Lesson Plan
Session 1 Lesson Plan
Introduce students to the support group, build trust, and co-create group norms. By the end, each student will connect with a peer, share a feeling about having an incarcerated parent, and establish at least three group norms.
Establishing a safe, supportive environment is critical for students coping with parental incarceration. This session builds rapport and clear expectations, setting the stage for open emotional expression and resilience-building.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
Step 1
Welcome and Introduction
5 minutes
Step 2
Icebreaker Activity
10 minutes
Step 3
Sharing Experiences
5 minutes
Step 4
Establish Group Norms
8 minutes
Step 5
Reflection and Closing
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Session 1: Getting to Know Each Other
Session Objectives
Icebreaker Activity
Icebreaker Worksheet
Sharing Experiences
Seeing Our Emotions
What Are Group Norms?
Create Our Norms
Reflection
Next Steps & Closing
Worksheet
Worksheet
Lesson Plan
Session 2 Lesson Plan
Help students identify and express their emotions related to having an incarcerated parent. By the end, each will name at least three emotions, complete an emotion map, and share one coping idea.
Developing emotional awareness and expression supports healthy coping and reduced isolation. This session empowers students to recognize their feelings and learn that others share similar experiences.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
Step 1
Welcome & Recap
5 minutes
Step 2
Guided Discussion
10 minutes
Step 3
Emotion Mapping Activity
10 minutes
Step 4
Share & Debrief
3 minutes
Step 5
Reflection & Closing
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Session 2: Understanding Our Emotions
Session Objectives
Discussion Questions
Emotion Mapping Activity
Sample Emotion Map
Share & Debrief
Next Steps & Closing
Discussion
Worksheet
Lesson Plan
Session 3 Lesson Plan
Introduce coping strategies and self-care techniques. By the end, each student will identify three coping skills, complete a personalized coping plan, and practice a relaxation exercise.
Teaching coping strategies and self-care equips students to manage stress and emotions, building resilience and reducing feelings of isolation.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
Step 1
Welcome & Recap
5 minutes
Step 2
Guided Discussion
8 minutes
Step 3
Complete Coping Plan
7 minutes
Step 4
Relaxation Activity
8 minutes
Step 5
Reflection & Closing
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Session 3: Coping Strategies & Self-Care
Session Objectives
Discussion Prompts
Coping Strategies & Self-Care Examples
Complete Your Coping Plan
Relaxation Activity
Next Steps & Closing
Discussion
Worksheet
Script
Lesson Plan
Session 4 Lesson Plan
Guide students to synthesize their learning by creating a personalized coping toolkit. By the end, each student will complete a toolkit template, present one toolkit item, and set a self-care commitment.
A culminating project helps students apply and reinforce coping strategies, celebrates their resilience, and builds peer support through sharing.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Welcome & Recap
5 minutes
Step 2
Introduce the Culminating Project
5 minutes
Step 3
Plan & Review Materials
5 minutes
Step 4
Create Your Toolkit
10 minutes
Step 5
Share & Feedback
3 minutes
Step 6
Reflection & Closing
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Session 4: Creating Your Coping Toolkit
Session Objectives
Toolkit Components
Gather Your Materials
Create Your Toolkit
Share & Feedback
Reflection & Closing
Project Guide
