Upstander Power Lesson Plan Upstander Power
Friendship Fires & Social Courage
Tier 1 Classroom Lesson
Grade 8 • 45 Minutes
Objective
Students will be able to differentiate between the roles of a bystander and an upstander and demonstrate one way to act as an upstander in complex social situations.
Why This Matters
Understanding how to be an upstander is crucial for fostering a positive school environment and equipping students with the skills to address social injustice effectively. This lesson helps students build empathy and social responsibility.
Prep List
• Review lesson plan and slides.
• Print and cut Scenario Cards (1 set per group of 3-4).
• Copy Action Plan Worksheet for each student.
Duration
45 Minutes
Required Materials
Slide Deck
Be an Upstander
Scenario Cards
Complex Conflicts
Worksheet
Upstander Action Plan
Instructional Steps
1
10 MIN
Warm-Up & Scenario Analysis
Display Slide 1: Ask students to reflect on a time they witnessed a minor conflict or difficult social situation among peers.Facilitate Discussion: Ask: "What did you observe? How did it make you feel? What, if anything, did you do?" (Maintain a safe space; no judgment).Define Complex Conflict: Discuss how these differ from simple disagreements (groups involved, ongoing issues, power imbalances).
2
10 MIN
Bystander vs. Upstander
Define Roles: Use slides to clearly define 'Bystander' and 'Upstander' with 8th-grade relevant examples (gossip, exclusion, cyberbullying).Analyze Impact: Discuss the bystander's effect on social climate vs. the "positive ripple" of an upstander.Reflection Prompt: Ask: "Why might it be hard to be an upstander? What are the potential benefits?"
3
15 MIN
Role-Play: Upstander Action
Group Activity: Divide students into groups of 3-4 and give each group a Scenario Card.Brainstorm: Groups identify one way a character could act as an upstander. Remind them: upstanders don't always confront; they can get help, redirect, or support the target.Practice: Groups role-play their chosen upstander action within their group.Monitor: Circulate and provide feedback on safe and creative strategies.
4
10 MIN
Action Plan & Cool Down
Individual Reflection: Distribute the Upstander Action Plan Worksheet.Commit: Students write one actionable step they could take in a real-life situation.Class Closing: Discussion: "What was challenging? What's one new idea you have? When is it vital to get an adult involved?" Be an Upstander Slides Upstander
Power
Friendship Fires & Social Courage
Grade 8 • Tier 1 Lesson
Teacher Notes: Welcome students and introduce the day's topic: navigating tricky social situations. Ask them to quietly reflect on the prompt: What do you do when you see a 'friendship fire' starting?
Spotting the Smoke
Think about a time you saw a tricky social situation or conflict among friends.
?
What did you observe?
?
How did it make you feel?
?
What, if anything, did you do?
Teacher Notes: Facilitate a short discussion. Encourage students to share general observations or feelings without naming specific people or incidents. Guide them to understand that these situations can be complex.
Beyond Resolution
Last year, we learned about resolving conflicts directly.
Today, we're looking at what happens when you're not directly involved, but you're still there.
Teacher Notes: Briefly remind students about last year's conflict resolution. Explain that today we're building on that by focusing on our role as observers.
The Bystander
A Bystander is someone who sees a conflict or problem happening but does not get involved.
They watch from the sidelines.
Question:
Why might it be hard to step in? Why do people stay on the sidelines?
Teacher Notes: Introduce the term 'Bystander'. Emphasize that it's not about blame, but about understanding a role. Provide examples like seeing someone left out, or hearing a mean joke but saying nothing.
The Upstander:
A Social Hero
An Upstander is someone who sees a conflict and chooses to act in a way that helps.
They stand up for what's right.
What qualities does an upstander need?
Teacher Notes: Introduce the term 'Upstander'. Highlight the positive and active nature of the role. Give examples: inviting someone to join, telling an adult about bullying, or calmly speaking up.
How to Take Action
It's not always a direct confrontation.
Directly Intervening
Distracting
Delegating (Get Help)
Documenting (For Safety)
Supporting the Target
Teacher Notes: Explain that acting as an upstander doesn't always mean a direct confrontation. Brainstorm various ways to be an upstander, from direct intervention to seeking help or supporting the person targeted.
Conflict Scenario Cards Complex Conflict Scenario Cards
Cut out these cards for small group role-play
Scenario 01
The Group Chat Drama
You are in a group chat with several friends. Lately, two of your friends, Maya and Sofia , have been leaving out another friend, Chloe .
Today, Maya sends a message: "Ugh, I can't believe Chloe wore that shirt today. So last year!" Sofia replies with laughing emojis. Chloe is also in the chat, but she hasn't responded.
Upstander Goal:
Identify one way to act as an upstander (Direct, Distract, Delegate, or Support).
Scenario 02
Lunchroom Exclusion
You are sitting at your usual lunch table. A new student, Alex , tries to sit with your group, but a few of your friends quickly spread out their belongings, making it clear there's no room.
They start talking loudly amongst themselves, ignoring Alex, who looks visibly uncomfortable and eventually moves to an empty table across the room.
Upstander Goal:
Identify one way to act as an upstander (Direct, Distract, Delegate, or Support).
Scenario 03
The Project Problem
You are working on a group project with Jamie and Ben . Jamie is doing almost all the work, while Ben is constantly on his phone, making jokes, and distracting Jamie.
Jamie looks really stressed and frustrated, but hasn't said anything directly to Ben. You overhear Jamie quietly complaining to another friend that Ben isn't pulling his weight.
Upstander Goal:
Identify one way to act as an upstander (Direct, Distract, Delegate, or Support).
Scenario 04
Online Rumors
You see a post on a social media platform where someone shared a slightly embarrassing old photo of a classmate, David , with a caption making fun of him.
Several people have commented with mean remarks. You know David is usually quiet and might be really upset if he sees this.
Upstander Goal:
Identify one way to act as an upstander (Direct, Distract, Delegate, or Support).
Upstander Action Plan Worksheet Upstander Action Plan
My Personal Social Courage Strategy
Name:
Date:
Reflect on today’s discussion and activities. Think about a situation you might encounter in the future, or one you’ve seen before, where you could choose to be an upstander.
1 What kind of "friendship fire" or social conflict might you see?
Describe the situation briefly.
2 Who is involved in this situation?
3 What is ONE specific, actionable step you could take as an upstander?
Consider strategies like direct intervention, distracting, delegating, or supporting.
4 Why is this action important to you?
Backup Plan
If this situation felt too big or unsafe to handle alone, who is a trusted adult you could go to for help?
Be the person who makes the positive ripple.
