These lesson plans can be used free of charge! The Suicide Prevention and Mental Health curriculum, as part of the Directing Change Film Contest and mini grant program, have been independently evaluated by NORC at the University of Chicago and are currently part of a study implemented by NYU. The lesson plans were developed with educators and youth and have been implemented by the Youth Creating Change team, educators, and CBOs across California since 2017. They were most recently updated in September 2024.
We are excited to introduce a new substance use curriculum for the 2025-26 school year. The development of this curriculum was supported by funding from the County of Monterey Department of Public Health, as well as a sponsorship by Song for Charlie in 2025. A special thank you to our subject matter experts, youth, and educators who contributed to the curriculum.
For questions or feedback, please contact us.
Substance Use Lesson Plan
The Substance Use Lesson plan is broken up into two lessons: 1) Substance Use, Addiction & Healthy Coping, and 2) How to Spot and Respond to an Opioid Overdose. Each of the two lessons includes discussion questions and activities.
This lesson plan is offered as google slides and accompanied by a facilitation guide. The slides also include information about Youth Creating Change and how youth can apply what they learn to the new Substance Use Submission category as part of the Directing Change Film Contest. If you are having problems accessing google slides, please contact us. and we can get the lesson to you in a different format.
Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate age- and developmentally appropriate health and safety practices that prevent or reduce the risk of disease and injury and improve quality of life by knowing the signs of an overdose and how to respond to help save a life.
- Analyze reasons for why a young person may choose to use or not use substances
- List 3 signs of problematic substance use
- Discuss how young people can support other people they are concerned have a substance use problem.
- List signs of an opioid overdose and describe steps to respond to an opioid overdose
- List one substance use or mental health resource
- Understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms
Time: 30-45 minutes per lesson
Materials:
Slides and access to internet to show educational films and PSAs
Grades/Age:
Suitable for middle school and high school students grades 5-12, or young people ages 12-24.
The development of this curriculum was supported by funding from the County of Monterey Department of Public Health, as well as a sponsorship by Song for Charlie in 2025. A special thank you to our subject matter experts and reviewers: Stepanie Ballard, PHD, LPCC from Your Social Marketer, Lisa Smusz, MS, LPCC, from The Social Changery, teachers and youth that are part of the Youth Creating Change Advisory Board, staff from the County of Monterey Department of Public Health, Monterey County Department of Education, Orange County Department of Education, Riverside County University Health System- Behavioral Health, Tri-City Mental Health, and the team at Song for Charlie.
Suicide Prevention Lesson Plan
The Suicide Prevention Lesson plan can be covered in one class period or extended to multiple class periods with the additional activities, assignments, and content such as the “Messaging” module provided at the end of the lesson.
This lesson plan is offered as google slides. If you are having problems accessing google slides, please contact us and we can get the lesson to you in a different format.
Learning Objectives:
- Youth will understand warning signs of suicide and how to recognize them
- Youth will be able to identify a trusted adult they will turn to for support
- Youth will be able to list crisis resources they can reach out to for themselves or a friend
- Youth will be able to list steps they can take to support a friend
Time: 45-60 minutes*
Materials:
Slides and access to internet to show educational films and PSAs
Grades
Suitable for middle school and high school students.
Mental Health Lesson Plan
The lesson plan can be covered in one class period or extended to multiple class periods with the additional activities, assignments, and content such as the “Through the Lens of Culture” module provided at the end of the lesson.
This lesson plan is offered as google slides. If you are having problems accessing google slides, please contact us and we can get the lesson to you in a different format.
Learning Objectives:
- Youth will understand the mental health continuum and that mental health affects all of us.
- Youth will understand the importance of not waiting to get help for mental health challenges.
- Youth will be able to explain mental health stigma and understand the importance of using the correct language to discuss mental health.
- Youth will be able to list steps they can take to support a friend.
Time: 45-60 minutes*
Materials: Slides and access to internet to show educational films and PSAs
Grades: Suitable for middle school and high school students.
What This Election Means to Me Lesson Plan
This lesson plan guide includes a variety of resources including lesson plans, discussion questions and activities with the goal of encouraging youth to explore topics related to the election and voting.
Lesson Topics:
- Voting and Election lesson materials from the San Diego County Office of Education
- Media Literacy
- Voting Rights
- Youth Civic Action
- High School Voter Education & Pre-Registration
This lesson plan is offered as google slides. If you are having problems accessing google slides, please contact us and we can get the lesson to you in a different format.
Learning Objectives:
- Civic Engagement:
Students will understand the importance of participating in the electoral process and recognize how their voices can influence political outcomes. - Creative Expression:
Students will demonstrate their ability to express their thoughts and feelings about the election through a chosen medium (film, podcast, art), showcasing their unique perspectives. - Mental Health Awareness:
Students will identify the impact of political events on mental health and develop strategies to manage anxiety and stress related to the election through creating art.. - Media Literacy:
Students will learn to evaluate information sources critically, distinguishing between credible facts and misinformation, and articulate how to empower their peers in identifying reliable information.
Time: 45-60 minutes*
Materials: Slides and access to internet to show educational films and articles
Grades: Suitable for middle school and high school students.