Early Alert Toolkit Lesson Plan Early Alert Toolkit
Small-Group Intervention (Tier 2)
8th Grade
Objective
Equip 8th graders to identify early warning signs of emotional or behavioral risk, practice structured alert protocols, and execute referral procedures through interactive role-play and group challenges.
The "Why"
Early identification and timely alerting can prevent crises and ensure students receive support when needed. This lesson builds students’ confidence in recognizing risk signs, communicating effectively, and collaborating on referrals, fostering a safer, more attentive school community.
Time
40 Minutes
Format
Small Group
Prep Time
10 Minutes
Preparation Checklist
Review Early Warning Workshop slide deck
Print Pulse-Check Warm-Up sheets
Cut Signal Relay Challenge cards
Print Alert Action Cards worksheets
Arrange room for small-group rotations
Instructional Flow
5'
Pulse-Check Warm-Up
Distribute self-assessment sheets. Students check their current stress and emotional state. Volunteers share one insight; highlight the importance of regular check-ins for spotting trends.
10'
Early Warning Workshop
Launch slide deck. Present common risk indicators (Emotional, Behavioral, Social, Academic) and the 4-step referral protocol. Conduct guided Q&A to ensure students know who their "trusted adults" are.
15'
Signal Relay Challenge
Small groups of 3–4. Assign roles: Spotter, Messenger, Responder. Use scenario cards to simulate spotting risk. Teams practice relaying alerts and executing actions. Rotate roles frequently.
5'
Alert Action Cards
Pairs review specific scenario cards on the worksheet and outline formal referral steps. Ensure they include specific behaviors and names of adults they would contact.
5'
Debrief & Next Steps
Reflect on role-play challenges. Commit to one peer check-in this week. Remind students that they are the "early warning system" for their friends' well-being.
Early Warning Workshop Slides Early Warning Workshop
Learn how to notice risk indicators, practice alerting adults, and follow referral steps when someone needs help.
Phase 1: Identification & Action
TEACHER NOTES: Welcome students and introduce the purpose of today’s mini-workshop. Emphasize that spotting early warning signs can help peers get support before things escalate.
Why Early Alerts Matter
Prevent Crisis
Addressing concerns early prevents situations from spiraling.
Timely Support
Ensures your friends get help exactly when they need it most.
Build Community
Empowers everyone to look out for one another safely.
"The first sign of struggle isn't a failure—it's an opportunity for connection."
TEACHER NOTES: Explain why early detection matters. Use an example: noticing a friend withdrawing and checking in can make a big difference.
Common Risk Indicators
Emotional
• Persistent sadness or irritability
Behavioral
• Sudden aggression or risky actions
Social
• Withdrawal from friends/hobbies
Academic
• Sharp drop in grades
TEACHER NOTES: Present four categories of signs. Ask students to jot down any they’ve observed in real life.
Pair & Share
Which indicator seems most surprising to you?
Have you ever noticed one of these in a peer?
Be ready to share one takeaway with the group!
TEACHER NOTES: Engage students: have them briefly discuss in pairs which signs stood out and why.
Referral Protocol
01
Notice & Observe
Record facts: what did you see? When did it happen? Use specific examples.
02
Alert an Adult
Find a counselor, teacher, or coach immediately. Don't keep it a secret.
03
Share Clearly
Provide the specific behaviors you observed without judgment or rumors.
04
Follow Up
Check in on your peer (if safe). Respect the guidance given by the adult.
TEACHER NOTES: Walk through each step slowly, pausing to check for understanding. Emphasize confidentiality and following school protocols.
Ready to Practice?
We're moving into the Signal Relay Challenge . You'll need to work together to spot, send, and solve risk scenarios.
Spotter
Messenger
Responder
Mission Parameters
• Role-play spotted risk signs
• Use clear language
• Follow the 4-step protocol
TEACHER NOTES: Introduce the upcoming role-play. Assign roles and hand out scenario cards in the next activity.
Final Briefing
Alerts Save Lives
Follow the Protocol
Commit to a Check-In
Go practice in your groups!
TEACHER NOTES: Wrap up the slide deck and transition to the Signal Relay Challenge game.
Pulse Check Warm Up Worksheet Pulse-Check Warm-Up
Early Alert Toolkit • Tier 2 Intervention
Name:
Date:
1 On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate your current stress level?
1
Very Low
2
3
Moderate
4
5
Very High
2 Current Feeling
Choose one word that best describes how you feel right now:
3 Support System
Who could you reach out to for support if you needed it today?
4 What is one thing going well for you today?
5 What’s one challenge or worry on your mind?
"Checking in with yourself is the first step in being able to check in with others."
Signal Relay Challenge Game Signal Relay Challenge
Team Simulation: Referral Protocols
Objective
Practice spotting early warning signs, relaying alerts clearly, and following referral protocol steps in a fast-paced team relay format.
Requirements
• Teams of 3–4 students
• Printed scenario cards (cut)
• Stopwatch / Timer
How to Play
01
Identification
Spotter draws a card and identifies the category (Emotional, Behavioral, Social, Academic).
02
The Relay
Messenger communicates the observed sign and first two referral steps to the Responder.
03
The Action
Responder states all 4 steps in order and suggests a specific follow-up action.
04
Review
Teacher/Assistant scores clarity and accuracy. Rotate roles clockwise for the next round.
Role Bookmarks (Cut for each team)
Spotter
"I see the signs."
Messenger
"I relay the facts."
Responder
"I take the action."
Mission Scenarios (Cut into individual cards)
Alpha-01
Sarah has stopped joining her friends at lunch, sits alone, and sighs repeatedly. Her grades are steady, but she rarely smiles in class.
Alpha-02
Jamal suddenly yelled at a classmate during group work and threw his pencil across the room without warning.
Alpha-03
Maria’s grade average dropped from an A to a C in the past two weeks, and she’s handed in three missing homework assignments.
Alpha-04
Ethan walks by himself to class, avoids eye contact, and no longer participates in the after-school club he loved.
Alpha-05
Riley wrote in her journal about feeling like nothing matters and hasn’t laughed with peers for several days.
Alpha-06
On social media, Kai posted a comment hinting at harming themselves if things don’t get better.
Alert Action Cards Worksheet Alert Action Cards
Case Study & Protocol Practice
Agent Name:
MISSION: PROTOCOL ACCURACY
Below are scenarios where a peer may be showing early warning signs. For each, answer the prompts to practice clear referrals and supportive follow-up. Be specific.
CASE 01
Sarah has stopped joining friends at lunch and rarely smiles.
1. Trusted Adult Contact
2. Specific Observations to Report
3. The 4 Protocol Steps (In Order)
4. Supportive Follow-Up Plan
CASE 02
Jamal yelled at a classmate and threw a pencil unexpectedly.
1. Trusted Adult Contact
2. Specific Observations to Report
3. The 4 Protocol Steps (In Order)
4. Supportive Follow-Up Plan
CASE 03
Maria’s grades dropped from A to C and she has 3 missing assignments.
1. Trusted Adult Contact
2. Specific Observations to Report
3. The 4 Protocol Steps (In Order)
4. Supportive Follow-Up Plan
URGENT CASE 04
Kai posted a comment hinting at self-harm on social media.
1. Immediate Adult Contact
2. Data to provide (Screenshot/Quote)
3. The 4 Protocol Steps (In Order)
4. Safety Follow-Up
Alert Action Answer Key Alert Action Answer Key
Teacher Reference • Early Alert Toolkit
Standard 4-Step Referral Protocol
01
Notice & Observe
Record facts: who, what, when.
02
Alert a Trusted Adult
Counselor, Teacher, Administrator.
03
Share Facts Clearly
Provide specific behaviors seen.
04
Support Follow-Up
Check in on peer; respect adult info.
Case 01: Sarah (Social Withdrawal) INDICATOR: SOCIAL
Reporting: "Sarah is sitting alone at lunch, which is new for her. She is sighing a lot and doesn't smile anymore."
Follow-Up: Approach Sarah at lunch tomorrow: "Hey Sarah, I missed you at our table. You doing okay?"
Case 02: Jamal (Behavioral Outburst) INDICATOR: BEHAVIORAL
Reporting: "Jamal yelled at someone and threw his pencil in group work today. It was very sudden and not like him."
Follow-Up: Check in when things are calm: "That was a rough moment today, Jamal. You good?"
Case 03: Maria (Academic Decline) INDICATOR: ACADEMIC
Reporting: "Maria's grades went from A to C and she has three missing assignments in the last two weeks."
Follow-Up: Offer help or just check in: "Notice you've been stressed about assignments lately, want to hit the library?"
Case 04: Kai (Crisis Risk) URGENT
Reporting: "Kai posted a comment on social media saying 'I'm done' and 'it doesn't matter anymore.' I have a screenshot."
Follow-Up: Only if safe and guided by an adult. Tell the counselor: "I'm really worried about Kai's post."
Confidential Teacher Resource • Not for Student Distribution
