Teachers
Parents
Day 3: The Power of Support Circles
Creating a comprehensive five-day lesson plan on "Intervention and Support" with objectives focused on bystander intervention training and the creation of support circles will encompass a blend of discussions, activities, and multimedia resources. This plan will aim to educate students on how to safely intervene in bullying situations and how to provide emotional support to their peers.
Morning Session: Understanding the Fundamentals of Support Circles
Objective
To introduce students to the concept of support circles, explaining their
purpose, structure, and benefits in providing support to those affected by bullying.
Activities:
1. Interactive Presentation on Support Circles:
Activity Type: Educational Presentation
Description: Begin with a presentation that introduces the concept of support circles, detailing their purpose, how they operate, and their benefits. Reference insights from Odd Girl Out; by Rachel Simmons to highlight real-world applications and the significance of these circles in combating relational aggression.
Materials Needed:
Projector, presentation slides, excerpts or summaries from the book.
Purpose:
To provide a clear understanding of support circles and their
role in offering emotional and social support.
2. Video Viewing: Creating a Culture of Support:
Activity Type:
Video Viewing and Discussion
Description:
Show a video that exemplifies the creation and impact of support circles or similar supportive environments. Follow up with a
discussion on key takeaways and how these concepts can be applied within the school.
Materials Needed:
Computer, projector, internet access for video.
Purpose:
To visually demonstrate the effectiveness and impact of support circles in real-life settings.
3. Discussion and Reflection:
Activity Type:
Group Discussion
Description:
Lead a discussion on the importance of support circles in
addressing bullying. Encourage students to share their thoughts on how
a support circle could benefit their school community.
Materials Needed:
None.
Purpose: To engage students in thinking critically about the application of support circles in their own lives and school environment.
Discussion
Discussion Titles
1. Morning Session: "Building Bridges: The Essence of Support Circles";
Explore the foundational concepts of support circles, emphasizing their purpose and the key roles they play in providing emotional and social support within the community.
Checklist for Day 3: The Power of Support Circles
Morning Session Checklist:
Prepare Interactive Presentation:
Ensure the presentation on support circles is ready, including key concepts from Odd Girl Out for real-world context.
Set Up for Video Viewing:
Check technical equipment and internet connection
for showing Creating a Culture of Support and prepare questions for post-viewing discussion.
Organize Discussion Space:
Arrange seating to facilitate an open and inclusive discussion, encouraging every student to participate.
Gather Reflection Materials:
Have materials ready for students to jot down initial thoughts or questions during discussions, aiding in the reflective
process.
Afternoon Session: Visualizing and Creating Supportive Environments
Objective:
Apply the morning's learning by having students work in groups to
visualize and create representations of supportive environments through poster
creation.
Activities:
1. Support Circle Poster Creation:
Activity Type: Creative Group Work
Description:
In small groups, students use poster boards and markers to design posters that represent what they envision as an effective support circle. Encourage inclusion of key elements such as empathy, confidentiality, and mutual respect.
Materials Needed: Poster boards, markers, sample support circle
guidelines.
Purpose:
To allow students to creatively express and consolidate their understanding of support circles and supportive environments.
2. Poster Gallery Walk and Sharing Session:
Activity Type: Sharing and Reflection
Description:
Organize a gallery walk where groups present their posters to the class. Discuss the ideas, themes, and elements included in each poster.
Materials Needed:
Completed posters, space for display.
Purpose:
To foster appreciation for diverse perspectives on support circles and to reinforce the importance of creating a supportive
community.
3. Personal Pledge to Support:
Activity Type: Commitment Exercise
Description:
Each student writes a personal pledge on how they can contribute to fostering a supportive environment in their school. These pledges can be shared with the group or kept private.
Materials Needed:
Paper, pens.
Purpose:
To translate the day’s conceptual learning into personal action plans, encouraging students to take active roles in building and
maintaining support circles.
Wrap-Up:
Activity: Reflection and Feedback
Description:
Conclude the day with a group reflection on the importance of support circles, the creative process of the posters, and the personal pledges. Solicit feedback on the day’s activities and discuss steps to take to implement support circles in the school.
Materials Needed:
None.
Purpose:
To consolidate learning, reinforce the commitment to action, and begin planning for the application of support circles in the school environment. By the end of the day, students will have gained both a theoretical understanding and a practical appreciation of the power of support circles in combating bullying and fostering a supportive school community
For Day 3 focusing on The Power of Support Circles, ensuring a structured approach through clear discussion titles and a detailed checklist can help educators effectively meet the objective of explaining and demonstrating how support circles can aid those impacted by bullying.
Discussion
Reflect on how these techniques can prevent conflicts from escalating.
Discussion Titles
Creating Our Circle: Envisioning Support Through Art
Shift focus to applying the morning's theoretical knowledge by engaging students in a creative process to design posters that
represent their ideal supportive environment.
Checklist for Day 3: The Power of Support Circles
Session Checklist:
Collect Poster Materials:
Verify that enough poster boards and markers are available for all groups to use during the poster creation activity.
Sample Support Circle Guidelines: Provide examples or guidelines of effective support circles as inspiration for the poster creation activity.
Designate Gallery Walk Space:
Organize the classroom or a nearby area for the gallery walk, ensuring there's ample space for all posters to be displayed and viewed.
Prepare Pledge Materials:
Ensure there are enough paper and pens for the personal pledge activity, allowing students to make a tangible commitment to fostering a supportive environment.
Plan for Reflection and Feedback:
Allocate time at the end of the day for students to reflect on their learning, share feedback on the activities, and
discuss how they can implement support circles in their community.
Additional Tips
Foster an Atmosphere of Respect:
Throughout the day, emphasize the importance of respect, confidentiality, and empathy, critical components of effective support circles.
Encourage Personal Sharing:
Within the boundaries of comfort and privacy, encourage students to share personal insights or experiences that highlight the need for support circles.
Highlight Actionable Steps:
End the day by discussing actionable steps students and the school can take to establish or strengthen support circles,
making the connection between the days activities and real-world application.
By following these structured discussion titles and checklists, educators can create
an engaging and impactful day focused on the power and importance of support
circles in combating bullying and supporting those affected.
