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LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Read opposing viewpoints and take a side; evaluate the pros and cons of getting an excused absence from school for mental health.
HEALTH ED STANDARDS
NHES 2: Evaluate ways that school can affect personal health
CASEL: Social awareness
KEY VOCAB
stigma
vulnerable
self-harm
Lesson Plan: Should You Get a Mental Health Day?
Weigh the pros and cons of getting an excused absence from school for mental health.
Table of Contents:
1. Preparing to Read
2. Reading and Discussing
3. Building Comprehension and Vocabulary
4. Expanding SEL Opportunities
Before you read the debate “Should You Get a Mental Health Day?” ask your students the following pre-reading question:
What are the pros and cons of having an excused absence for mental health?
Close-Reading Questions The following questions can be shared in printable or interactive form from the Resources tab.
Critical-Thinking Questions
3. Building Comprehension and Vocab
Check students’ comprehension of and engagement with the story with the following assessment tools:
Quiz
Vocab Builder
Continue the learning journey with the following extension activity:
Spark some more interaction in a SILENT POSTER DISCUSSION activity! Students should begin by working in small groups to create a poster that clearly displays their position in the debate, along with a mix of their own ideas and information from the article to support their position. Once the posters are complete, facilitate discussion by having students walk around the room looking at each other’s posters and leaving Post-its to agree, disagree, or add to one another’s ideas.
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