Lesson Plan

Alert Toolkit Structure

Equip 8th graders to identify early warning signs of emotional or behavioral risk, practice structured alert protocols, and execute referral procedures through interactive role-play and group challenges.

Early identification and timely alerting can prevent crises and ensure students receive support when needed. This lesson builds students’ confidence in recognizing risk signs, communicating effectively, and collaborating on referrals, fostering a safer, more attentive school community.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Pulse-Check Warm-Up

5 minutes

Step 2

Early Warning Workshop

10 minutes

Step 3

Signal Relay Challenge

15 minutes

Step 4

Alert Action Cards Activity

5 minutes

Step 5

Debrief & Next Steps

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Early Warning Workshop

Welcome students and introduce the purpose of today’s mini-workshop. Emphasize that spotting early warning signs can help peers get support before things escalate.

Why Early Alerts Matter

Explain why early detection matters. Use an example: noticing a friend withdrawing and checking in can make a big difference.

Common Risk Indicators

Present four categories of signs. Ask students to jot down any they’ve observed in real life.

Discussion Prompt

Engage students: have them briefly discuss in pairs which signs stood out and why.

Referral Protocol Steps

Walk through each step slowly, pausing to check for understanding. Emphasize confidentiality and following school protocols.

Preparing to Practice

Introduce the upcoming role-play. Assign roles and hand out scenario cards in the next activity.

Key Takeaways & Next Steps

Wrap up the slide deck and transition to the Signal Relay Challenge game.

Lesson Plan

Alert Toolkit Structure

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Pulse-Check Warm-Up

Step 2

Early Warning Workshop

Step 3

Signal Relay Challenge

Step 4

Alert Action Cards Activity

Step 5

Debrief & Next Steps

Slide Deck

Early Warning Workshop

Why Early Alerts Matter

Common Risk Indicators

Discussion Prompt

Referral Protocol Steps

Preparing to Practice

Key Takeaways & Next Steps

Warm Up

Game

Worksheet

Early Alert Toolkit

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