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Who's On Your Team?

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Lesson Plan

Who's On Your Team? Lesson Plan

Students will be able to identify at least two trusted adults in the school building they can go to for help, fostering a sense of security and self-advocacy as they transition to high school.

Transitioning to high school can be daunting. Knowing who to turn to for support is crucial for academic success, emotional well-being, and building resilience. This lesson empowers students to proactively build their support networks.

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, slide presentation, and a personal reflection activity.

Materials

Who's On Your Team? Building Your High School Support Squad Slide Deck, and My High School Success Team Map

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Connect to Prior Knowledge: What Does 'Support' Mean?

3 minutes

Teacher Script

“Good morning/afternoon, everyone! As you prepare for high school, it’s natural to have a lot of thoughts and feelings. One important part of success is having people you can count on. What does the word 'support' mean to you? Who are some people in your life right now that you consider part of your 'support system'?”

Step 2

Introduce New Concept: Your High School Support Squad

4 minutes

Teacher Script

“Just like a sports team or a superhero squad, you’ll need a team of people to help you navigate high school. These are trusted adults in the school building who can help with different things. Let’s look at some examples.”

  • Present slides on different types of trusted adults (e.g., counselors, teachers, administrators, librarians, coaches, nurses).
  • Explain the roles of these individuals and how they can offer support.
  • Emphasize that it's okay, and even smart, to ask for help.

Step 3

Guided Practice: Identifying Potential Teammates

3 minutes

Teacher Script

“Now that we’ve talked about different roles, let’s think about our future high school. Who do you imagine might be good people to have on your high school success team? Think about the adults you’ve met during visits or heard about.”

  • Lead a brief brainstorm session. Encourage students to think broadly about who they might encounter.
  • Introduce the My High School Success Team Map worksheet. “You’ll each get a 'My High School Success Team Map' to start building your own personal team.”

Step 4

Independent Application: Building Your Team Map

3 minutes

Teacher Script

“On your map, I want you to start thinking about at least two different adults you might seek out for help in high school. Write down their potential roles and why you might go to them. It’s okay if you don't know specific names yet, focus on the roles.”

  • Distribute the My High School Success Team Map (Journal).
  • Allow students to quietly work on their maps.
  • Circulate around the room, offering guidance and answering questions.

Step 5

Reflect and Share: My Success Squad

2 minutes

Teacher Script

“To wrap up, who would like to share one type of adult they’re thinking of adding to their 'High School Success Team' and why? Remember, having a team doesn’t mean you can’t handle things yourself, it means you’re smart enough to know when to ask for backup!”

  • Ask a few students to share one adult they identified and why.
  • Reiterate the importance of self-advocacy and knowing their resources.
  • Collect the My High School Success Team Map for review, or instruct students to keep them as a personal resource.
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Slide Deck

Who's On Your Team?

Building Your High School Success Squad

What does "support" mean to you?
Who is on your team right now?

Welcome students and introduce the day's topic. Ask students what 'support' means to them and who they currently rely on for help.

Your High School Success Squad

Transitioning to high school is a big step!

It's important to have people who can:

  • Help you when you're stuck
  • Listen when you need to talk
  • Guide you through new experiences
  • Cheer you on!

Think of them as your personal High School Success Squad.

Explain that high school is a new adventure where a strong support system is key. Introduce the idea of a 'High School Success Squad'.

Meet Your Squad: School Counselor

What they do:

  • Help with class schedules and academic goals
  • Offer social and emotional support
  • Guide you with college and career plans
  • Listen to your concerns

When to go to them:

  • Feeling overwhelmed or stressed
  • Having trouble with friends
  • Need advice about your future
  • Want to change classes

Introduce the role of a school counselor. Explain how they can help with academic planning, social-emotional support, and future goals.

Meet Your Squad: Teachers

What they do:

  • Teach subjects and help you learn
  • Provide extra help if you're struggling
  • Write letters of recommendation
  • Can be a mentor

When to go to them:

  • Don't understand a topic
  • Need help with homework or projects
  • Want to know more about a subject
  • Looking for an after-school club or activity

Discuss how teachers are not just for grades but are also resources for learning, extra help, and even personal advice.

Meet Your Squad: Administrators

What they do:

  • Ensure the school is safe and supportive
  • Handle school-wide issues and policies
  • Oversee student activities and events

When to go to them:

  • Witnessing bullying or unsafe behavior
  • Have concerns about school rules
  • Have ideas for school improvements

Explain the role of administrators (principals, assistant principals) and how they maintain a safe and positive school environment.

Meet Your Squad: Other Key Players

Librarians: Help with research, finding books, and quiet study spaces.

Coaches/Club Advisors: Guide you in extracurriculars, teach teamwork, and offer mentorship.

School Nurse: Provide health care, first aid, and health information.

When to go to them:

  • Need a book or research help (Librarian)
  • Injured or feeling unwell (Nurse)
  • Want to join a team or club (Coach/Advisor)

Mention other important adults like librarians, coaches, and nurses, and their specific roles in supporting students.

Building Your Own Team

Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness!

It shows you are:

  • Proactive
  • Self-aware
  • Resilient

Today, you'll start to build your own My High School Success Team Map.

Think about:

  • Who would you go to for academic help?
  • Who would you talk to if you felt stressed?
  • Who could help you with your future plans?

Emphasize that asking for help is a sign of strength and self-advocacy. Introduce the 'My High School Success Team Map' activity.

You've Got This!

Your High School Success Squad is there to help you thrive.

Don't be afraid to reach out!

Who will be on YOUR team?

Conclude by reiterating the importance of their support system and encourage them to use their team.

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Journal

My High School Success Team Map

Transitioning to high school is an exciting adventure! Just like any great explorer, you need a strong team to support you on your journey. Use this map to start building your personal High School Success Team – the trusted adults you can turn to for help.

My Team Captain: (Your Name)

My Goals for High School:







Trusted Adults in the School Building

Think about different people in a high school and what kind of help they offer. Who might you go to for different types of support?

Teammate 1:

  • Role: (e.g., Counselor, English Teacher, Coach, Librarian)




  • What I might go to them for:






Teammate 2:

  • Role: (e.g., Math Teacher, School Nurse, Dean, Club Advisor)




  • What I might go to them for:






Teammate 3 (Optional):

  • Role:




  • What I might go to them for:






Reflect and Connect

  1. Why is it important to know who you can go to for help in high school?











  2. What is one step you can take today to start thinking about who will be on your actual high school success team?











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Who's On Your Team? • Lenny Learning