Support networks
A strong support network during transition to secondary school is vital for young people to feel supported and connected during this challenging time. A support network could include friends, siblings, parents, relatives and even teachers. This lesson helps students to understand the role support networks play in improving their wellbeing.
Year level
Transition
Duration
20 minutes
Type
In class activity
SEL Competencies
Social awareness
Relationship skills
Learning intention
Students will learn about support networks, including what they are, who could be in them, why they are important and how they can help them through challenging times.
Key outcomes
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
define support networks
identify people in their support network
explain the role of a support network
identify where to access online forums for extra support.
Materials needed
Whiteboard and markers
Coloured card for invitations
Coloured pencils and textas for invitations
Mapped to
Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education
Analyse the impact of changes and transitions, and devise strategies to support themselves and others through these changes (AC9HP8P02)
Australian Curriculum: General Capabilities
Personal and Social Capability:
Self-awareness
Self-management
NSW PDHPE Syllabus
Examines and demonstrates the role help-seeking strategies and behaviours play in supporting themselves and others (PD4-2)
Victorian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education
Investigate the benefits of relationships and examine their impact on their own and others’ health and wellbeing (VCHPEP127)
Plan and implement strategies for connecting to natural and built environments to promote the health and wellbeing of their communities (VCHPEP131)
Activity 1
Class brainstorm: Support networks
10 minutes
Write ‘Support networks’ on the board.
Ask students: ‘What is a support network’ Add keywords to the board as students answer.
Use these keywords to create a class definition of ‘support network’. Example: people in your life who can offer practical and emotional support.
Once you have a definition, ask the class: ‘Who could be in your support network?’Examples: friends, siblings, parents, relatives, teachers.
Independently, students answer:
How can support networks help me?
What qualities does someone in a support network need?
Activity 2
'Join my network!' invitation
10 minutes
Ask students to sit with their peer support groups.
Challenge students to create a personal invitation to be a part of their support network. This can be for a peer, family member, relative or even a teacher. Invitations should:
be inviting (use colour and images)
include a description of what their role is (encourage students to use information from their brainstorm)
consider the audience (the role will be different depending on who the invitation is going to).
Invite students to share ideas and resources within their group and to continue to build connections while completing the task.
Debrief
No time displayed
Explain to students that changes are challenges that are easier to overcome when you feel supported and connected. Asking for help, or letting someone know when you are feeling overwhelmed, will help the support person know that you are struggling and would appreciate some extra help. Unfortunately, we aren’t all mind readers!
