Lead the Way Lesson Plan Lead the Way
Lesson Plan: Small Group Leadership Workshop
Duration
45 Minutes
Objective
Students will actively participate in five collaborative activities to identify and practice key leadership skills such as effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and empathy within a small group setting.
Why it Matters
Developing strong leadership skills is crucial for teenagers to succeed in school, future careers, and personal life. This lesson provides practical experience in working with others and understanding different leadership styles.
Preparation
• Review slide deck and activity sheets.
• Gather construction paper, tape, scissors, and markers.
• Set up group stations (3-4 students per group).
Prep Time: 15 mins
Materials Needed
Physical Supplies
• Construction paper (various colors)
• Tape & Scissors
• Markers
Lesson Documents
• Leadership Brainstorm (Warm-Up)
• Activity 1-5 Handouts
• Leadership Reflection (Cool-Down)
Instructional Sequence
5 min
Warm-Up
Leadership Brainstorm
1. Distribute individual brainstorm sheets. 2. Students list qualities for 2 mins. 3. Share in groups for 2 mins. 4. Brief class share-out using Slide 1.
10 min
Activity 1
The Tower Challenge
1. Groups build tallest tower (7 mins). 2. Use Slide 2 to debrief. Focus on communication and natural leadership roles.
8 min
Activity 2
Decision Dilemmas
1. Present dilemmas (Slide 3). 2. Groups discuss solutions (5 mins). 3. Share reasoning with class. Focus on problem-solving styles.
8 min
Activity 3
Role Reversal Storytelling
1. Assign empathy scenarios (Slide 4). 2. Prepare 3-5 min story/role-play. 3. Quick presentations. Focus on empathy as a tool.
7 min
Activity 4
Community Impact Plan
1. Brainstorm school/community project (Slide 5). 2. Outline vision, resources, and leadership needs. 3. Fast-fire pitch presentations.
4 min
Activity 5
Feedback Forum
1. Internal group reflection (Slide 6). 2. Identify 1 strength and 1 area for growth. Emphasize constructive, behavior-based feedback.
3 min
Cool Down
Leadership Reflection
1. Individual reflection (Slide 7). 2. Collect as exit ticket. Assess individual understanding and application.
Lead the Way Slides Lead the Way
Building Essential Leadership Skills for High School and Beyond
9th Grade Workshop • Tier 2 Group Lesson
Welcome students and briefly introduce the topic of leadership. Connect back to the warm-up activity by asking a few students to share their brainstormed leadership qualities.
1
The Tower Challenge
Your Mission
Build the tallest freestanding tower using only paper, tape, and scissors!
Time Limit
7 Minutes
Focus
Teamwork
Strategy is key. Communication is everything.
Explain the rules clearly. Emphasize teamwork and communication. After the activity, ask groups to share their tower's height and discuss: What challenges did you face? How did you communicate? Who took the lead, and how did that happen?
2
Decision Dilemmas
Scenario A
Your team needs to finish a project, but one member isn't participating. How do you handle it?
Scenario B
Your group has two very different ideas for an assignment. How do you choose, ensuring everyone feels heard?
Goal: Consensus & Problem-Solving
Present the dilemmas and give groups time to discuss. When groups share, ask them to explain *why* they chose their solution. What leadership qualities were important in resolving the dilemma?
3
Role Reversal
Empathy in Action
"A team member is struggling with a personal issue that’s affecting their work."
Your Task:
Create a short story or role-play demonstrating leadership empathy.
Preparation
5 Mins
Presentation
1-2 Mins
Encourage creativity in their role-plays or stories. Discuss how empathy changes a leader's approach and how it can strengthen a team.
4
Impact Plan
How can you leave your mark on the world?
Brainstorm a project to improve your school or local community.
Identify the Problem
Propose a Solution
List Your Resources
Define the Lead
Guide students to think practically. What *could* they realistically do? Who would they talk to? This emphasizes vision and planning as leadership traits.
5
Feedback Forum
Strength
One leadership strength you observed in your group today.
Growth
Leadership Brainstorm Warm Up Leadership Brainstorm
Warm-Up Activity
Name: ____________________________
Date: _____________________________
What does it mean to be a leader? What qualities do great leaders possess?
Take 2 minutes to individually list as many qualities, traits, or actions of a good leader as you can think of.
My Ideas
Group Discussion
After sharing with your group, list one new idea you heard that you found interesting:
Vision • Communication • Action
Tower Challenge Activity Activity 1
The Tower Challenge
Group Project
7 Minutes
Your Mission
Work with your group to build the tallest possible freestanding tower using only the provided materials. Your tower must be able to stand on its own for at least 5 seconds.
Materials
10 Sheets Paper
1 Foot Tape
Scissors
Final Tower Height
______ in
Measure from the base to the highest point.
Debriefing the Challenge
What strategies did your group use?
How did your group communicate?
Did anyone naturally take on a leadership role? How?
What did you learn about teamwork & problem-solving?
Decision Dilemmas Activity Activity 2
Decision Dilemmas
Focus
Consensus Building
Discuss the following scenarios with your group. As a leader, decide on the best course of action and be ready to explain why you chose it.
1
The Unproductive Teammate
Your group project is due next week. One member consistently misses meetings and hasn't contributed. The deadline is approaching. How does a good leader handle this?
2
The Divided Fundraiser
Your club wants to organize a fundraiser. There are two very different, excellent ideas. Members are divided and tension is rising. How can a leader help the group decide?
3
The Disrespectful Discussion
During a class discussion, a classmate shares an unpopular opinion and others start to make fun of them. How do you respond to ensure a safe and respectful environment?
Role Reversal Activity Activity 3
Role Reversal Storytelling
Theme
Empathy
Your Task
Choose ONE scenario below. Develop a short story or role-play (1-2 mins) demonstrating how a leader would show empathy and understanding to support another person.
Scenario A
The Quiet Newcomer
A new student joins your group and seems quiet/overwhelmed. How do you welcome them?
Scenario B
The Costly Mistake
A friend on your team makes a mistake that costs the game. How do you help them move forward?
Scenario C
The Stressed Partner
A teammate confides they are too stressed to finish their part. How do you respond with empathy?
Group Planning Space
Which scenario did you choose?
_________________________________________________
Story / Role-Play Outline
Think about: What is said? What body language is used? How does the other person feel?
Community Impact Activity Activity 4
Community Impact Plan
"Leadership is not just about leading a team—it's about serving a community."
Brainstorm a project that could have a positive impact on your school or local area.
Project Idea
The Problem
What issue are you addressing?
The Solution
How does your project fix it?
Resources Needed
Materials, people, time, space...
Key Collaborators
Who do you need to work with?
Vital Skills
Which leadership skills are most important here?
Feedback Forum Activity Activity 5
Feedback Forum
Final Group Reflection
The Golden Rule of Feedback
Focus on actions and behaviors, not personal traits. Provide constructive feedback that helps everyone learn and grow.
1. Leadership Strength Observed
What is one thing your group did well today? (e.g., listening, organizing, encouraging, deciding)
2. Area for Growth
What is one thing your group could improve next time? (e.g., communication, participation, clarity)
Constructive • Supportive • Growth
Leadership Reflection Cool Down Leadership Reflection
Cool Down: Exit Ticket
Name: ____________________________
Date: _____________________________
1
What is one new leadership skill you practiced or learned about today?
(Consider communication, teamwork, problem-solving, empathy, initiative, etc.)
2
How can you apply this skill in your daily life?
(Think about school, home, or with friends.)
Lead the Way
