TRIBES Lesson Plan
Objective(s) (Students will): Gain self knowledge / management & transition into the new year
with an understanding of behavior expectations.
Standard(s) and Benchmark(s):
A.4.1.4- Identify and model personal attitudes and behaviors that lead to successful learning.
B.4.1.1- Demonstrate the ability to seek information & support from faculty, staff, family & peers.
D.4.1.1- Demonstrate positive attitudes toward self as a unique and worthy person.
F.8.1.3- Utilize techniques for managing daily stress and conflict.
Group Stage: Inclusion (September, 4th grade)
Collaborative Skill(s):
Inclusion
Participating fully
Listening attentively
Expressing appreciation
Reflecting on experience
Influence
Valuing diversity of culture / ideas
Thinking constructively
Making responsible decisions
Resolving conflicts
Community
Solving problems creatively
Working together on tasks
Assessing improvement
Celebrating Achievements
Provide for inclusion (Question, Activity, Energizer)
Ask one student to come up and try on the backpack. I ask them if it is heavy. Some will say,
“Yes!” and some will say, “Not really”. Regardless of their comment, I ask them “so, if I told you
that you had to carry this backpack around all day, every day for the rest of your life, would be
okay with that?” Most say, “No!” We then go on to explore that unresolved issues that you carry
with you can weigh you down and make life more difficult.
Each student is then asked to come up (one at a time) to pull a rock from the backpack. We then
discuss as a whole group.
Learning Strategy: Verbal/ linguistic and interpersonal.
Adaptations: You can change the words on the rocks as needed to focus on one specific area of
concern.
Reflection Questions
Content: Review and summarize the actions to take and the information given.
Collaborative: How did it feel to hear about others problems / issues / solutions?
Personal: What actions can you take if you have an issue that is too big for you to handle on
your own?
Provide for appreciation: I acknowledge & give appreciations to the class for sharing their
insights & personal stories.
Materials needed: Backpack, 25 (or so) flat rocks that are big enough to write on and a sharpie or
other permanent marker.
Estimated time: 45 min.
Teacher reflection / notes: I preface this activity by telling the students that the words on the
rocks are issues that can make school success challenging and they may be things to seek out help
for. They are also topics that we will discuss in guidance education.
Rocks / Backpack Activity
Words for Rocks:
Divorce
Death
Moving
Illness
Bully behavior
Self-esteem
Careers
Problem-solving
Decision making
Hygiene
Setting goals
Friendships
School
Home
Worry
Safety
Fears
Stress
Internet safety
Feelings
Family
Drugs / alcohol
Tobacco
Study skills
Conflict resolution
Behavior