lenny

Who’s In Your Support Squad

user image

Lesson Plan

Support Network Blueprint

Students will identify and map members of their personal support networks and reflect on their roles. They will then practice expressing gratitude through targeted shout-outs.

Understanding who supports you builds resilience, strengthens relationships, and boosts emotional well-being by making students aware of their resources and encouraging appreciation.

Audience

10th Grade Students

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Interactive mapping, peer discussion, and gratitude practice.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Network Brainstorm

5 minutes

  • Display Network Brainstorm Prompt on the board
  • Ask students to list 3–5 people they turn to for support
  • Have students pair-share their lists for 2 minutes

Step 2

Define Support Networks

5 minutes

  • Present definition of "support network" via Squad Mapping Slides
  • Highlight types of support: emotional, academic, practical
  • Invite student questions and examples

Step 3

Support Circle Mapping

15 minutes

  • Distribute Support Circle Diagram Template
  • Instruct students to place themselves at the center, then add names to inner and outer circles by closeness
  • Encourage inclusion of family, friends, teachers, mentors, and community members
  • Circulate to prompt deeper thinking and offer examples

Step 4

Reflection & Discussion

10 minutes

  • Students pair up to discuss patterns in their maps
  • Prompt with questions: Who surprised you? Which group do you rely on most?
  • Invite 2–3 pairs to share key insights with the class

Step 5

Gratitude Shout-Outs

5 minutes

  • Hand out Gratitude Shout-Outs Cards
  • Students write a quick thank-you to one person in their network
  • Volunteers may read their shout-outs aloud
  • Collect cards to share or display later
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Who’s In Your Support Squad

A 40-minute journey to map your personal support network and practice gratitude.

Welcome everyone! Today we'll explore our personal support networks. Introduce the title and invite students to think about who they rely on. Use the teal gradient (#20B2AA to #32CFC4) background.

Today’s Goals

• Define “support network” and its importance
• Identify key people in your own network
• Map relationships by closeness
• Share insights and practice gratitude

Read through the objectives. Emphasize that by the end, students will understand support networks, map theirs, and express gratitude. Use icons or check marks in the bullets.

What Is a Support Network?

A group of individuals you turn to for help, comfort, and advice when you face challenges.

Present the definition clearly. Invite a quick example from a volunteer. Background can shift to #32CFC4.

Types of Support

• Emotional: empathy, listening, encouragement
• Academic: tutoring, study advice, feedback
• Practical: tasks, rides, resources

Explain the three types of support. Provide brief examples: Emotional (talk a friend), Academic (ask a teacher), Practical (help with chores).

Warm-Up: Network Brainstorm

List 3–5 people you turn to for support.
• Who do you call when stressed?
• Who helps with schoolwork?
Pair up and share your lists for 2 minutes.

Introduce the warm-up. Display the prompt slide on the board: “List 3–5 people...” Encourage quick thinking and pair sharing.

Activity: Support Circle Mapping

  1. Place yourself at the center circle.
  2. Add names in inner (closest) and outer circles.
  3. Include family, friends, teachers, mentors, community.

Transition to the main activity. Show the diagram template at center. Explain inner vs. outer circles. Encourage students to include diverse roles. Remind them of the Support Circle Diagram Template.

Reflection & Discussion

• Who surprised you in your map?
• Which group do you rely on most?
• How might you strengthen these connections?

Guide students through a 2–3 minute pair discussion. Prompt them with the questions shown. Invite a few pairs to share aloud.

Cool-Down: Gratitude Shout-Outs

Write a quick thank-you to one person in your network.
• What did they do?
• How did it help you?
Share with the class if you’d like.

Explain the cool-down. Hand out the Gratitude Shout-Outs Cards. Encourage sincere, specific messages. Volunteers can share theirs.

Thank You & Next Steps

• Display shout-out cards in class.
• Consider adding new supporters.
• Next: Building resilience through action.

Wrap up the session. Encourage students to follow through on gratitude and consider extending support to others. Preview any next steps or related lessons.

lenny

Warm Up

Warm-Up: Network Brainstorm

List 3–5 people you turn to for support.

• Who do you call when you’re stressed?
• Who helps you with schoolwork?
• Who listens when you need to talk?

Write your answers below and be ready to share with a partner:










Pair up and discuss your lists for 2 minutes.

lenny
lenny

Activity

Support Circle Diagram Template

Instructions:

  1. Draw three concentric circles, like rings on a target.
  2. Label the center circle “Me.”
  3. In the inner ring, write the names of people you rely on most (closest supporters).
  4. In the outer ring, write names of other people in your support network.

Draw your support circles below and fill in the names:




















lenny
lenny

Cool Down

Gratitude Shout-Outs

Write a note to someone in your support network who has helped you recently.

To: ________________________________________________



I’m thankful for: _____________________________________



Because: _____________________________________________



How it helped me: _____________________________________






Feel free to share your shout-out with the class.

lenny
lenny