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Stronger Together

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Lesson Plan

Session 1: Building Community

Participants will introduce themselves, share caregiving experiences, and begin forming a supportive community through guided icebreakers and group discussions.

Building a trusting community helps grandparents feel supported, fosters peer connections, and reduces the isolation often experienced in caregiving roles.

Audience

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Time

2 hours

Approach

Guided icebreakers and group discussion

Materials

Name Tags, Sticky Notes, Pens or Markers, Icebreaker Worksheet, and Discussion Prompts Cards

Prep

Prepare Session Materials

30 minutes

  • Print one Icebreaker Worksheet per participant.
  • Print and cut the Discussion Prompts Cards.
  • Arrange chairs in a circle to facilitate conversation.
  • Gather name tags, sticky notes, and writing utensils.
  • Review session objectives and familiarize yourself with discussion prompts.

Step 1

Welcome and Session Overview

15 minutes

  • Greet participants as they arrive; ensure name tags are used.
  • Introduce yourself and outline the goals of the session.
  • Briefly review the agenda and explain the importance of building a supportive community.
  • Invite participants to share what they hope to gain from the program.

Step 2

Icebreaker Activity

30 minutes

  • Distribute the Icebreaker Worksheet.
  • Pair participants or form small groups.
  • Ask them to share their caregiving story prompts (e.g., why they joined, challenges, hopes).
  • Instruct participants to jot down key points about their partner on sticky notes.
  • After 10 minutes, have each participant introduce their partner to the group.

Step 3

Group Discussion

40 minutes

  • Spread out the Discussion Prompts Cards face down.
  • Invite each participant to draw a card and read the prompt aloud.
  • Facilitate a group conversation around the prompt, ensuring all voices are heard.
  • Use follow-up questions to deepen reflection (e.g., "How did that experience shape your approach to caregiving?").
  • Record common themes on a flip chart or board.

Step 4

Reflection and Next Steps

15 minutes

  • Ask participants to reflect silently on one insight gained today.
  • Invite volunteers to share their takeaway with the group.
  • Highlight the importance of ongoing peer support.
  • Provide an overview of Session 2 and distribute any homework (e.g., bring a family photo).
  • Thank participants and close the session.
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Slide Deck

Session 1: Building Community

Welcome to Stronger Together!
Goals:
• Get to know one another
• Share caregiving experiences
• Begin forming a supportive network

Welcome participants as they arrive and introduce yourself. Explain that this session is the first step in building a supportive community for grandparents raising grandchildren.

Session Objectives

By the end of today, you will:
• Introduce yourself and your caregiving journey
• Participate in an icebreaker to share stories
• Engage in group discussion around caregiving prompts
• Reflect on insights and plan next steps

Read the objectives aloud, then briefly elaborate on why each objective is important for the group.

Today's Agenda

  1. Welcome & Session Overview (15 min)
  2. Icebreaker Activity (30 min)
  3. Group Discussion (40 min)
  4. Reflection & Next Steps (15 min)

Quickly review each agenda item, noting time allocations. Emphasize the flow from introduction through reflection.

Icebreaker Activity

  1. Distribute the Icebreaker Worksheet
  2. Pair up or form small groups
  3. Share your caregiving story prompts:
    – Why you joined
    – Key challenges
    – Hopes for your grandchildren
  4. Jot down partner highlights on sticky notes
  5. Introduce your partner to the group

Explain how to use the Icebreaker Worksheet. Encourage open, honest sharing and active listening between pairs.

Group Discussion

  1. Spread Discussion Prompts Cards face down
  2. Each person draws a card and reads it aloud
  3. Discuss as a group, inviting all voices
  4. Use follow-up questions to deepen reflection
  5. Record common themes on flip chart or board

Set up the discussion prompts cards face down. Encourage participants to speak from the heart and keep contributions concise.

Reflection & Next Steps

• Silent reflection: note one insight gained today
• Volunteer shares takeaway
• Highlight importance of ongoing peer support
• Overview of Session 2: Child Development Basics
• Homework: Bring a family photo to share

Guide a brief silent reflection, then invite volunteers to share. Preview Session 2 topics and assign the homework (bring a family photo). Thank everyone for participating.

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Worksheet

Session 1 Icebreaker Worksheet

Instructions: Pair up with a partner. Take turns answering the questions below. Use the space provided to write your responses.

  1. Why I joined this caregiving group:





  2. The biggest challenge Im facing as a grandparent caregiver:





  3. One hope or goal I have for my grandchildren:





  4. Something I enjoy doing with my grandchildren:





  5. A personal strength I bring to caregiving:





Partner Introduction: After sharing, write a short introduction for your partner. Use your notes when presenting back to the group.

Partner’s Name: ________



One thing I learned about my partner:






One strength my partner brings to caregiving:





When youre ready, introduce your partner to the group using these notes.

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Activity

Session 1 Discussion Prompts

Use these cards to spark group conversation and reflection on your caregiving journey. Shuffle the cards, spread them face down, and have each participant draw one to read aloud. Then invite everyone to share their thoughts.

  1. Describe a moment when you felt proud of your role as a grandparent caregiver.


  2. What has been the biggest surprise—good or bad—about raising your grandchildren?


  3. Share a challenge you faced this week. How did you address it, and what did you learn?


  4. How do you balance your personal needs with the responsibilities of caregiving?





  5. What strategies have helped you connect emotionally with your grandchildren?


  6. When you feel stressed or overwhelmed, what coping techniques work best for you and your grandchildren?


  7. What sources of support—family, friends, community resources—have made the biggest difference for you?


  8. Looking ahead, what worries you most about the future of caregiving for your grandchildren?


  9. How has becoming a caregiver changed your perspective on family and relationships?


  10. If you could offer one piece of advice to a grandparent just beginning this journey, what would it be?


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