Title: Building a Supportive Classroom Community
Objective: To teach 12-13 year olds the importance of supporting their classmates by helping out and promoting positive interactions, while discouraging negative behaviors such as putting others down or physical aggression.
Materials: - Whiteboard or flipchart - Markers - Index cards or small pieces of paper - Jar or container
Introduction: 1. Begin the lesson by gathering the students in a circle and explaining the purpose of the session: to create a supportive classroom environment where everyone feels valued and respected. 2. Emphasize that each student has a role to play in fostering a positive atmosphere and that their actions can greatly impact their peers’ experiences.
Activity 1: Classroom Contributions 1. Ask the students to brainstorm different ways they can contribute to the classroom community. Write their ideas on the whiteboard or flipchart. 2. Discuss the importance of each suggestion and how it can positively impact the classroom environment. 3. Distribute index cards or small pieces of paper to each student and ask them to write down one specific way they can contribute to the classroom. 4. Collect the cards and place them in a jar or container labeled “Classroom Contributions.” 5. Throughout the year, randomly select a card from the jar and acknowledge the student’s contribution during class.
Activity 2: Empathy and Understanding 1. Explain the concept of empathy and its importance in creating a supportive classroom. 2. Divide the students into pairs or small groups and provide each group with a scenario involving a classroom conflict or negative behavior (e.g., a student being put down or a physical altercation). 3. Instruct the groups to discuss the scenario and come up with alternative, positive ways to handle the situation. 4. Ask each group to share their ideas with the whole class, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and non-violent conflict resolution.
Activity 3: Role-Playing 1. Divide the students into pairs or small groups and assign each group a different role-play scenario related to supporting their classmates and avoiding negative behaviors. 2. Allow the groups some time to prepare their role-plays, encouraging them to focus on positive communication, problem-solving, and empathy. 3. Have each group perform their role-play in front of the class. 4. After each performance, facilitate a brief discussion about the positive aspects of the role-play and how it aligns with the lesson’s objectives.
Conclusion: 1. Recap the main points discussed during the lesson, emphasizing the importance of supporting classmates, avoiding negative behaviors, and promoting a positive classroom environment. 2. Encourage students to actively apply what they have learned in their daily interactions with their peers. 3. Remind them that they have the power to create a supportive and inclusive classroom community.
Note: It is essential to adapt the activities and language to suit the specific needs and maturity level of your students.