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Squad Goals: Getting Along

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Amy Mueller

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Squad Goals: Getting Along Lesson Plan

Students will be able to identify at least three social skills necessary for getting along with others and practice applying these skills in a structured activity.

Learning to get along with others is a fundamental life skill that improves relationships, reduces conflict, and creates a more positive learning and social environment for everyone. For students with emotional disabilities, these skills are especially important for navigating social situations and building self-esteem.

Audience

Middle School Students (with emotional disabilities)

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, visual aids, and an engaging group game.

Materials

Squad Goals Slide Deck, Social Skills Scenario Worksheet, Team Up Challenge Game, Whiteboard or projector, and Markers or pens

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

• Review the Squad Goals Slide Deck content.
• Print copies of the Social Skills Scenario Worksheet for each student.
• Prepare materials for the Team Up Challenge Game (e.g., scenario cards, group markers).

Step 1

Warm-up: What Does "Getting Along" Mean?

3 minutes

• Display the first slide of the Squad Goals Slide Deck and ask students: "What does 'getting along with others' mean to you?"
• Facilitate a brief discussion, encouraging students to share their initial thoughts. Acknowledge and validate all responses.

Step 2

Understanding Social Skills

4 minutes

• Use the Squad Goals Slide Deck to introduce and discuss key social skills like active listening, empathy, respect, and clear communication.
• Explain why each skill is important for positive interactions.
• Ask students for examples of when they've used or seen these skills in action.

Step 3

Scenario Practice: Social Skills Scenario Worksheet

4 minutes

• Distribute the Social Skills Scenario Worksheet.
• Instruct students to work individually or in pairs to read the scenarios and think about how they would apply the social skills discussed.
• Briefly review one or two scenarios as a whole class, discussing different approaches.

Step 4

Game: Team Up Challenge

4 minutes

• Introduce the Team Up Challenge Game.
• Divide students into small groups (2-3 students).
• Explain the game: Groups will receive a challenge card and must work together, using their social skills, to come up with a solution or action plan. They will share their solution with the class.
• Facilitate the game, observing group interactions and providing support as needed.
• Conclude by asking students what they learned or how these skills can help them daily.

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Slide Deck

Squad Goals: Getting Along

What does "getting along with others" mean to YOU?

Welcome students. Begin by asking the question on the slide to spark initial thoughts and discussions. Encourage all students to share what 'getting along with others' means to them in their own words. Emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers, just personal experiences.

Key Social Skills

  1. Active Listening: Paying full attention when someone is speaking.
  2. Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of another.
  3. Respect: Treating others with kindness and valuing their differences.
  4. Clear Communication: Expressing your thoughts and feelings clearly and calmly.

Introduce the idea that 'getting along' involves specific skills. Explain each skill clearly and provide simple, relatable examples. Ask students if they can think of times they've used these skills or seen them used effectively.

Why Are These Skills Important?

These skills help us:

  • Build strong friendships
  • Work better in teams
  • Solve problems peacefully
  • Feel happier and more connected

Explain that these skills help us build stronger friendships, work better in groups, and solve problems peacefully. Transition to the worksheet activity, explaining that they will apply these skills to different situations.

Time for the Team Up Challenge!

Get ready to put your social skills to the test!

Work together in small groups to solve a challenge.

Remember to use:

  • Active Listening
  • Empathy
  • Respect
  • Clear Communication

Briefly introduce the Team Up Challenge Game. Explain that it's a chance to put their social skills into practice in a fun way. Inform them they will work in small groups and will receive challenge cards to solve collaboratively.

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Worksheet

Social Skills Scenario Worksheet

Instructions: Read each scenario below. Then, think about how you would use active listening, empathy, respect, and clear communication to handle the situation. Write down your thoughts and what you would say or do.

Scenario 1: Group Project Gone Wrong

You are working on a group project, and one of your teammates keeps interrupting you and others, not letting anyone finish their ideas. You feel frustrated and unheard.

What social skills would you use?


What would you say or do?




Scenario 2: Misunderstanding with a Friend

Your friend seems upset with you, but you're not sure why. They're giving you short answers and avoiding eye contact. You want to understand what's going on.

What social skills would you use?


What would you say or do?




Scenario 3: Disagreement During a Game

You and a classmate are playing a game, and you disagree on a rule. Both of you think you're right, and it's starting to get heated.

What social skills would you use?


What would you say or do?




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Game

Team Up Challenge: Social Skills in Action!

Goal: Work together in your group to discuss and solve a social challenge using the skills we just learned: Active Listening, Empathy, Respect, and Clear Communication.

Instructions:

  1. Your group will receive a challenge card with a scenario.
  2. Read the scenario together.
  3. As a group, discuss how you would use active listening, empathy, respect, and clear communication to resolve the situation or respond appropriately.
  4. Come up with a clear action plan or a script for what your group would say and do.
  5. Be prepared to share your solution with the class!

Challenge Cards (Examples - Teacher will provide actual cards)

Challenge Card 1: The Frustrated Friend

Your friend is really upset because they didn't get picked for a sports team. They're complaining loudly and saying it's unfair. You want to support them and help them feel better.







Challenge Card 2: Different Opinions on a Project

Your group needs to decide on a topic for a class project, but two members have very different ideas and aren't budging. Everyone is starting to get quiet and uncomfortable.







Challenge Card 3: New Student in Class

A new student just joined your class, and they seem a bit shy and sit alone during lunch. You want to make them feel welcome and included.







Challenge Card 4: Someone Spreads a Rumor

You hear a rumor about another classmate that isn't true. Some people are laughing about it, and you know it could hurt the person involved.







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