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Support Network

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Lesson Plan

My Circle of Strength

Students will be able to identify key individuals and groups in their lives who provide support and understand different types of support networks. They will also learn strategies for actively building and utilizing these networks.

Understanding and building a strong support network is essential for navigating challenges, promoting emotional well-being, and fostering resilience throughout life. It helps students feel connected and less alone.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, activities, and reflection, students will map and discuss their support systems.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Building Your Support Squad, Support Web Mapping Activity, and Who's Got Your Back? Cool Down

Prep

Review Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: What is Support?

10 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "What does 'support' mean to you?" Allow for a brief class discussion.
    - Introduce the concept of a 'support network' using the Building Your Support Squad (Slides 1-2).
    - Explain that everyone has a support network, even if they don't realize it, and that these networks can be strengthened.

Step 2

Exploring Support Networks

15 minutes

  • Transition to the main activity: Support Web Mapping Activity.
    - Distribute the activity sheet and explain the instructions clearly.
    - Guide students to identify different types of support (emotional, academic, practical) and who provides them.
    - Encourage students to think broadly, including family, friends, teachers, coaches, and community members.
    - Circulate around the room, offering guidance and answering questions.

Step 3

Sharing and Discussion

10 minutes

  • Facilitate a brief, voluntary sharing session where students can share one or two individuals from their support web (if they feel comfortable).
    - Lead a discussion using questions like: "Why is it important to have a diverse support network?", "How can you ask for help when you need it?", "What are some ways you can be a good support for others?" (Refer to Building Your Support Squad Slides 3-4).

Step 4

Conclusion and Reflection

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Who's Got Your Back? Cool Down ticket.
    - Instruct students to complete it individually as an exit ticket.
    - Reiterate the importance of nurturing their support networks and remind them that it's okay to seek help.
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Slide Deck

What's Your Support Squad?

Ever felt like you needed a little help?
### Ever helped a friend out?

We all need support! Let's explore what a 'support squad' is and how to build yours.

Welcome students and introduce the topic of support networks. Ask them what 'support' means to them. Facilitate a brief discussion to activate prior knowledge.

Your Personal Power Team!

A support network is a group of people who care about you and help you in different ways.

Why is it important?
* Makes you feel less alone
* Helps you solve problems
* Boosts your confidence
* Celebrates your successes
* Helps you get through tough times

Define what a support network is and why it's important. Emphasize that it's okay to ask for help and that everyone has people who care about them.

Different Kinds of Support

Think about how people help you. It's not just one way!

* Emotional Support: Listening, comforting, cheering you up.
* Example: A friend who listens when you're sad.
* Academic Support: Helping with homework, studying, learning.
* Example: A teacher who explains a tricky concept.
* Practical Support: Giving advice, helping with tasks, transportation.
* Example: A parent who drives you to practice.

Transition into discussing different types of support. Provide examples for each type. This will help students brainstorm for their activity.

Using Your Squad & Being a Squad Member!

How do you use your support?
* Know who to go to for different needs.
* Be brave and ask for help!

### How can you support others?
* Listen actively
* Offer encouragement
* Be reliable and kind

Encourage students to think about how they can use their network and also be a support for others. This slide sets up the debrief for the activity.

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Activity

Support Web Mapping Activity

Objective: Identify the people in your life who support you and the ways they do.

Instructions:

  1. In the center circle, write your name.
  2. Around your name, in the inner circles, write the names of people who support you (family, friends, teachers, coaches, etc.).
  3. For each person, draw a line connecting them to an outer circle. In the outer circle, write how they support you (e.g., emotional, academic, practical).
  4. You can use different colored pencils or markers to show different types of support!

My Support Web

Center: Your Name


Inner Circles (Who?):











Outer Circles (How?):











Reflection Questions (Answer on the back or on a separate sheet):

  1. What did you notice about your support network? Was it bigger or smaller than you expected?






  2. Are there different kinds of support you receive from different people?





  3. Is there a type of support you feel you need more of? Who might you talk to for that support?





  4. How can you show appreciation to the people in your support network?





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Cool Down

Who's Got Your Back? Cool Down

Instructions: Please answer the following questions honestly and thoughtfully. This helps me understand what you learned today!

  1. Name one person from your support network that you identified today. Why is this person important to you?






  2. Describe one way you can ask for help when you need it.






  3. What is one thing you can do to be a good support for someone else?






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