and show people you truly care.
Worksheet
Trusted Adults Worksheet
Use this worksheet to identify people you trust and plan how you would reach out to them if you or a friend ever needed help.
Trusted Adult #1
Name and Role (e.g., Ms. Garcia – 7th Grade Math Teacher):
Why I trust them:
What I might say to start the conversation:
Trusted Adult #2
Name and Role (e.g., Coach Rivera – Soccer Coach):
Why I trust them:
What I might say to start the conversation:
Optional: Trusted Adult #3
If you have another person in mind, list them here.
Name and Role:
Why I trust them:
What I might say to start the conversation:
Reflection Questions
1. How might you feel when you reach out for help, and what could you remind yourself to feel more confident?
2. If your first choice isn’t available, who else could you talk to?
3. What could you do if you feel too nervous to speak face-to-face?
Keep this worksheet somewhere safe (your binder, locker, or phone). Remember, talking to someone you trust is a strong and brave step toward feeling better or helping a friend. If you ever feel in immediate danger, contact a school counselor or call 988 right away.