Introduction
As educators, we understand that students may face challenges and require assistance at various points in their learning journey. In this blog post, we will explore a social-emotional learning activity that teaches high school students the importance of asking for help when they need it. By learning to ask for help, students can develop problem-solving skills, build resilience, and foster positive relationships with their peers and teachers.
No-Prep Activity
This no-prep activity is designed to help students practice asking for help in a safe and supportive environment. To begin, have students pair up or form small groups. Ask one student in each pair or group to think of a problem or challenge they are currently facing, while the others will act as helpers. The student with the problem should explain their issue to the helpers, who will then provide suggestions and support. After a few minutes, have the students switch roles so that everyone gets a chance to practice both asking for help and offering assistance.
As students work through this activity, encourage them to pay attention to their feelings, thoughts, and body language. This will help them become more aware of their emotions and how they respond to challenges. After the activity, lead a group discussion to reflect on the experience and share any insights or takeaways.
Discussion Questions
- How did it feel to ask for help during the activity? Was it easy or difficult? Why?
- What strategies did you use to overcome any hesitations or fears about asking for help?
- How did it feel to offer help to others? Were you able to provide support and suggestions effectively?
- How can asking for help improve your problem-solving skills and overall learning experience?
- What are some other situations where asking for help might be beneficial or necessary?
Related Skills
Teaching students to ask for help is just one aspect of social-emotional learning. Other related skills that can be developed alongside this include:
- Active listening: Encourage students to listen carefully and empathetically to others when they ask for help or share their problems.
- Effective communication: Teach students to express their needs, feelings, and thoughts clearly and respectfully when seeking assistance.
- Self-awareness: Help students recognize their emotions and understand how they impact their behavior and decision-making.
- Collaborative problem-solving: Guide students in working together to find solutions to challenges and support each other’s learning.
Next Steps
To further develop students’ ability to ask for help and build other essential social-emotional skills, consider incorporating more activities and discussions into your lesson plans. For free sample materials and resources to support your students’ social-emotional learning journey, sign up at Everyday Speech.
