Lesson Plan
Support Squad Script
Students will identify and map trusted adults and peers in their personal support network, practicing help-seeking behaviors and strengthening emotional resilience.
Visualizing personal support networks helps students recognize resources for emotional and practical help, fostering confidence, resilience, and healthy help-seeking habits.
Audience
4th Grade Group
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Collaborative mapping and reflective journaling.
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review Your Circle of Care Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with discussion prompts.
- Print enough copies of Network Mapping Activity Sheets for each student.
- Gather Reflection on Helpers Journal notebooks or worksheets.
- Read through Sharing Circle Guidelines to set clear expectations.
Step 1
Warm-Up Discussion
5 minutes
- Display Your Circle of Care Slide Deck.
- Prompt students to think quietly about one person who supports them emotionally.
- Invite volunteers to share examples of trusted adults or peers and why they feel supported.
Step 2
Network Mapping
10 minutes
- Distribute Network Mapping Activity Sheets.
- Instruct students to draw themselves at the center and add concentric rings for family, friends, teachers, and community helpers.
- Ask them to write names or draw pictures of individuals in each ring.
Step 3
Reflection on Helpers
7 minutes
- Provide each student with the Reflection on Helpers Journal.
- Have students choose two individuals from their map and write about a time they provided help.
- Prompt reflection on how it felt to receive support and what they might say or do to show appreciation.
Step 4
Sharing Circle Cool-Down
8 minutes
- Arrange students in a circle following the Sharing Circle Guidelines.
- Invite a few students to share one insight or gratitude statement from their reflections.
- Reinforce respectful listening and affirm the value of supportive relationships.
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Slide Deck
Your Circle of Care
Welcome! Today we’ll map out the people who support us and learn why asking for help is important.
Introduce yourself and the lesson. Explain that today they’ll learn about their support network and create a visual map. Relate to times they've needed help.
Why a Support Network Matters
• Helps us feel safe and cared for
• Gives advice when we’re stuck
• Helps us stay healthy – in mind and body
Define support network. Use everyday examples (like homework help, listening when sad). Ask students: 'Who helps you when you're stuck on homework?'
What Is a Support Network?
A support network is all the people we can turn to when we need help or someone to talk to, such as:
- Family members
- Friends
- Teachers or school staff
- Community helpers (coaches, librarians)
Read the list slowly. Ask for suggestions: 'Can you think of someone in the community who helps you?'
Step 1: Draw Your Circles
- Draw yourself in the center.
- Add rings around you for different groups:
• Family
• Friends
• Teachers/School Staff
• Community Helpers
Demonstrate quickly on the board: draw a small circle for 'Me' and concentric rings. Emphasize neatness but it's okay to be creative.
Step 2: Fill in Names
In each ring, write or draw the names of people in that category. Think of:
- A relative who always listens
- A friend you play with at recess
- A coach or librarian who helps you
Give examples and encourage students to think of at least two names per ring. Circulate to support.
Quick Reflection
Choose two people from your map. Write:
- How they helped you
- How did it feel to receive their help
- One way you can thank them
Prompt students to use their journals. Provide sentence starters if needed: 'It felt ___ when ___ helped me.'
Share & Cool-Down
- Turn to a partner and share one person from your map.
- Say why that person is important.
- Listen respectfully to your partner.
Guide sharing circle. Remind students of respectful listening. After pairs, invite a few shares with the whole group.
Activity
Network Mapping Activity Sheet
Instructions:
-
Draw yourself in the small circle at the center and write “Me.”
-
Draw four concentric rings around the center. Label them (from inner to outer):
- Family
- Friends
- Teachers/School Staff
- Community Helpers
-
In each ring, write or draw at least two people who help or support you in that category (e.g., a parent, a classmate, your librarian).
-
Next to your drawing, answer these questions:
- Who did you place closest to you? Why?
- How might you reach out to someone in an outer ring if you needed help?
- Who did you place closest to you? Why?
-
Be creative! Use colors, symbols, or stickers to make your support network clear and fun to look at.
Journal
Reflection on Helpers Journal
In this journal, you will think about the people in your support network and how they help you. Use these prompts to guide your writing.
- Who are the two people you chose from your support map, and why did you pick them?
- Describe a specific time when one of these people helped you. What did they do?
- How did you feel when they helped you? Use as many feelings words as you can.
- What words or actions could you use to thank them and show your appreciation?
- Why is it important to ask for help when you need it? How does asking for help make you stronger?
- Name one more person in your network you might reach out to in the future. What would you ask them for?
Cool Down
Sharing Circle Guidelines
Use this guide to help students share respectfully and thoughtfully during the cool-down.
1. Set the Tone
- Begin with a deep breath together to settle in.
- Remind everyone: this is a safe space—what’s shared here stays here.
2. Listening Rules
- Speak one at a time.
- Listen with your eyes and ears (face the speaker, keep hands to yourself).
- Keep your sharing and responses positive and kind—no put-downs.
3. Speaking Guidelines
- Use “I” statements to own your feelings (e.g., “I feel grateful when…”).
- Keep answers brief so everyone who wants a turn can share.
- It’s okay to pass if you don’t have something to say.
4. Sentence Starters
- “I appreciate ___ because ___.”
- “I feel supported by ___ when they ___.”
- “One thing I learned about my support squad is ___.”
- “I’m thankful for ___ because ___.”
5. Closing the Circle
- End with a group clap or “Thanks for sharing!”
- Encourage students to smile or wave at the person on their right and left.
Use these guidelines to model respectful, supportive listening and speaking. The sharing circle helps us appreciate our support networks and build classroom community.