Lesson Plan
Who's Got Your Back? Lesson Plan
Students will identify their support systems and understand how these relationships help them, through discussion and interactive game play.
Understanding their support systems helps build emotional awareness and encourages children to seek and appreciate help from peers, family, and teachers.
Audience
1st Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive lesson with discussion and a game.
Materials
Who's Got Your Back? Lesson Plan, and Support Circle Game Cards
Prep
Preparation
5 minutes
- Review the Who's Got Your Back? Lesson Plan for detailed guidance.
- Prepare Support Circle Game Cards by writing names or pictures of supportive figures (like mom, dad, teacher, friend) on index cards.
- Set up a comfortable seating area for group discussion.
Step 1
Introduction and Discussion
10 minutes
- Begin with a simple question: 'Who helps you when you need it?'
- Explain the idea of a support system with examples (family, friends, teacher).
- Engage students with a short discussion, encouraging them to share who they consider as their support squad.
Step 2
Support Circle Game
15 minutes
- Distribute the prepared Support Circle Game Cards to each student.
- Have students stand in a circle and pass the cards around; when the music stops, the student holding the card names the person/figure on the card and explains why this person is supportive.
- Encourage applause and positive reinforcement after each student shares.
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Game
Support Circle Game Cards Printable Templates
Below you will find printable card templates that can be easily printed and cut out for classroom use. Each card features a picture (or placeholder for an image) and the name of a supportive figure. Feel free to print these as many times as needed and modify the names or images based on your class's support system.
Card Templates
Card 1: Family - Mom
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| [Image of Mom] |
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| Mom |
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Card 2: Family - Dad
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| [Image of Dad] |
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| Dad |
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Card 3: Family - Sibling
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| [Image of Sibling] |
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| Sibling |
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Card 4: Teacher
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| [Image of Teacher] |
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| Teacher |
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Card 5: Friend
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| [Image of Friend] |
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| Friend |
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Card 6: Community Helper
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| [Image of Community Helper]|
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| Community Helper |
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Instructions for Use
- Print these templates on card stock or regular paper.
- Cut along the borders to create individual cards.
- Optionally, laminate the cards for durability if you plan to use them repeatedly.
- During the game, have students stand in a circle and distribute one card to each student. They will then pass the cards around while music plays, and when the music stops, the student holding the card identifies the supportive figure and explains why this person is important.
Enjoy using these game cards to help your students identify and celebrate the support systems in their lives!
Activity
Support Squad Charades
Turn your class into a lively stage with this charades-style game that celebrates everyone's support system! In this game, students will act out the roles of supportive figures from their lives without using words while their classmates guess who they're portraying. It's a creative and fun way for students to appreciate the people who help them feel strong and safe.
Game Setup
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Materials Needed:
- A list of supportive roles (e.g., Mom, Dad, Teacher, Friend, Community Helper) on cards or slips of paper
- A container or hat to hold the paper slips
- Space for students to move around safely
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Preparation:
- Write each supportive role on a separate slip of paper and fold them so the roles are hidden. (Alternatively, you can create cards with pictures if preferred.)
- Place all slips in a container or hat.
How to Play
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
- Gather students and explain that they will play a game of charades about the people who help and support them.
- Remind them that the goal is to represent a supportive figure through actions or gestures without using words. Instead, they may use expressions, body language, or pretend props from their surroundings.
- Go over basic charades guidelines: no talking, gentle movements, and encourage positive cheering and applause when a student guesses correctly.
2. Acting and Guessing Rounds (20 minutes)
- Step 1: One at a time, have a student draw a slip from the container.
- Step 2: The student acts out the supportive role silently for the class. For example, if the slip reads "Teacher," they might mimic writing on a board, pointing out things in a pretend lesson, or showing a caring gesture.
- Step 3: The rest of the class guesses the role as they watch the performance. When someone correctly guesses, celebrate with applause and positive reinforcement.
- Step 4: Rotate quickly through several rounds to ensure many students get a turn.
3. Reflection (5 minutes)
- After several rounds, have a brief group discussion:
- Ask, "What did you notice about the different ways people can show support without speaking?"
- Have students share one thing they learned or enjoyed from the game.
- Reinforce the idea that support comes in many forms—both spoken and unspoken, active and quiet.
Enjoy this energetic and expressive game while reinforcing the importance of recognizing and honoring the people in our lives who offer support and care!
Reading
Support Squad Story Time
To kick off our lesson on support systems, we'll begin by reading a beloved book that illustrates comfort, support, and the importance of loved ones. Start by reading The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn—a touching story about a young raccoon who learns that his mother's love is always with him, helping him feel brave even when he's apart. This book provides a perfect introduction to the idea of a support system and is available for purchase at most major book retailers.
Discussion Points After the Book
- Who are the characters in the story and how do they show love and support for each other?
- How does the mother raccoon's kiss help the young raccoon feel safe?
- Can you think of a time when someone made you feel brave and supported?
Enjoy this story time and let it remind you that support and love are always with us, no matter where we are. (You can purchase The Kissing Hand at most major book retailers.)