Lesson Plan: Helping Friends Who Are Depressed or Suicidal
Grade Level: 6–12
Time Frame: One 45 Minute period
Subjects: Health/PE/Reading
Student Learning Objectives:
Students will make responsible decisions regarding signs of depression and/or suicide
Students will possess an understanding of the importance of communicating these signs to others
Students will demonstrate, through role playing, the skills of “listening” and “befriending”
Students will read and comprehend informational materials to develop an understanding of suicide and prevention
RI State Standards:
Mental and Emotional Health Education Standards
GSE (5-12)
Standards: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Materials:
Copy of lesson plan
RI Samaritans informational flyer
Website: www.samaritansri.org / Brain Quiz
RIDE Mental and Emotional Health Instructional Outcomes
Providence Journal Article (8/26/2001)
Diversity / Differing Abilities
- Individual decision for attendance of students who have recently experienced a death should be considered.
- Large print/ Braille flyers when applicable
- Sign language interpreter
Introduction/ Life Connection
Who are the Samaritans?
Have you or anyone you know had any connections to the Samaritans?
Content:
Utilize the Samaritans’ Youth and Teen brochure to cover and discuss the following topics:
Listening to the Student.
What you should say.
What signs to look for.
Can I tell someone?
Coping with pressure.
Teaching Strategies:
Large group instruction.
Possible multi-grade large group instruction
Small group instruction
Vocabulary
Samaritans, listening, suicide, “trusted adult”, depression
Closure
Introduce and review of Providence Journal article (8/26/2001)
“Left Behind by Suicide, There’s a Safe Place to Talk”.
References
RI Health A Suicide Prevention Framework for Rhode Islanders ages 15-24 (Feb 2002)
RIDE Health Literacy for All Children: RI Health Education Frameworks
RIDE Comprehensive Health Instructional Outcomes
- Health Ed Standards
- Substance and Abuse Prevention Instructional Outcomes
Assessment / Outcome Measurement
Rubric
Suicide Prevention Resources for Rhode Island Residents
Enter the name of your city or town for local resources.
