3 Lesson Plans to Build Resilience & Help High School Students Succeed in School and Beyond

A critical part of education is helping students build the life skills and resiliency they need to complete high school and successfully transition to adult life. Branching Minds partners with The Jed Foundation (JED) to bring practical resources to high school classrooms that are informed by direct research with high school students about what they need as they graduate. These areas include:

• The ability to build healthy and meaningful relationships with others
• Perseverance, willingness to face challenges, and openness to constructive feedback
• Being able to communicate their wants and needs — especially in a crisis
• Understanding and acceptance of those who may be different from themselves
• The ability to think critically about a situation and problem-solve.

As part of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), these lessons can be used as a universal support for all students in a particular grade or setting, or can be targeted for small groups or individual students who are struggling. Teachers, school counselors, interventionists, behavior staff, or anyone who works with older students can decide how they want to use these lessons and adjust the components and activities to meet the needs of their students.  

Lesson #1: Growth Mindset

“Individuals who believe their talents can be developed — through hard work, good strategies, and input from others — have a growth mindset,” says Carol Dweck, a Stanford professor of psychology who studies mindset. 

Some ways to build a growth mindset are:

• Identify when you feel stuck
• Practice and perseverance 
• Be open to both positive and constructive feedback
• Challenge yourself to try something new
• Think about how you support your friends

Growth Mindset: Lesson Plan Growth Mindset: Student Resource

Lesson #2: Executive Function

Executive functioning is loosely defined as a set of mental skills involving memory, flexible thinking, and impulse control. These skills help us focus, complete tasks, understand others’ points of view, and develop self-awareness. Studies have shown that the ability to use executive functioning effectively is a greater indication of success than socio-economic upbringing or test scores. 

Executive Functioning: Lesson Plan Executive Function: Student Resource Activities to Help Students Improve Their Working Memory

Lesson #3: Finding Help

The months and years after high school involve big transitions, increased responsibilities, more freedom and independence, and a set of new and different life challenges. A significant barrier for many teens and young adults is that they don’t know where to find help when they need it. But there are lots of good options they can tap into.

Finding Help After High School: Lesson Plan Finding Help After High School: Student Resource

These lesson plans can spark meaningful conversations with students about the transition from high school along with practice of the skills they need for success beyond your school walls. It is our hope that these resources will help you equip your students to handle the challenges of young adulthood.

Download the "3 Lesson Plans to Build Resilience and Help High School Students Succeed in School and Beyond" with The Jed Foundation below 👇

JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. They partner with high schools and colleges to strengthen mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. They equip teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge they need to help themselves and each other. They encourage community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health. 

Learn more and access resources at jedfoundation.org.