You Matter Teacher Guide You Matter Every Day
Small Group Series Teacher Guide
Audience
7th Grade Boys
Duration
4 x 30 min Sessions
Focus
Tier 2 Prevention
Approach
Skills-Based Group
Rationale
Early awareness and coping skills can reduce risk factors, promote mental well-being, encourage help-seeking, and empower students to support one another. This group provides a safe space for 7th-grade boys to discuss sensitive topics with peers and a trusted adult.
Prep Checklist
• Review all generated materials and slides.
• Print and prep activity cards (Scenarios, Role-Plays).
• Post the Group Agreement in the room.
• Gather chart paper, markers, and sticky notes.
• Arrange seating in a comfortable circle.
Required Materials
• Chart Paper & Markers
• Sticky Notes & Timer
• Group Agreement Poster
• Warning Signs Scenario Cards
• Self-Care Strategy Posters
• Peer Support Scripts
• Community Resource Handout
Core Objective
Over four 30-minute sessions, 7th-grade boys will learn to recognize warning signs of suicide, develop self-care strategies, practice supportive communication, and identify resources to support themselves and peers.
Session 1
Introduction & Warning Signs
Goal: Establish safety and recognize distress.
Welcome & Norms (5 min): Review the Group Agreement Poster. Emphasize respect and confidentiality.Series Goals (5 min): Explain the 4-week roadmap (Awareness, Care, Support, Resources).Brainstorm (10 min): Use sticky notes on chart paper to list signs of suicide or deep distress. Compare to common warning indicators.Scenarios (10 min): Pairs read Warning Signs Scenario Cards. Identify signs and share back with the group.
Session 2
Self-Care Strategies
Goal: Build a personal wellness toolkit.
Emoji Check-in (5 min): Quick pulse check on how everyone is feeling today.What is Self-Care? (5 min): Discuss why mental health requires proactive maintenance.Poster Walk (10 min): Display Self-Care Strategy Posters. Groups add ideas to Physical, Emotional, Social, and Creative categories.Personal Plan (10 min): Students list three specific strategies to try this week. Share with a "buddy" for accountability.
Session 3
Communication & Support
Goal: Practice active listening and empathy.
Warm-up (5 min): Emoji feeling check-in.The Support Skills (10 min): Model active listening, "I" statements, and empathy (e.g., "It sounds like you're going through a lot").Role-Plays (15 min): Use Peer Support Role-Play Scripts in triads (Seeker, Giver, Observer). Rotate roles.Key Point: Always involve a trusted adult for safety.
Session 4
Resources & Reflection
Goal: Solidify help-seeking pathways.
High/Low (5 min): Share one success and one challenge from the week.Resource Review (10 min): Distribute Community Resource Handout. Discuss 988, counselors, and local centers.Coping Toolbox (10 min): Final chart paper list of tools learned over the series.Reflection (5 min): Complete the Exit Ticket and sticky note takeaway. Closing affirmation: "You Matter Every Day." You Matter Slides Deck You Matter Every Day
Tier 2 Small Group Series
7th Grade Boys
TEACHER NOTES: Welcome everyone! Introduce yourself and the purpose of this series. Emphasize that this is a safe, confidential space. Review how to use the slides and remind students that they can ask questions at any time.
Our Journey
1
Warning Signs
Finding the signals
2
Self-Care
Personal toolkit
3
Peer Support
Supporting others
4
Resources
Getting help
TEACHER NOTES: Quickly explain the flow of today's sessions so students know what to expect. Keep it brief—1 minute.
Session 1
Safety and Warning Signs
Set our Group Norms for safety
Define our goals: Care & Support
Brainstorm Warning Signs of suicide
Practice with Scenario Cards
Action!
TEACHER NOTES: Point to the Group Agreement Poster. Ask a volunteer to read Norms aloud. Set the tone: respect, confidentiality, and participation.
Common Warning Signs
Talking/Writing
Direct or indirect mentions of death or suicide.
Withdrawal
pulling away from friends, sports, or family.
Mood Swings
Intense emotions, anger, or sudden calmness.
Hopelessness
Feeling "trapped" or that things won't get better.
Giving Away Items
Handing out prized possessions to friends.
Risk-Taking
Dangerous behaviors or acting recklessly.
TEACHER NOTES: Walk through each sign. Share any local examples (e.g., mood changes before tests). Remind that signs vary by person.
Activity: Scenario Detective
In pairs, use your Warning Signs Scenario Card to investigate:
1
Identify the warning signs you see
2
Discuss how you might respond
3
Be ready to share one insight
TEACHER NOTES: Divide students into pairs and hand out cards. Give them 5 minutes to read and discuss. Bring everyone back and ask pairs to share one sign they found.
Group Agreement Poster Group Agreement
Creating a safe and respectful space together.
To ensure everyone feels heard, supported, and safe, we agree to:
Respect Each Voice
Listen without interrupting and give your full attention.
Speak from "I" Statements
Share your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Use Kind & Supportive Language
No put-downs, sarcasm, or judgmental comments.
Maintain Confidentiality
What’s shared here stays here. Respect everyone's privacy.
Participate at Your Comfort Level
Share when you’re ready; it's okay to pass.
Self-Care First
Step out if you need a break or feel overwhelmed.
You Matter Every Day
Warning Signs Scenario Cards Warning Signs Scenario Cards
Cut along the dotted lines to create individual cards. Use these scenarios in pairs to identify warning signs and discuss supportive responses.
Scenario 1
Alex , usually an active basketball player, has stopped attending practices and games this season. Lately, he sits alone during lunch and rarely smiles. In class, he often says he feels like a burden and that life isn’t worth living.
Discussion Prompts
1. What warning signs do you observe?
2. What could you say or do to support Alex?
Scenario 2
Jamie recently texted a friend: “I’m so tired of waking up. Everything’s pointless.” He’s been skipping school occasionally and spends most of his free time alone in his room.
Discussion Prompts
1. What warning signs do you observe?
2. How might you respond to Jamie’s message?
Scenario 3
Marcus has withdrawn from his usual hangout group. His grades have dropped noticeably, and he’s stopped showing interest in video games and hobbies he used to love. He’s also been unusually quiet in class.
Discussion Prompts
1. What warning signs do you observe?
2. What first step could you take if you were concerned about Marcus?
Scenario 4
Tyler posted on social media: “I just want to disappear.” Comments on his post suggest he feels isolated and misunderstood. He’s been in and out of teacher offices looking for a private place to sit.
Discussion Prompts
1. What warning signs do you observe?
2. How could you help Tyler connect with someone who cares?
Scenario 5
Sam has started giving away his favorite belongings—his gaming headset and a prized baseball glove—and told a classmate that his family wouldn’t miss him if he were gone.
Discussion Prompts
1. What warning signs do you observe?
2. What would you do right away if you heard Sam say that?
Scenario 6
Devin has been having intense mood swings. One moment he’s laughing and joking, the next he’s suddenly tearful and says he feels like a burden to everyone. He’s mentioned in passing that people would be better off without him.
Discussion Prompts
1. What warning signs do you observe?
2. How can you show support and involve an adult if needed?
Self Care Strategy Posters Physical
Caring for your body
Examples:
Exercise (sports, walking)
Healthy sleep habits
Balanced meals & hydration
Add your sticky notes here
Emotional
Caring for your feelings
Examples:
Journaling your feelings
Deep breathing / meditation
Practicing gratitude
Add your sticky notes here
Social
Caring for your connections
Examples:
Talking with friends/family
Joining a club or team
Spending time with a pet
Add your sticky notes here
Creative
Caring for your passions
Examples:
Drawing, music, or gaming
Writing stories or comics
Building something new
Add your sticky notes here
Peer Support Role Play Scripts Peer Support Role-Play Scripts
Triad Activity: Support-Seeker, Support-Giver, Observer
Role 1: Seeker
Share the feelings or concerns in the script. Be honest and realistic.
Role 2: Giver
Practice active listening, empathy, and nonjudgmental responses.
Role 3: Observer
Note strengths and suggest improvements using the feedback guide.
A
Scenario A: Feeling Overwhelmed
Support-Seeker Script
“Hey, thanks for talking with me. I’ve been feeling really overwhelmed with school and practice. I stay up late finishing homework, and I still can’t keep up. Sometimes I feel like I’m letting everyone down.”
Support-Giver Prompts
Acknowledge how hard it sounds
Ask an open-ended question (e.g., “What’s the hardest part?”)
Offer to help find a trusted adult or resource
B
Scenario B: Isolation and Loneliness
Support-Seeker Script
“I don’t know why, but I just don’t feel like hanging out with anyone lately. Even when friends invite me, I say no. I feel like nobody really understands me.”
Support-Giver Prompts
Reflect the feeling (e.g., “It sounds like you’re feeling lonely.”)
Validate (“It makes sense to feel that way.”)
Encourage one small step to connect (e.g., a short text)
C
Scenario C: Hopelessness
Support-Seeker Script
“I’ve been thinking a lot about the future, and it feels pointless. I don’t see how things will ever get better. Sometimes, I wonder if it’s worth trying.”
Support-Giver Prompts
Use an empathy statement (e.g., “I’m sorry you’re feeling that hopeless.”)
Ask: “What usually helps you when you feel down?”
Remind them they’re not alone and offer to find a trusted adult
D
Scenario D: Recent Loss or Change
Support-Seeker Script
“Since my cousin moved away, I haven’t been the same. We used to hang out every day. Now I feel empty and don’t care about things I used to love.”
Support-Giver Prompts
Acknowledge the change (“That must be really hard.”)
Ask about a happy memory to honor the relationship
Offer to do a low-pressure activity together (e.g., sports, gaming)
Observer Feedback Guide
Emoji Feelings Check In Emoji Feelings Check-In
A quick way to tune into our emotions and build a supportive space.
1 How are you feeling right now?
🙂
Good
😐
Okay
😔
Down
😠
Angry
😕
Confused
2 Note It Down
On a sticky note, draw or write your emoji plus one word that explains why you chose it.
Your Sticky Note
3 Share (Optional)
Place your note on our shared board. If you're comfortable, share your word with the group in 1–2 sentences. No pressure!
You Matter Every Day • Warm-Up Activity
Community Resources Handout Community Resources
You are not alone. Help is available 24/7.
Immediate Help
Crisis Lifeline
Call/Text 988
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
School-Based Support
School Counselor: Ms. Smith Room 102 (Ext. 210)
School Psychologist: Dr. Lee Room 104 (Ext. 215)
School Nurse: Mrs. Johnson Health Office (Ext. 200)
Local Community
Youth Center: (555) 123-4567YMCA Programs: (555) 234-5678Mental Health Clinic: (555) 345-6789
Online Support
teenmentalhealth.org
nami.org/teens
thetrevorproject.org
My Trusted Adults
Parent/Guardian:
Coach/Teacher:
Peer/Friend:
You Matter Every Day
Reflection Exit Ticket Final Reflection
Taking what we've learned back into our lives.
Name
Date
1 What is the most important thing you learned in this group?
2 Which self-care strategy or peer support skill will you try this week?
3 Name one trusted person you feel comfortable reaching out to for support.
You Matter Every Day
Thank you for being part of this group.
