Lesson Plan

Discovering Our School Vibe

Students will explore and define the current climate in our school hallways by sharing experiences, debating key issues, and collaborating to propose actionable suggestions for a more positive environment.

Understanding and shaping our school climate empowers students to feel heard, fosters community, and guides improvements that make hallways safer and more welcoming for everyone.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Interactive activities and group discussions

Materials

Climate Check-In Presentation, - Emoji Mood Map, - Hallway Happenings Debate, - One-Word Exit Ticket, - Chart Paper and Markers, and - Sticky Notes

Prep

Gather Materials and Review

15 minutes

Review the Climate Check-In Presentation slides and speaker notes.
Print one copy of the Emoji Mood Map per student.
Prepare debate guidelines handout for the Hallway Happenings Debate.
Print or prepare slips for the One-Word Exit Ticket.
Post chart paper around the room with markers ready.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Emoji Mood Map

5 minutes

Distribute the Emoji Mood Map to each student.
Ask students to circle the emoji that best represents how they feel about our school hallways.
Invite a few volunteers to share why they chose their emoji and how it reflects their experiences.

Step 2

Presentation: Climate Check-In

10 minutes

Project the Climate Check-In Presentation.
Define "school climate" and discuss its impact on student well-being.
Pause at key slides to ask: “What do you notice about our hallway vibe?”
Collect quick reactions on sticky notes and post them on chart paper.

Step 3

Discussion: Hallway Happenings Debate

15 minutes

Divide students into small groups of 3–4.
Assign each group a statement about hallway climate (e.g., “Our hallways feel safe,” “Hallway noise is distracting”).
Provide the Hallway Happenings Debate guidelines.
Groups prepare arguments for or against their statement and then share highlights with the class.

Step 4

Synthesis: Defining Our Vibe

10 minutes

On chart paper at each station, groups list their top three words describing our hallway climate.
After 3 minutes, rotate groups to review and add comments or new words to other posters.
Teacher facilitates a brief discussion on the most common themes and records key ideas.

Step 5

Cool-Down: One-Word Exit Ticket

5 minutes

Hand out One-Word Exit Ticket slips to each student.
Ask students to write one word that captures today’s session or their hope for improving our hallway vibe.
Collect exit tickets as students leave and review responses to inform next steps.

Slide Deck

Climate Check-In

What’s the vibe in our hallways?

Welcome students and introduce the session. Use the school palette (#4A90E2 background, #6DAAF8 accents). Explain that today we’ll explore our hallway climate.

What Is School Climate?

The feelings, attitudes, and energy in our school community.

Define “school climate.” Emphasize that it’s about feelings, attitudes, and daily experiences at school.

Why It Matters

• Influences how we learn
• Shapes our sense of safety
• Builds our community

Highlight why climate matters: academic success, safety, and belonging.

Our Hallways

[Insert image of a busy hallway]
[Insert image of an empty hallway]

Show two contrasting images: one busy hallway, one calm/empty hallway. Ask students to observe differences.

What Do You Notice?

Write one word that describes these hallways.

Prompt reflection. Hand out sticky notes for students to write a descriptor word.

Sticky Note Check-In

Place your word on the chart.
Look at others—any surprises?

Have students place their sticky-note words on chart paper. Invite a few volunteers to share surprises.

Key Discussion Questions

• Do we feel safe here?
• Is it welcoming?
• What can we improve?

Introduce the upcoming debate. These questions will guide small-group discussions.

Looking Ahead

• Hallway Happenings Debate
• Defining our vibe
• One-Word Exit Ticket

Preview the flow: debate, synthesis, exit ticket.

Ready to Dive In?

Let’s explore and shape our hallway climate together!

Transition into the main activity. Energize students to participate.

Warm Up

Emoji Mood Map

Circle the emoji that best shows how you feel about our school hallways today. Then write one sentence explaining your choice.

😀 🙂 😐 😕 🙁 😧

1 2 3 4 5 6

Why I chose this emoji:

Discussion

Hallway Happenings Debate

Objective:
Students will critically examine statements about our hallway climate, build arguments for or against each statement, and practice respectful discussion and listening skills.

Debate Structure & Roles (15 minutes total)

1. Group Formation (1 minute)

Divide into groups of 3–4 students.
Assign roles in each group:
- Proponent (Pro): Argues in favor of the statement.
- Opponent (Con): Argues against the statement.
- Moderator: Keeps time, ensures fairness, and signals when to switch speakers.
- Recorder: Takes notes on the main points and evidence from both sides.

2. Preparation (4 minutes)

Hand out the Debate Statement Card to each group.
Groups brainstorm and jot down:
- 2–3 supporting arguments (with examples or personal experiences).
- 2–3 opposing arguments (with examples or observations).
Recorder organizes ideas in two columns:
Pro Arguments Con Arguments

3. Structured Debate (6 minutes)

Round 1 (2 minutes): Proponent shares their top two arguments (1 minute each).
Round 2 (2 minutes): Opponent shares their top two arguments (1 minute each).
Rebuttal (2 minutes): Each side gets 1 minute to respond to the other’s points.
Moderator uses a timer and ensures each speaker sticks to their time.

4. Reflection & Share-Out (4 minutes)

Groups discuss:
1. Which side made the stronger case, and why?
2. Did any new ideas emerge during the debate?
Recorder summarizes the group’s conclusions in 1–2 sentences.
One representative from each group shares highlights with the whole class.

Possible Debate Statements (assign one per group)

“Our hallways feel safe.”
“Hallway noise is distracting to learning.”
“Students treat each other respectfully in the halls.”
“There are enough signs and posters to guide us in the hallways.”
“It’s easy to find friends or groups to walk with between classes.”

(Teacher can add or modify statements based on school context.)

Discussion Tips & Reminders

Listen respectfully; do not interrupt speakers.
Use “I” statements (“I noticed…,” “I feel…”) when sharing personal examples.
Focus on ideas, not individuals.
Support arguments with specific observations or experiences.

After the debate, move on to Synthesis: Defining Our Vibe to identify common themes and brainstorm improvements.

Cool Down

One-Word Exit Ticket

Write one word that captures today’s session or your hope for improving our hallway vibe.

My Word:

Pro Arguments	Con Arguments

What’s the Vibe in Our Halls?

Kathleen Lantiegne