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Your Mind Matters!

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Lindsey Price

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Your Mind Matters

Students will be able to define mental health, identify common mental health challenges, recognize the importance of seeking support, and practice strategies for self-care.

Understanding mental health is vital for 8th-grade students as they navigate adolescence. This lesson provides foundational knowledge, reduces stigma, and empowers them to care for their well-being and support their peers, aligning with the Texas Model's focus on personal responsibility and healthy choices.

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, visual presentation, and a reflective activity.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Your Mind Matters Slide Deck, What's On Your Mind? Activity Sheet, and Open Dialogue Discussion Guide

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review the Your Mind Matters Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
    * Print copies of the What's On Your Mind? Activity Sheet (one per student).
    * Read through the Open Dialogue Discussion Guide to prepare for facilitating the class discussion.
    * Ensure projector/whiteboard is set up and working for the slide presentation.
    * Consider how to sensitively address student questions or disclosures, knowing school support resources available (e.g., counselor contact information).

Step 1

Warm-Up: What Comes to Mind?

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "When you hear the words 'mental health,' what comes to mind?"
    * Allow students to share initial thoughts (briefly, no judgment). Emphasize that mental health is just as important as physical health. (Refer to Your Mind Matters Slide Deck - Slide 1)

Step 2

Introduction to Mental Health

10 minutes

  • Present the Your Mind Matters Slide Deck to introduce key concepts:
    * Slide 2: Define mental health and well-being.
    * Slide 3: Discuss common mental health challenges (stress, anxiety, sadness – emphasize these are normal feelings sometimes).
    * Slide 4: Explain that everyone has mental health, just like everyone has physical health.
    * Facilitate a brief Q&A after each slide to check for understanding.

Step 3

Activity: What's On Your Mind?

15 minutes

  • Distribute the What's On Your Mind? Activity Sheet to each student.
    * Explain the activity: Students will privately reflect on personal feelings, challenges, and self-care strategies. The activity is for personal reflection and will not be collected.
    * Guide students through the prompts on the activity sheet, allowing quiet time for individual work. (Refer to Your Mind Matters Slide Deck - Slide 5)

Step 4

Discussion: Open Dialogue

10 minutes

  • Transition to a guided discussion using the Open Dialogue Discussion Guide.
    * Emphasize creating a safe, respectful space. Encourage students to share general insights from the activity (without revealing personal details) or discuss broader mental health topics.
    * Focus on the importance of reaching out for support and how to support friends. (Refer to Your Mind Matters Slide Deck - Slide 6)

Step 5

Cool-Down: One Takeaway

5 minutes

  • Ask students to share one new thing they learned or one way they plan to support their mental well-being (e.g.,

Step 6

Cool-Down: One Takeaway

5 minutes

  • Ask students to share one new thing they learned or one way they plan to support their mental well-being.
    * Reiterate key messages: It's okay not to be okay; help is available; support each other. (Refer to Your Mind Matters Slide Deck - Slide 7)
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Slide Deck

Your Mind Matters!

Understanding Your Mental Well-being

Discussion Question: What comes to mind when you hear "mental health"?

Welcome students and introduce the topic. Explain that today's lesson is about understanding mental health and why it's important. Emphasize that mental health is a part of overall health.

What is Mental Health?

It's about our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

  • How we think
  • How we feel
  • How we act

It affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Define mental health clearly. Explain it's about our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how we cope with life's challenges. Connect it to the Texas Model's emphasis on healthy lifestyle choices and personal responsibility.

Common Mental Health Challenges

  • Stress: Feeling overwhelmed or worried.
  • Anxiety: Intense worry, nervousness, or fear.
  • Sadness: Feeling down or unhappy.
  • Burnout: Feeling exhausted from too much effort.

These are normal feelings sometimes. It's about how we manage them.

Discuss common mental health challenges without causing alarm. Focus on normal experiences like stress or sadness, and when these feelings might become overwhelming. Reassure students that it's normal to experience a range of emotions.

Everyone Has Mental Health

  • It's just as important as physical health.
  • Mental health can change over time.
  • There are things we can do to keep our minds healthy.

Reinforce that everyone has mental health, just like physical health. It can be strong or need attention. Compare it to taking care of your body.

Activity: What's On Your Mind?

Take a few minutes to complete the activity sheet.

  • Reflect on your feelings.
  • Consider what helps you feel better.
  • Think about who you can talk to.

Introduce the activity. Explain that it's a private reflection and they won't be sharing details unless they choose to during the discussion. Encourage honesty with themselves.

Discussion: Open Dialogue

Let's talk about it!

  • What are some general takeaways from the activity?
  • Why is it important to talk about our feelings?
  • Who can help if you or a friend are struggling?

Transition to the discussion. Remind students of classroom norms for respectful dialogue. Guide them using prompts from the discussion guide, encouraging general sharing and focusing on themes of support and help-seeking.

Remember: You Are Not Alone!

  • It's okay to feel a range of emotions.
  • It's okay to ask for help.
  • You have people who care about you.

Cool Down Question: Share one new thing you learned or one way you'll support your mental well-being.

Conclude by summarizing the main points. Emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength and that they are not alone. Provide information on where to find support (e.g., school counselor, trusted adult).

lenny

Activity

What's On Your Mind? Activity Sheet

Take a moment to privately reflect on your thoughts and feelings. This activity is for your eyes only and will not be collected. Its purpose is to help you check in with yourself.

Part 1: Checking In

  1. How are you feeling today? (Circle all that apply, or add your own)

    • Happy
    • Sad
    • Stressed
    • Anxious
    • Calm
    • Excited
    • Tired
    • Overwhelmed
    • Hopeful
    • Frustrated
    • Relaxed
    • Confused

  2. What is one thing that has been on your mind recently, big or small? (It could be something you're excited about, worried about, or thinking about.)











Part 2: Coping & Support

  1. When you feel stressed or sad, what are some things that usually help you feel better? (These are your coping strategies!)
    • Listening to music
    • Talking to a friend or family member
    • Exercising or playing a sport
    • Reading a book
    • Spending time in nature
    • Playing video games
    • Drawing or creating art
    • Watching a movie or TV show
    • Getting enough sleep
    • Eating healthy food







  1. Who is a trusted adult or friend you feel comfortable talking to if you need support or are going through a tough time? (You don't need to name them specifically, just think about the type of person.)





Part 3: Looking Ahead

  1. What is one small step you can take this week to support your mental well-being? (e.g., "I will make sure to get 8 hours of sleep one night," "I will talk to my friend about a problem," "I will go for a walk.")






Remember, taking care of your mental health is a sign of strength!

lenny
lenny

Discussion

Open Dialogue: Discussing Mental Health

Objective: To facilitate a safe and open discussion about mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking behaviors.

Teacher Notes:

  • Establish Ground Rules: Before starting, remind students of respectful listening, confidentiality (what's shared in the room stays in the room, especially personal details), and the importance of speaking from personal experience using "I" statements. Emphasize that it's okay to pass if they don't want to share.
  • Facilitator Role: Guide the conversation, ensure all voices are heard (if they wish to speak), and gently steer away from overly personal disclosures.
  • Referral: Be prepared to provide resources (school counselor, trusted adults) if students express significant concerns.

Discussion Prompts:

  1. Opening the Conversation (Connect to Activity):

    • "Without sharing anything too personal, what was it like to think about your feelings in the 'What's On Your Mind?' activity? Did anything surprise you?"
    • "What are some common feelings or challenges that students your age might experience?"



  2. Understanding Mental Health:

    • "We talked about mental health today. Why is it important to talk about it openly?"
    • "What are some ways we can break down the stigma around mental health?"



  3. Coping Strategies:

    • "What are some healthy ways you or people you know cope with stress or difficult emotions?"
    • "How can we encourage ourselves and our friends to practice self-care?"



  4. Seeking and Offering Support:

    • "If you or a friend were struggling, who are some trusted people you could talk to?"
    • "What does it mean to be a supportive friend to someone who might be having a tough time?"
    • "What's one thing you can do to make sure others feel comfortable talking about their feelings with you?"



  5. Closing Reflection:

    • "What is one takeaway from today's discussion that you'll remember?"

Remember: Taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies. You are not alone, and help is always available.

lenny
lenny

Discussion

Open Dialogue: Discussing Mental Health

Objective: To facilitate a safe and open discussion about mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking behaviors.

Teacher Notes:

  • Establish Ground Rules: Before starting, remind students of respectful listening, confidentiality (what's shared in the room stays in the room, especially personal details), and the importance of speaking from personal experience using "I" statements. Emphasize that it's okay to pass if they don't want to share.
  • Facilitator Role: Guide the conversation, ensure all voices are heard (if they wish to speak), and gently steer away from overly personal disclosures.
  • Referral: Be prepared to provide resources (school counselor, trusted adults) if students express significant concerns.

Discussion Prompts:

  1. Opening the Conversation (Connect to Activity):
    *
lenny
lenny

Discussion

Open Dialogue: Discussing Mental Health

Objective: To facilitate a safe and open discussion about mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking behaviors.

Teacher Notes:

  • Establish Ground Rules: Before starting, remind students of respectful listening, confidentiality (what's shared in the room stays in the room, especially personal details), and the importance of speaking from personal experience using "I" statements. Emphasize that it's okay to pass if they don't want to share.
  • Facilitator Role: Guide the conversation, ensure all voices are heard (if they wish to speak), and gently steer away from overly personal disclosures.
  • Referral: Be prepared to provide resources (school counselor, trusted adults) if students express significant concerns.

Discussion Prompts:

  1. Opening the Conversation (Connect to Activity):
    *
lenny
lenny

Discussion

Open Dialogue: Discussing Mental Health

Objective: To facilitate a safe and open discussion about mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking behaviors.

Teacher Notes:

  • Establish Ground Rules: Before starting, remind students of respectful listening, confidentiality (what's shared in the room stays in the room, especially personal details), and
lenny
lenny

Discussion

Open Dialogue: Discussing Mental Health

Objective: To facilitate a safe and open discussion about mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking behaviors.

Teacher Notes:

  • Establish Ground Rules: Before starting, remind students of respectful listening, confidentiality (what's shared in the room stays in the room, especially personal details), and
lenny
lenny