Reaction Squad Lesson Plan Welcome to the Reaction Squad
Lesson Plan | Grade 5
Duration: 40 Minutes
Mission Objective
Students will be able to co-create group expectations and build initial rapport with their peers to establish a safe space for learning.
The "Why"
Establishing a safe and supportive environment is crucial for student engagement. This lesson helps students feel connected and responsible for their group's success.
Teacher Preparation
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Review the "Reaction Squad" Slide Deck and all activities including the Code Contract and Pre-Assessment.
Print copies of "Our Squad's Code Contract" and "Squad Pre-Assessment Quiz" (one per student).
Ensure projector and computer are set up for the slide deck.
Prepare whiteboard or chart paper for recording group norms.
Optional: Scratch paper for students to jot down their truths/tales during the icebreaker.
Equipment Inventory
Slide Deck
Whiteboard/Chart Paper
Markers & Pencils
Code Contracts
Pre-Assessment Quizzes
Calm Compass Sheets
Mission Briefing (Instructional Plan)
1
Squad Huddle (Welcome & Icebreaker)
10 MIN
Display Slide 1. Introduce the "Reaction Squad" concept. Facilitate "2 Truths and a Tale" in small groups. Encourage conversation and active listening. Gather students back near the whiteboard.
2
Mission Briefing (Introduce Purpose)
5 MIN
Display Slide 2. Explain the squad mission: working together in a safe environment. Ask: "Why is it important to have a safe and supportive group?"
3
Rule Creation (Collaborative Norms)
10 MIN
Display Slide 3. Brainstorm the "Squad Code." Record suggestions on chart paper. Focus on positive behaviors like respectful listening and confidentiality.
4
First Mission (The Contract)
5 MIN
Distribute "Our Squad's Code Contract." Students record 2-3 agreed rules and sign the contract to signify commitment.
5
Pre-Test Pilot (Individual Assessment)
5 MIN
Distribute "Squad Pre-Assessment Quiz." Give students 5 minutes to complete individually. Collect to gauge starting knowledge.
6
Mission Debrief (Cool Down)
5 MIN
Display Slide 4. Lead the "Calm Compass" activity. Reflect on feelings and share a "hope word" for the squad. Thank them for participating.
Reaction Squad Slide Deck Nova Missão Detectada
Bem-vindo ao
Esquadrão de Reação
Conheça seus colegas de esquadrão!
Descubra a missão do seu esquadrão!
Crie o código exclusivo do seu esquadrão!
Nota do Professor: Dê as boas-vindas aos alunos e estabeleça um tom energético. Introduza a atividade '2 Verdades e 1 Mentira' para criar rapport.
Nossa Missão: Aprender, Apoiar e Crescer!
Como o Esquadrão de Reação, nós vamos:
Aprender juntos!
Apoiar uns aos outros!
Criar um espaço seguro para compartilhar!
Discussão do Esquadrão
"Por que um grupo seguro e solidário é importante?"
Nota do Professor: Enfatize a importância da segurança para compartilhar ideias. Envolva os alunos com a pergunta aberta.
Protocolo Estabelecido
O Código do Esquadrão: Definindo Regras
Todo grande esquadrão precisa de um código! Quais regras precisamos para tornar nosso esquadrão seguro e respeitoso para todos?
Pense sobre:
Como ouvimos e compartilhamos
Confidencialidade: O que é dito aqui, fica aqui
A Exceção
"Fica no esquadrão... a menos que alguém esteja em perigo."
Nota do Professor: Facilite uma sessão de brainstorming para as normas do esquadrão. Oriente-os para comportamentos respeitosos.
Missão Cumprida...
Por Enquanto!
Resumo de Hoje:
Conheceu seu esquadrão
Entendeu a missão
Criou o código
Nota do Professor: Encerre a sessão, reforce o código e lidere a atividade de reflexão Bússola da Calma.
Two Truths and a Tale Activity Mission: Icebreaker
2 Truths and a Tale
Squad Edition!
Squad ID Photo
Mission Briefing
It's time to become detectives and uncover some surprising facts about your squad members! This activity is all about getting to know each other while having a little fun.
1
Think of Three: Each person will think of three statements about themselves. Two must be Truths (facts), and one must be a Tale (a lie!).
2
Share with Your Squad: Take turns sharing your three statements. Try to make your "tale" sound believable!
3
Guess the Tale: After each person shares, the rest of the squad will discuss and guess which statement is the tale.
4
Reveal the Truth: The speaker reveals the lie and shares a little more about their truths!
Detective's Notepad
Jot down your three statements here before sharing with your squad.
Statement 01
Statement 02
Statement 03
Squad Goal
Learn surprising facts and practice active listening!
Our Squads Code Contract Our Squad's Code Contract
Official Protocol Agreement • Reaction Squad Division
Squad Member Name
Effective Date
"Welcome to the Reaction Squad! To make sure our squad is the best it can be, we're going to create our own special code of conduct. These are the rules we agree to follow to make our learning space safe, respectful, and fun for everyone."
The Squad's Code
Based on our class discussion, write down 3 important rules that you promise to follow as a member of the Reaction Squad.
1
2
3
My Commitment
I, ________________________________, promise to do my best to follow our Squad's Code and help make our Reaction Squad a great place for everyone to learn and grow.
Student Signature
Date
Squad Pre-Assessment Quiz Student Squad Pre-Assessment Quiz
Status: Initial Evaluation
Member:
Date:
Welcome to your first individual mission! This quick quiz helps your Squad Commander understand what you already know about working in high-performance groups. Do your best!
01
What does it mean to be a good team member?
02
Which of these is the MOST important for a group to work well together?
Having the same favorite color
Listening to each other's ideas
Eating lunch at the same time
Sitting in the same spot every day
03
Why is it important for everyone in a group to feel safe to share their thoughts?
Our Squads Calm Compass Cool Down Our Squad's Calm Compass
Mission Debrief • Cool Down Activity
1
Squad Breath
Gently close your eyes (or look down at your desk). Take 3 slow, deep breaths . Focus on feeling your belly rise and fall with each breath.
2
Reflect
Think about one word that describes how you feel about our squad today, or one thing you are looking forward to.
My Word or Thought
3
Share (Optional)
When you are ready, open your eyes. Share your word or thought with the class or your small group. Let's listen to our squad mates with respect.
Stay Calm • Stay Focused • Squad Strong
Squad Pre-Assessment Answer Key Answer Key
Squad Pre-Assessment Quiz • Teacher Resource
Internal Use Only
01
What does it mean to be a good team member?
Exemplary Responses:
Listening actively when others are speaking.
Sharing ideas and contributing to the group goal.
Encouraging and supporting teammates.
Following agreed-upon group norms/rules.
Taking responsibility for one's own tasks.
02
Which of these is the MOST important for a group to work well together?
Having the same favorite color
Listening to each other's ideas
Eating lunch at the same time
Sitting in the same spot every day
03
Why is it important for everyone in a group to feel safe to share their thoughts?
Key Concepts to Look For:
Diverse Perspectives: When everyone feels safe, the group gets more ideas, which leads to better problem-solving.
Inclusion: Safety ensures that quieter students or those with different viewpoints aren't excluded.
Trust: Psychological safety builds the trust necessary for high-stakes collaboration.
Learning: Students are more likely to take risks (like being wrong) in a safe environment, which is essential for growth.
Instructional Note
This pre-assessment is diagnostic. Use the results to identify students who may need more explicit instruction on group dynamics or social-emotional skills. If many students struggle with Question 3, consider spending more time on the "Safety" portion of the Squad Mission briefing.