Introduction
As educators, it’s crucial to help students develop skills that will assist them in navigating various social and academic situations. One essential skill is the ability to ask for help when needed. This skill is not only relevant in the classroom but also in various aspects of life. Teaching students to ask for help empowers them to take control of their learning and fosters a sense of confidence and self-awareness. This blog post will provide a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related skills to help educators teach middle school students the importance of asking for help.
No-Prep Activity
This no-prep activity is designed to help students practice asking for help in a safe and structured environment. It requires no additional materials or preparation from the educator.
- Divide the class into pairs.
- Have each pair decide on a topic they both need help with (e.g., a specific math concept, a grammar rule, or a science project).
- One student in each pair will play the role of the person who needs help, while the other will play the role of the helper (e.g., a teacher, a peer, or a family member).
- Allow the pairs to practice asking for help and responding to the request, making sure to switch roles after a few minutes.
- After the activity, bring the class together for a group discussion, addressing the discussion questions below.
Discussion Questions
- How did it feel to ask for help? Were you comfortable or uncomfortable? Why?
- What strategies did you use to make it easier to ask for help?
- How can asking for help improve your learning experience?
- Why is it important to ask for help when you need it?
- Can you think of a time when you needed help and didn’t ask for it? How did that situation make you feel?
Related Skills
Teaching middle school students to ask for help is just one aspect of fostering their social-emotional growth. Here are some related skills that can help students develop a well-rounded set of competencies:
- Active Listening: Encourage students to listen carefully to others, ask clarifying questions, and provide feedback to ensure they understand what is being communicated.
- Empathy: Help students develop the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, which can improve their relationships and foster a supportive learning environment.
- Self-Advocacy: Teach students to communicate their needs and stand up for their rights while respecting the rights of others.
- Problem-Solving: Encourage students to analyze and develop solutions to various challenges they may face in their academic and personal lives.
Next Steps
Now that you have a better understanding of how to teach middle school students to ask for help, it’s time to put these strategies into practice. To access free sample materials that can support your efforts in teaching this skill and others, sign up for free samples at Everyday Speech.
