Lesson Plan
Super Supporter Squad Blueprint
Students will be able to identify and describe key qualities of positive peer support and articulate how to contribute to a supportive classroom community.
This lesson is important because it helps students build a strong foundation for positive social interactions, fostering a sense of belonging and equipping them with the skills to be empathetic and effective allies for their peers.
Audience
6th Grade Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Through interactive activities and guided discussion.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Building Our Support Network (Slide Deck), Qualities of a Great Peer Partner Sort (Activity), Scenario Share & Solve (Discussion), and My Support Superpower Exit Ticket (Cool Down)
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Super Supporter Squad Blueprint (Lesson Plan) and all linked materials to ensure familiarity.
- Prepare whiteboard or projector for displaying slides.
- Print or prepare to distribute the Qualities of a Great Peer Partner Sort (Activity) handouts (one per small group or individual).
- Prepare to display discussion prompts from Scenario Share & Solve (Discussion).
- Print or prepare to distribute My Support Superpower Exit Ticket (Cool Down) (one per student).
- Ensure all technology is working correctly.
Step 1
Introduction: What Makes a Team Great?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "What are some qualities that make a sports team, a band, or even a group of friends truly great?"
- Facilitate a brief class discussion, writing down key ideas on the board.
- Transition by saying, "Today, we're going to think about what makes our classroom a 'Super Supporter Squad' and how we can all be great peer partners."
Step 2
Exploring Peer Support
15 minutes
- Present the Building Our Support Network (Slide Deck) to introduce the concept of peer support.
- Discuss the importance of a supportive community and what it means to truly support one another.
- Use Slide 2 and 3 to guide the initial conversation and provide examples.
Step 3
Qualities of a Great Peer Partner Sort
15 minutes
- Distribute the Qualities of a Great Peer Partner Sort (Activity) to students (individually or in small groups).
- Instruct students to sort the qualities into 'Super Supporter' and 'Needs More Practice' categories.
- Circulate to assist students and encourage discussion within groups. After sorting, have groups share and justify their choices.
Step 4
Scenario Share & Solve
15 minutes
- Introduce the Scenario Share & Solve (Discussion).
- Present a few scenarios related to peer interactions and challenges.
- In small groups, have students discuss how they could apply 'Super Supporter' qualities to resolve or improve each scenario.
- Bring the class back together for a brief whole-group share-out of solutions and strategies.
Step 5
My Support Superpower Exit Ticket
10 minutes
- Distribute the My Support Superpower Exit Ticket (Cool Down).
- Have students reflect on what they learned and identify one 'superpower' they will use to be a better peer supporter.
- Collect exit tickets as students leave. Review responses to gauge understanding and inform future lessons.
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Slide Deck
Building Our Support Network
What Makes a Super Supporter Squad?
Greet students and introduce the topic. Explain that a 'Super Supporter Squad' is what we want our classroom to be!
What is Peer Support?
- Peers: People who are similar to you, like classmates or friends.
- Support: To help, encourage, or provide strength to someone.
- Peer Support: When friends or classmates help each other out!
- Sharing notes
- Listening when someone is upset
- Offering encouragement before a presentation
- Standing up for someone who is being treated unfairly
Ask students what comes to mind when they hear 'peer support'. Guide them to understand it's about helping and uplifting each other.
Why is a Supportive Squad Important?
- You're Not Alone: Knowing you have people who care.
- Better Learning: When you feel safe, you learn better!
- Problem Solving: Two (or more!) heads are better than one.
- Empathy & Kindness: Helps us understand and care for others.
- A Happier Classroom: Everyone thrives in a positive environment.
Discuss how a strong support network benefits everyone – making school feel safer, more fun, and easier to learn.
Qualities of a Super Supporter
What makes someone a great friend or classmate to lean on?
Think about words like:
- Kind
- Helpful
- Respectful
- Empathetic
- Reliable
- Good Listener
We'll explore these and more in our next activity!
Transition to the activity. Explain that they will be exploring these qualities more deeply.
Putting Our Superpowers to Use!
Now that we know what makes a Super Supporter, let's practice using these qualities in real-life situations.
We'll work together to solve some common challenges.
Set up the next activity: 'Scenario Share & Solve'. Explain that they will be putting their 'Super Supporter' skills to the test.
Activity
Qualities of a Great Peer Partner Sort
Instructions: Read each quality listed below. Decide if it describes a "Super Supporter" (someone who helps build a positive community) or if it "Needs More Practice" (something that might make peer support harder). You can write each quality under the correct category or discuss with your group.
Super Supporter
Needs More Practice
Qualities to Sort:
- Good Listener: Pays attention when others speak.
- Interrupts Often: Talks over people without letting them finish.
- Offers Encouragement: Says "You can do it!" or "Keep trying!"
- Spreads Rumors: Talks negatively about others behind their back.
- Helps Others Understand: Explains things clearly when a classmate is confused.
- Excludes People: Leaves others out of games or conversations.
- Celebrates Successes: Is happy for friends when they do well.
- Blames Others: Points fingers instead of taking responsibility.
- Gives Constructive Feedback: Offers helpful suggestions respectfully.
- Is Judgmental: Quickly criticizes or forms negative opinions.
Discussion
Scenario Share & Solve
Instructions: In your groups, read each scenario. Discuss how a "Super Supporter Squad" member would respond to the situation, using the qualities we just sorted. Be ready to share your ideas with the class!
Scenario 1: The Frustrated Friend
Your friend, Alex, is really struggling with a math concept you understand well. They look really upset and are about to give up on their homework.
- How would a Super Supporter approach Alex?
- What specific actions or words would they use?
Scenario 2: The Missed Project
A classmate, Maya, was absent for a few days and missed some important instructions for a group project. Now she's back and feels completely lost and worried about letting the group down.
- What could a Super Supporter do to help Maya catch up and feel included?
- How can the group ensure Maya feels supported, not blamed?
Scenario 3: The Unkind Comment
You overhear another student making a hurtful comment about your classmate, Sam, during lunch. Sam looks sad but doesn't say anything back.
- How should a Super Supporter respond to the unkind comment?
- What can you do to support Sam, both in the moment and afterward?
Scenario 4: The New Kid
A new student, Jamie, just joined your class. They seem a little shy and are often sitting alone during free time.
- How can you and your classmates act as a Super Supporter Squad to welcome Jamie?
- What are some ways to help Jamie feel like a part of the classroom community?
Cool Down
My Support Superpower Exit Ticket
Name: ________________________
Today, we talked about what it means to be a "Super Supporter" and how to build a supportive classroom community.
-
My Support Superpower: What is ONE quality or action that you will focus on to be a better peer supporter in our classroom or in your friendships? (e.g., being a better listener, offering encouragement, helping others understand, standing up for someone, including everyone)
-
Why is this superpower important? Explain why you chose this quality and how it helps create a Super Supporter Squad.