Lesson Plan
Session 1 Lesson Plan
Students will define depression and identify at least three common symptoms by the end of the 25-minute session.
Understanding what depression is and recognizing its symptoms empowers students to seek help early, improve self-awareness, and build resilience.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Review Session 1 Materials
5 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
Step 2
Direct Teach
7 minutes
Step 3
Activity
7 minutes
Step 4
Discussion
4 minutes
Step 5
Cool-Down
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Understanding Depression
What Is Depression?
Emotional Symptoms
Cognitive Symptoms
Physical Symptoms
Real-Life Example: Emotional
Real-Life Example: Cognitive
Real-Life Example: Physical
Why Recognizing Symptoms Matters
Session Recap & Questions
Worksheet
Activity
Discussion
Lesson Plan
Session 2 Lesson Plan
Students will understand the ACT framework and learn to use acceptance and cognitive defusion techniques, applying one technique to a personal stress-related thought.
Teaching ACT helps students build coping skills by learning to accept difficult emotions and distance themselves from unhelpful thoughts, promoting psychological flexibility and resilience.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Session 2 Materials
5 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
Step 2
Direct Teach
7 minutes
Step 3
Activity
7 minutes
Step 4
Discussion
4 minutes
Step 5
Cool-Down
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Introduction to ACT
What Is ACT?
Why ACT Matters
The ACT Hexaflex Model
Core Process: Acceptance
Acceptance in Action
Core Process: Cognitive Defusion
Defusion Techniques
Real-Life Example: Defusion
Session Recap & Questions
Worksheet
Activity
Discussion
Lesson Plan
Session 3 Lesson Plan
Students will identify their personal core values, connect each to a small committed action, and plan one value-driven step to take before the next meeting.
Clarifying values and linking them to concrete actions fosters motivation, resilience, and a sense of purpose—key skills for coping with depression and stress.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Session 3 Materials
5 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
Step 2
Direct Teach
7 minutes
Step 3
Activity
7 minutes
Step 4
Discussion
4 minutes
Step 5
Cool-Down
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Values & Committed Action
What Are Personal Values?
Examples of Core Values
Why Values Matter
What Is Committed Action?
Linking Values to Actions
Identifying Your Top Values
Real-Life Example
Planning Your Committed Actions
Session Recap & Questions
Activity
Worksheet
Discussion
