Health Smart provides a instructional activity that shows middle schoolers how they can step up and help someone exhibiting self-harming behaviors. After learning the signs and symptoms of depression and suicide, teams research local resources available. In addition, they learn strategies they can employ to help and then practice these strategies by engaging in a series of role-playing exercises.

Concepts

depression, suicide, healthy habits, social-emotional learning, casel, self esteem, behavior intervention

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• For additional lessons and activities, examine the unit overview linked in the Included Materials section of this review
• Post prominently on the classroom wall the on-campus and community resources groups discovered in their research of good places to get help

Classroom Considerations

• The link to the song's video by Logic - 1-800-273-8255ft. does not work; however, an unedited version is available on YouTube
• The unedited version contains language not considered appropriate for most classrooms
• Part of the 16-resource Health Smart series designed for eighth graders

Pros

• The 11-page packet includes a detailed, scripted plan, specific suggestions for how to help a friend in need, and scenarios for class members to practice their support skills
  

Cons

• Beware of the many grammar, usage, and spelling errors in the presentation slides