Lesson Plan

Acceptance Practices Plan

Introduce 6th graders to radical acceptance, an evidence-based DBT skill for relieving distress by accepting reality. Students will define acceptance, practice guided exercises and role-play, and reflect in a journal to reinforce coping strategies.

Helping students embrace reality reduces emotional resistance and distress. Learning radical acceptance fosters resilience, self-regulation, and practical coping skills vital for their emotional well-being.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Session Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Check-In

2 minutes

Step 2

Teaching Radical Acceptance

8 minutes

Step 3

Guided Acceptance Exercise

5 minutes

Step 4

Role-Play Practice

8 minutes

Step 5

Reflection and Wrap-Up

7 minutes

Slide Deck

Radical Acceptance

Welcome the student and introduce today's topic: Radical Acceptance. Explain that this session will teach a DBT skill to help manage difficult feelings by accepting reality.

Introduce a short guided meditation to help you connect with self-acceptance. Play the video and follow along.

What Is Radical Acceptance?

Read the definition aloud, then ask the student if any words feel unclear. Clarify as needed.

Why Practice Acceptance?

Point out how non-acceptance often increases suffering. Encourage the student to think of times they resisted reality.

How Acceptance Works

Explain the difference between facts and judgments. Use a simple example like weather or test scores.

Step 1: Notice the Facts

Guide the student to identify a fact in a recent stressor. Ask them to say it out loud.

Step 2: Observe Judgments

Have the student share a judgment they made about the same situation. Discuss how judgments shape feelings.

Step 3: Make an Acceptance Statement

Model an acceptance statement and then ask the student to create their own based on their example.

Real-Life Example

Share a brief relatable scenario: missing the bus, forgetting homework. Then ask the student how they might accept it.

Guiding Questions

Use these prompts during guided exercise and role-play. Encourage honest answers.

Next Steps & Practice

Explain homework: practice one acceptance statement each day and note how it feels. Schedule a follow-up check-in.