Active learning ideas
Seeking help is a fundamental life skill that bridges the gap between recognizing a problem and resolving it. In this topic, students move from internal awareness to external action. They identify the specific layers of support available to them, from trusted adults in school (like the Guidance Counsellor or Year Head) to national services like Childline or Jigsaw. This aligns with SPHE Learning Outcome 4.5, ensuring students know the 'where' and 'how' of seeking help.
Activity 01
Place posters around the room detailing different support services (local and national). Students circulate with a worksheet to identify which service is best for specific scenarios, such as bullying, anxiety, or family issues.
When should we seek help for our mental health?
Activity 02
In pairs, students practice two scripts: one where they ask an adult for help and one where they encourage a friend to talk to a professional. Focus on using 'I' statements and clear, direct language.
What support services are available to young people?
Activity 03
Groups are given a list of school-based support roles. They must find out where these people are located in the school and the best way to contact them, creating a 'Help Guide' for first-year students.
How can we support a friend who is struggling?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Asking for help is 'snitching' or a betrayal of trust.
Students often fear losing a friend's trust if they report a concern. Through structured debate, teachers can help students distinguish between 'telling' to get someone in trouble and 'reporting' to keep someone safe.
Support services are only for 'extreme' cases.
Many students wait until a crisis to seek help. Using a 'Support Continuum' activity helps them see that services are there for everyday stress and early intervention, not just emergencies.
Methods used in this brief
Understanding Emotions
Students explore the spectrum of human emotions and how they manifest physically and mentally. They learn to identify triggers and articulate their feelings effectively.
8 methodologies
Building Resilience
This topic focuses on developing coping strategies to bounce back from adversity. Students examine real-life scenarios to understand how resilience can be cultivated.
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