Support System Match-Up

Robyn Bilotta

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Support System Match-Up

Identify support figures for school scenarios

In this lesson, students will engage in a game-based activity to match various school-related scenarios with the appropriate support figures, such as teachers, counselors, or deans. This lesson aims to normalize the importance of seeking help and navigating school and emotional stress. By understanding who to approach for different issues, students will be better equipped to manage their school life effectively.

Audience

High school boys, freshman

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Game-Based Learning, Collaborative Learning

Materials

Printable Cards for Scenarios, Video: Why Getting Help Early is Important for Mental Health, and Discussion Guide

Step 1

Introduction

3 mins

Begin with a brief introduction about the importance of seeking help in school.
Show the video Why Getting Help Early is Important for Mental Health.

Step 2

Game Setup

2 mins

Divide students into small groups.
Distribute the printable cards with scenarios to each group.

Step 3

Game Activity

10 mins

Instruct students to discuss within their groups and match each scenario card to the appropriate support figure (e.g., Mrs. Bilotta, Mrs. DiLillo, Deans, School Counselor, College Counselor, Campus Ministry).
Encourage collaboration and discussion among group members.

Step 4

Discussion

3 mins

Use the discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about the activity.
Discuss why it's important to know who to go to for help and how it can alleviate stress.

Step 5

Closure

2 mins

Recap the key points of the lesson.
Encourage students to reach out to the appropriate support figures when needed.

Worksheet

Printable Cards for Scenarios

These cards contain various school-related scenarios for students to match with the appropriate support figures.

I am really worried about my friend- they are sad and saying worrisome things to me.

I have so much anxiety I can’t get to school.

I made a questionable decision over the weekend and want to talk it through.

It has been hard to find friends at Prep.

I had a huge fight with my parent and I don’t know what to do.

I've been having panic attacks before tests.

I studied for my test for hours and failed, I thought I was prepared.

When I read the assignment I don’t always understand the directions.

The math work makes no sense to me and I have gone for extra help and still don’t get it.

I don’t have the books I need for a class.

Peer tutor.

I got caught skipping a class.

I received an infraction from a teacher for talking out in class.

My teacher gave me a JUG and I don’t think it was fair.

I am out of dress code.

I used chatGPT for my essay in English and got caught.

Am I allowed to go off campus for lunch?

I went to the wrong lunch.

I think I am in the wrong level class.

I am not sure what classes I should take next year?

I keep forgetting my homework assignments.

I had a disagreement with my teacher.

I got hurt and need surgery, I'm going to miss a lot of school, how do I keep up on my work.

I’m thinking about transferring.

I don’t know if I have a college board account.

I have my heart set on a college, what classes should I take to increase my chances of acceptance.

I have no idea what I want to do when I grow up.

How do I know what colleges to look at?

I’m not sure that college is for me.

I want to go on an urban plunge.

I don’t know what campus ministry even means.

How do complete my service hours and get credit for them.

Someone I love died and I don’t know how to make sense of it.

What is Kairos?

Discussion

Discussion Guide

This guide will help facilitate a discussion on the importance of knowing who to approach for help in various school scenarios.

Why is it important to know who to go to for help in school?

Discuss how knowing the right person can provide quicker and more effective solutions to problems.

How can asking for help reduce stress?

Explore the idea that sharing problems can lighten the emotional load and lead to practical solutions.

What are some barriers to asking for help, and how can we overcome them?

Identify common fears or misconceptions about seeking help and discuss strategies to overcome these barriers.