Alison Jenness

This one-session, 45-minute substitute-led lesson for grades 7-9 explores how dancing benefits physical fitness, mental wellness, and social connection through guided activities and reflection. Students will stay active, watch a short video, participate in group discussions, and complete a simple worksheet. No prior dance skill required.

In this lesson, students will engage in art activities to express and process complex emotions. By translating feelings into visual form, they will learn to navigate their emotional landscape more openly and productively. This lesson is important as it fosters self-awareness and emotional expression, helping students to better understand and manage their emotions.

In this lesson, students will explore mindfulness and gratitude meditation techniques to enhance their emotional health and reduce stress. By practicing these techniques, students can develop a greater sense of awareness and appreciation, which can contribute to their overall well-being and resilience.

This lesson explores the connection between substance use and mental health issues, encouraging open discussions and providing resources for support. It aims to promote awareness among 9th-grade students and encourage them to seek help if needed. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the impact of substance use on mental health and empowers them to make informed decisions.

This lesson introduces 9th-grade students to the topic of substance abuse, focusing on the science of addiction and the impact of drugs on the brain. Students will engage in discussions and activities to build awareness and learn prevention strategies. This lesson is crucial for helping students make informed choices and understand the consequences of substance abuse.

In this lesson, students will explore different emotions, understand how they affect us, and learn ways to manage them effectively. This lesson is important as it helps students develop emotional intelligence, which is crucial for personal growth, resilience, and building healthy relationships. By identifying and expressing their feelings, students can better navigate social situations and improve their mental well-being.

In this lesson, students will explore the impact of positive thinking on mental health through engaging discussions and activities. They will learn strategies to cultivate a positive mindset, which can improve their overall well-being and resilience. This lesson is important as it equips students with tools to manage stress and challenges, fostering a healthier mental state.

In this lesson, students will explore the components of a balanced lifestyle, including exercise, nutrition, sleep, and leisure activities. They will engage in discussions and activities to understand the importance of each component and create a personal plan to improve their own lifestyle balance. This lesson is crucial for helping students develop healthy habits that can enhance their well-being and academic performance.

This lesson introduces 9th-grade students to the concept of SMART goals, which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Students will learn why SMART goals are effective and participate in activities to create their own goals in various areas of their life. This lesson is important as it equips students with a structured approach to goal setting, enhancing their ability to plan and achieve personal and academic objectives.

In this lesson, students will explore the concept of SMART goals and how they can be used to foster personal growth and resilience. Through engaging activities, students will set their own SMART goals and reflect on strategies to achieve them. This lesson is important as it equips students with a structured approach to goal setting, enhancing their ability to plan, execute, and achieve personal objectives, thereby fostering a sense of growth and resilience.

This lesson introduces 9th-grade students to the concept of goal setting, emphasizing the importance of setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals. Through collaborative and active learning strategies, students will work together to identify personal goals and create action plans. This lesson is crucial as it equips students with essential skills for personal and academic success, fostering a sense of responsibility and motivation.

This lesson is designed to welcome 9th-grade students and help them get to know each other through a collaborative team-building activity. The activity will encourage students to work together, communicate effectively, and build a sense of community within the classroom. This lesson is important as it sets a positive tone for the school year, helping students feel comfortable and connected with their peers.