Leading the Way Lesson Plan Leading the Way
Small Group (Tier 2) Lesson Plan
Duration 30 min
OBJECTIVE
Students will define leadership, identify key leadership qualities, and recognize how they can demonstrate leadership in their school and community.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Understanding leadership empowers students to take initiative, work effectively with others, and contribute positively to their environment. It helps build confidence and essential social-emotional skills.
MATERIALS
Slide Deck: Leading the Way
Activity: Leader Qualities Worksheet
Discussion Guide: What is Leadership?
Projector or large screen
PREP (10 MINUTES)
Review the Slide Deck and Discussion Guide to familiarize yourself with the flow.
Print one Leader Qualities Activity worksheet per student.
Prepare the projector and load the slide deck.
Instructional Steps
5m
Warm-Up: What Comes to Mind?
Begin by asking students: "When you hear the word 'leader,' what comes to mind?" Allow students to share initial thoughts. Facilitate a brief discussion, writing key words on the board. (Refer to Slide 1 & Discussion Guide)
10m
Introducing Leadership Qualities
Use the Slide Deck to introduce qualities: responsible, kind, good listener, problem-solver. For each, ask for school/home examples. Discuss how these qualities make a positive impact. (Refer to Slides 2-5)
10m
Activity: Leader Qualities
Distribute worksheets. Students identify someone they know (real or fictional) who shows leadership and list specific actions that person takes.
Circulate and provide support as students work.
Bring the group back together to share a few examples.
(Refer to Slide 6)
5m
Wrap-Up: My Leadership Pledge
Students choose one quality to focus on this week. Have them share their pledge with a partner or the group. Encourage them to act on it! (Refer to Slide 7)
Leading the Way Slide Deck Leading the Way
What is a Leader?
What comes to mind when you hear the word 'leader'?
Write down your ideas
Share with a partner
Small Group Leadership Workshop
A Leader Is Responsible
What does it mean?
How can you show responsibility at school or at home?
A Leader Is Kind
Why is kindness important?
How does kindness make a leader effective?
A Leader Is a Good Listener
What does it mean?
Pays attention when others speak
Understands different ideas
Lets everyone have a turn to talk
How does listening help a leader make good decisions?
A Leader Is a Problem-Solver
What do they do?
Can you think of a time you solved a problem?
Activity: Who Shows Leadership?
Think of someone you know who shows leadership qualities.
Who is it?
What qualities?
What actions?
Grab your "Leader Qualities Activity" worksheet to start!
My Leadership Pledge
What leadership quality do you want to work on this week?
Share your pledge
Be a leader!
"Leadership is action, not position."
What is Leadership Discussion Guide What is Leadership?
Small Group Discussion Guide
Objective
To activate prior knowledge and explore initial understandings of leadership through guided conversation.
Instructions
Begin by posing the core question. Encourage active participation and use follow-up questions to deepen the conversation.
1 Warm-Up Question
When you hear the word "leader," what comes to your mind? What do leaders do?
Follow-Up Prompts
1. Can a leader be someone who isn't in charge? How?
2. What are some places where you see leaders (e.g., school, home, sports, community)?
3. Do leaders always tell people what to do, or do they do other things too? Explain.
4. What's one thing a good leader never does?
Facilitator Tip
If the conversation stalls, share a personal example of a quiet leader you know—someone who leads by example through kindness or responsibility rather than just having a title.
Leader Qualities Activity Worksheet Leader Qualities
Activity Worksheet
Tier 2 Workshop
Name:
Date:
Instructions
Think of someone you know who shows leadership qualities. This could be a family member, a friend, a teacher, a coach, or even a character from a book or movie! Then, answer the questions below about that person.
1. Who is your chosen leader?
My chosen leader is:
2. What makes this person a leader?
Write down at least three actions or behaviors that show they are a leader.
1
2
3
3. What leadership qualities do they demonstrate?
Choose qualities like responsible, kind, listener, or problem-solver .
Quality 1:
How they show it:
Quality 2:
How they show it:
4. How does this person make a positive difference?
Explain how their leadership helps others:
