Bounce Back Stronger Lesson Plan Bounce Back Stronger
Tier 3 Individual Support Plan • 5th Grade
9 Weeks
30 min / session
Purpose
This lesson is crucial for helping the student heal from past trauma, develop resilience, foster a sense of safety and empowerment in their social environment, learn to identify and utilize their support system, and build healthy, trusting relationships.
Objective
Equip the student with strategies to process past bullying, build self-confidence, develop coping mechanisms, understand support networks, and learn to maintain trust.
Teacher Preparation
Review all slide decks and scripts.
Prep "My Strength Shield" materials (markers, crayons).
Ensure student has their Thought & Feeling Journal.
Cut out cards for Scenario Sort and Trust Builders.
Create a calm, private space free from distractions.
Allow 15 minutes before each session for review.
Curriculum Path
Week 1
Understanding Emotions
"What are feelings and how do they work?"
Emotion Charades Feelings Check-in
Week 2
Defining Bullying & Its Impact
"Recognizing harmful vs. accidental behaviors."
Scenario Sort
Week 3
Sharing My Story Safely
"Processing personal experiences in a safe space."
Journaling
Week 4
Building My Inner Strength
"Discovering superpowers and personal qualities."
Strength Shield
Week 5
Developing Coping Strategies
"Building a toolkit for big feelings."
Calm-Down Toolkit
Week 6
Circle of Support
"Identifying the people in your corner."
Support Network Map
Week 7
Building Trust
"Defining trustworthiness and reliable actions."
Trust Builders Sort
Week 8
Setting Boundaries
"Assertiveness and protecting personal space."
Boundary Statements
Week 9
Celebrating Growth
"Reflecting on the journey and looking ahead."
Future Self Letter
Bounce Back Stronger Slide Deck Welcome!
Building Our Strength Together
Today, we start a journey to help you understand your feelings, discover your strengths, and learn to bounce back.
This is a safe space for you!
Feelings Check-in
How are you feeling today?
😊 Happy
🧘 Calm
🤔 Curious
💠Nervous
"It's okay to feel all sorts of things! Let's talk about them."
Your feelings matter.
Reflect & Share
What is one feeling you are experiencing right now?
What made you feel that way today?
Every feeling is a message!
What is Bullying?
What comes to mind when you hear the word 'bullying'?
It's important to know what it is so we can understand it better.
Different Types
Physical
Hurting someone's body (pushing, hitting)
Verbal
Hurting someone with words (teasing, name-calling)
Social
Hurting friendships or reputation (excluding, rumors)
What's the difference between an accident and bullying?
My Story, My Voice
Today, if you feel ready, we can talk about your experience.
It was NOT your fault.
I am here to listen and support you.
Your Superpowers!
Everyone has special strengths!
What are you good at?
What makes you unique?
These are your inner superpowers!
Tools for Tough Times
When big feelings come, we can use our 'Coping Toolkit'!
What help you feel better when you're upset?
Deep Breaths
Drawing
Listening to Music
Finding Your Voice
It's brave to ask for help!
Who are the trusted adults you can talk to if you need help?
Parent Teacher Counselor
Stand Tall!
Boundaries are like invisible lines that protect you.
How can you say 'no' firmly but kindly?
Look How Far You've Come!
What have you learned about yourself?
What new tools do you have?
You are stronger and braver than you think!
Bounce Back Stronger Script Teacher Facilitation Script
Bounce Back Stronger: Healing & Resilience Program
Teacher Resource
Implementation Note: This script is a guide. Adapt your tone and language to the student's unique personality and current emotional state. Allow for pauses and validate all responses.
W1
Understanding Emotions
Opening
"Hi [Student's Name]! Welcome. I'm really glad you're here today. We're going to spend some time together over the next few weeks, and my goal is to help you feel even stronger and safer. This is a special time just for us to talk and learn, and everything we discuss here is private, unless you tell me something that makes me worry about your safety or someone else's. Does that sound okay?"
[Slide 1: Welcome!]
"As it says on the screen, we're going to be focusing on understanding feelings, finding your strengths, and learning how to 'bounce back' when things are tough. Think of me as your coach on this journey."
Check-in
[Slide 2: Feelings Check-in]
"How are you feeling right now, in this moment? You can use one of the words on the slide, or any other word that fits. And how does that feeling show up in your body? For example, when I'm excited, I feel a little fluttery in my stomach!"
"That's a great way to describe it! Our feelings are like messengers, telling us important things. Can you think of other feelings people have? How might those feel?"
W2
Defining Bullying
Intro
[Slide 4: What is Bullying?]
"Welcome back! Last week we talked about emotions. Today, we're going to start thinking about something that can sometimes make us feel big, uncomfortable feelings. What comes to your mind when you hear the word 'bullying'?"
Discussion
[Slide 5: Different Types]
Explain each type: Physical, Verbal, Social. Then ask:
"What do you think is the difference between someone accidentally bumping into you, and someone intentionally pushing you repeatedly?"
"The intention behind the action, and if it happens over and over, are key to understanding if something is bullying."
W3
Sharing My Story
[Slide 6: My Story, My Voice]
"Today is a very important session. We're going to talk about your own experience with bullying, if you feel ready. Remember what it says on the screen: 'It was NOT your fault.' You are safe here."
Instruction: Listen actively without interruption. Validate feelings. Use phrases like, "That sounds really tough," or "It makes sense that you felt [emotion]." Allow silence.
"Thank you for trusting me with your story. That took a lot of courage to share. How did it make you feel back then, and how does it make you feel now to talk about it?"
My Strength Shield Activity My Strength Shield
Bounce Back Stronger • Week 4
Name: _______________________
Date: ________________________
Build Your Protection!
A shield protects a hero, and your strengths protect your spirit! Inside your shield, draw or write about all the amazing things that make you strong, unique, and special.
What are you good at?
Kindness & Friendships
Talents & Skills
Positive Qualities
Unique
Strength Notes: Scenario Sort Activity Scenario Sort
Bounce Back Stronger • Week 2
Name: _______________________
Read each scenario below. Decide if it is an example of Bullying or Not Bullying . Think about the intent (was it on purpose?) and repetition (does it happen over and over?).
1
"Sarah accidentally bumps into Alex in the hallway and says, 'Oops, I'm so sorry!'"
Bullying
Not Bullying
Why? ______________________________________
2
"Every day at lunch, a group of kids at your table whispers and points at you when you eat."
Bullying
Not Bullying
Why? ______________________________________
3
"Your friend forgot to invite you to a birthday party, but they came to school the next day and apologized, saying it was an honest mistake."
Bullying
Not Bullying
Why? ______________________________________
4
"Someone keeps taking your snack at lunch, even after you've asked them to stop several times."
Bullying
Not Bullying
Why? ______________________________________
Thought & Feeling Journal Thought & Feeling
Journal
Property Of:
"This is a safe place for your thoughts, your stories, and your strengths."
Bounce Back Stronger
Week 3
Sharing My Story
Use this space to write or draw about your experience. How did it make you feel? What do you wish you could have done? Remember: It was NOT your fault.
Week 5
My Calm-Down Toolkit
Tool #1
Tool #2
Tool #3
Extra Tool
Week 8
My Boundary Statements
"Write down 1-2 clear statements you can use to protect your space and feelings."
Statement 1:
Statement 2:
Week 9
Letter to My Future Self
Remind your future self of your strengths, your coping tools, and the people in your corner.
Dear Future Me,
From:
Empowerment Cool Down Activity Empowerment Cool Down
Bounce Back Stronger • Progress Tracking
Confidential
1 My Feeling Today
One feeling right now:
What made you feel that way?
2 One Big Idea
A big takeaway about bullying:
4 One New Strength
A positive quality I rediscovered:
6 Circle of Support
How it feels to have support:
One person I appreciate:
7 Trust Meter
What I learned about trust:
How I can be a trust builder:
9 Final Takeaway
One promise to myself:
Reflect • Grow • Bounce Back Stronger
My Support Network Activity Circle of Support
Bounce Back Stronger • Week 6
Name: _______________________
"Your Circle of Support is made up of all the people who care about you, help you, and make you feel safe. These are the people you can count on!"
1
Draw or write names in the circle.
2
Closest friends/family go near the center.
3
People you see less often go on the outer edge.
4
Think about family, teachers, coaches, neighbors, or even pets!
Me
Very Close
Supporting Team
Trust Builders Activity Trust Builders
Bounce Back Stronger • Week 7
Name: _______________________
"Trust is like building a bridge—it takes time and the right materials. Decide if these actions are Trust Builders (strong materials) or Trust Breakers (weak spots)."
"Always telling the truth, even when it's hard."
Why? _________________________________________________
Builder
Breaker
"Promising to keep a secret, but then telling other friends."
Why? _________________________________________________
Builder
Breaker
"Saying you'll help a friend with a project, and then doing your part."
Why? _________________________________________________
Builder
Breaker
"Making fun of someone behind their back."
Why? _________________________________________________
Builder
Breaker
"Apologizing sincerely when you make a mistake and trying to fix it."
Why? _________________________________________________
Builder
Breaker
Circle of Support Slide Deck Who's in Your Corner?
Today, we're going to think about all the amazing people who support you!
Loved Safe Strong
My Circle of Support
Let's create your very own map!
Who helps you feel:
Draw them in your circle!
Stronger Together
How does it feel to know you have so many people in your corner?
Who is one person you appreciate today?
Building Trust Slide Deck What is Trust?
What does 'trust' feel like?
Why is it important to trust people?
Building Blocks of Trust
Honesty
They tell the truth.
Reliability
They do what they say.
Kindness
They show respect.
Listening
They hear you out.
Trust Builders
Trust is built with actions, not just words!
Some actions build trust, and some can break it. Let's explore!
My Trust Meter
What is one thing you learned about trust today?
How can you be a 'trust builder' this week?
Building Trust Script Building Trust: Facilitation Script
Week 7 Specialization • Bounce Back Stronger
Teacher Resource
Opening & Discussion (15 min)
The Hook
[Slide 1: What is Trust?]
"Hi [Student's Name]! Welcome back. Last week, we talked about all the people in your Circle of Support who are there for you. Today, we're going to dive into something really important for all our relationships: trust . What comes to your mind when you hear the word 'trust'? How does it feel when you trust someone?"
"Trust is a huge part of feeling safe and connected. Why do you think it's important to be able to trust people? What happens if you can't trust someone?"
Defining Qualities
[Slide 2: Building Blocks of Trust]
"So, what makes someone trustworthy? Let's look at some key qualities: honesty, reliability, and kindness. Can you tell me what each of those means to you?"
Note: Discuss each quality in detail. Honesty (truth), Reliability (consistency), Kindness (respect/care), Good Listening (understanding).
"Fantastic! Those are definitely important parts of being a trustworthy person. It's about how people act consistently over time."
Activity: Trust Builders (10 min)
Explanation
[Slide 3: Trust Builders & Breakers]
"Now, let's explore how trust is built through actions. Look at our slide. I have a special activity called the Trust Builders Activity. We'll decide together if each action is a 'Trust Builder'—something that helps build trust—or a 'Trust Breaker'—something that might damage trust."
Guidance
During the Activity:
Present scenario cards from the Trust Builders Activity sheet. Guide the student through sorting them. Discuss the impact of each action. Emphasize that trust can be rebuilt, but it takes consistent effort.
"You're doing a great job at recognizing what helps and hurts trust. Remember, building trust is like building a strong bridge—it takes good materials and careful construction!"
Closing Reflection (5 min)
Reflection
[Slide 4: My Trust Meter]
"We're almost done for today. Based on our activities, what is one thing you learned about trust today that you want to remember? And how can you be a 'trust builder' with someone this week?"
"That's a powerful way to think about it. Remember, building trust makes your relationships stronger and helps you feel more secure. Great work today! I'll see you next week!"
Bounce Back Stronger Discussion Guide Discussion Prompts Guide
Bounce Back Stronger • Counselor Resource
Tier 3 Support
Week 1: Understanding Emotions
What are some different feelings you know?
How does [specific emotion] feel in your body? Where do you feel it?
Can feelings be 'good' or 'bad'? Or are they just messages?
What makes you feel [specific emotion]?
Week 2: Defining Bullying
In your own words, what do you think bullying means?
What is the difference between someone being accidentally unkind and someone bullying?
Have you ever seen bullying happen to someone else? How did that make you feel?
Why do you think it's important to understand what bullying is?
Week 3: Sharing My Story Safely
If you feel comfortable, can you tell me a little bit about what happened when you were in fourth grade?
What emotions did you feel during that time?
How does it feel to talk about it now?
What do you wish someone had done or said to you then?
Week 5: Coping Strategies
What are some things you do that help you feel a little better when upset?
What are some new ideas for coping strategies that you might want to try?
Why is it important to have different ways to cope?
Which strategy would be easiest for you to remember?
Week 6: Support Networks
What does it mean to have a 'Circle of Support'?
Who are the people in your life who make you feel loved, safe, or understood?
Why is it important to know who your trusted people are?
How does it feel to think about all the people who are there for you?
Week 7: Building Trust
What does the word 'trust' mean to you?
Why is it important to be able to trust people?
What qualities make someone trustworthy?
Can trust be rebuilt if it's broken? How?
Week 8: Boundaries
What does 'personal boundaries' mean to you?
Why is it important to have boundaries for yourself?
What things make you uncomfortable that you would want to say 'no' to?
How can you say 'no' firmly but respectfully?
Week 9: Celebrating Growth
