{"product_id":"learning-to-lead-with-connection-instructional-guide-middle-school","title":"Learning to Lead with Connection Instructional Guide – Middle School (Grades 6–8): Teacher \u0026 Parent Lesson Plans for Empathy, Teamwork \u0026 Leadership","description":"\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"4\"\u003eWhat Is the Learning to Lead with Connection Instructional Guide for Middle School?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eLearning to Lead with Connection: Building Empathy and Teamwork Skills\u003c\/em\u003e Middle School Instructional Guide is a 322-page downloadable, printable teacher and parent guide from Future Ready Education. It’s the teaching companion to the \u003cem\u003eLearning to Lead with Connection\u003c\/em\u003e Middle School Workbook, with lesson plans for all three units: Building Healthy Relationships, Teamwork \u0026amp; Collaboration, and Communication \u0026amp; Leadership. Designed for students in grades 6–8 (ages 11–14), the guide covers 15 lessons and 82 activities. Each lesson takes about 25–30 minutes and includes learning objectives, facilitation guidance, discussion prompts and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) supports. Each unit has its own pre-assessment and post-assessment, so you can track growth in every skill area. It teaches a simple idea that matters a lot in middle school: real leadership is built on connection, not authority. The guide builds the durable skills in your district’s \u003cstrong\u003ePortrait of a Graduate\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"4\"\u003eWhy Do Teachers and Parents Choose This Instructional Guide?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThree units in one guide:\u003c\/strong\u003e complete lesson plans for Healthy Relationships, Teamwork \u0026amp; Collaboration and Communication \u0026amp; Leadership\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstantial content:\u003c\/strong\u003e 322 pages, 15 lessons and 82 activities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFits any schedule:\u003c\/strong\u003e each lesson takes about 25–30 minutes, so it fits easily into advisory or homeroom, and can be expanded with discussion, role play or projects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMatches the student workbook:\u003c\/strong\u003e follows the \u003cem\u003eLearning to Lead with Connection\u003c\/em\u003e Middle School Workbook activity by activity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt for middle schoolers:\u003c\/strong\u003e scenarios about friendships, group projects, group chats and online reputation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnti-bullying support:\u003c\/strong\u003e a full lesson on moving from bystander to upstander\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt for every learner:\u003c\/strong\u003e UDL guidance with flexible options for engagement, representation and expression\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurable growth:\u003c\/strong\u003e a pre-assessment and post-assessment for each unit, plus reflection and self-assessment tools\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo prep needed:\u003c\/strong\u003e printable lessons ready for advisory, leadership electives, counseling or home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInstant access:\u003c\/strong\u003e a downloadable, printable PDF you can reuse every year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"4\"\u003eHow Does This Guide Build Portrait of a Graduate Competencies?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis guide builds durable, future-ready skills, the transferable abilities students carry into every class, career and community:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommunication (COM):\u003c\/strong\u003e finding your voice, using “I” statements, reading the room and communicating with confidence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCollaboration (COL):\u003c\/strong\u003e group roles, balanced teams, reaching consensus and real-world problem solving\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEmpathy (EMP):\u003c\/strong\u003e understanding what empathy really is, intent vs. impact and seeing multiple perspectives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCitizenship (CIT):\u003c\/strong\u003e moving from bystander to upstander and leading with integrity online\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAgency (AGY):\u003c\/strong\u003e setting boundaries, building confidence and practicing micro-courage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCritical Thinking \u0026amp; Problem Solving (CT):\u003c\/strong\u003e figuring out what’s under a conflict, finding middle ground and separating digital myths from facts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePersonal Responsibility \u0026amp; Work Ethic (PRW):\u003c\/strong\u003e accountability in groups, owning mistakes and leading responsibly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdaptability (ADP):\u003c\/strong\u003e pausing before reacting and handling tension calmly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCareer Readiness (CAR):\u003c\/strong\u003e teamwork, reputation-building and leadership habits for future success\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCreativity (CRE):\u003c\/strong\u003e silent tableaux, advice columns and fixing “stuck” groups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinances (FIN):\u003c\/strong\u003e short-term vs. long-term thinking, a foundation for future financial choices\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"4\"\u003eWhat Lessons Are Included in the Learning to Lead with Connection Middle School Guide?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"5\"\u003eUnit 1: Building Healthy Relationships\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIncludes a pre-assessment and post-assessment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnderstanding Healthy Relationships:\u003c\/strong\u003e Relationship Spectrum; Green Flags, Yellow Flags, Red Flags; What Would Help?; Silent Signals; What Kind of Friend Are You?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBoundaries \u0026amp; Consent:\u003c\/strong\u003e Boundary Myth Busters, Boundary Types Sort, Consent Continuum, Respectful Response Match, Digital Boundaries Check, My Boundary Comfort Zones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEmpathy \u0026amp; Influence:\u003c\/strong\u003e What Empathy Really Is, Intent vs. Impact, Influence Ripple Map, Multiple Perspectives Explorer, Silent Tableaux: The Message Without Words\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBeing an Upstander:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upstander Choice Cards, The Upstander Spectrum, One Choice Many Outcomes, Upstander Without Words, The Bystander-to-Upstander Shift\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eResolving Conflict:\u003c\/strong\u003e What’s Under the Conflict?, React or Respond?, Pause Toolkit, Conflict Temperature Check, I Statements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"5\"\u003eUnit 2: Teamwork \u0026amp; Collaboration\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIncludes a pre-assessment and post-assessment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col dir=\"ltr\" start=\"6\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEmpathy \u0026amp; Perspective in Collaboration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Assumption vs. Reality, Pause \u0026amp; Respond Challenge, Same Situation Different Stories, Empathy Explorers, Real-Life Reflection Mapping, Build the Better Response\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHow You Show Up in a Group:\u003c\/strong\u003e What Type of Group Member Are You?, Group Dynamics Scenario Analysis, Build the Balanced Group, What Would You Do?, Accountability Check\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecision-Making in Groups:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decision-Making Match-Up, Finding the Middle Ground, Reaching Consensus, The “Stuck Group” Fix-It, The “Best Option” Debate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHandling Tension When Collaborating:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reaction vs. Response, Pause \u0026amp; Choose, Real-Time Reactions, What’s Under the Surface?, Say It Differently, The Power of I\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCollaboration in the Real World:\u003c\/strong\u003e Where Will You Use This?, Real-Life Problem Solving, Scenario Challenge, Real-Life Collaboration in Action, Collaboration Strength \u0026amp; Growth Plan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"5\"\u003eUnit 3: Communication \u0026amp; Leadership\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIncludes a pre-assessment and post-assessment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col dir=\"ltr\" start=\"11\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeading with Your Voice:\u003c\/strong\u003e Voice Snapshot, Silence: Power or Avoidance?, Leadership Style Quiz, Reputation Builder, “Voice in Action” Mini Research\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeading with Awareness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Same Words Different Tone, Read the Room Challenge, One Moment Five Perspectives, Impact Detective, Reaction vs. Response\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeading with Confidence:\u003c\/strong\u003e Communication Style Breakdown, Calm Before Clear, Confidence Under Pressure, Boundary Builder, Calm \u0026amp; Centered Before You Speak, Micro-Courage Moments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeading with Responsibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reputation Timeline, Short-Term vs. Long-Term Split, Responsible Advice Column, The Ownership Rewrite, Leadership Decision Checklist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeading with Integrity Online:\u003c\/strong\u003e What the Internet Reveals Video Analysis, Build or Weaken Trust?, Advice Column, Public vs. Private Digital Sort, Rewrite the Comment, Digital Leadership Case Study, Influence Audit, Digital Myth or Fact Quiz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"4\"\u003eWho Is This Instructional Guide For?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eMiddle school teachers, advisory and homeroom leaders, leadership elective and student council advisors, school counselors, anti-bullying and upstander program leaders, homeschool families and parents. It’s designed for advisory, leadership electives, counseling sessions, cooperative learning, character education and Portrait of a Graduate initiatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"4\"\u003eWhat Comes in the Learning to Lead with Connection Instructional Guide?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrade level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grades 6–8 (ages 11–14)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Digital download (printable PDF)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLength:\u003c\/strong\u003e 322 pages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLesson length:\u003c\/strong\u003e about 25–30 minutes each\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFor:\u003c\/strong\u003e teachers and parents, with student activities included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncludes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3 units, 15 lessons, 82 activities, a pre-assessment and post-assessment for each unit, learning objectives, facilitation guidance, UDL supports, and reflection and self-assessment tools\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompanion to:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eLearning to Lead with Connection: Building Empathy and Teamwork Skills\u003c\/em\u003e Middle School Workbook\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Future Ready Education, an IB Source company\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSKU:\u003c\/strong\u003e LWCMSIG\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"4\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions About the Learning to Lead with Connection Instructional Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"5\"\u003eWhat does the Learning to Lead with Connection Instructional Guide cover?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIt covers three complete units in 15 lessons: Building Healthy Relationships (healthy friendships, boundaries and consent, empathy, being an upstander and resolving conflict), Teamwork \u0026amp; Collaboration (perspective, group roles, group decisions, handling tension and real-world collaboration) and Communication \u0026amp; Leadership (voice, awareness, confidence, responsibility and integrity online).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"5\"\u003eHow does this guide work with the student workbook?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIt follows the \u003cem\u003eLearning to Lead with Connection\u003c\/em\u003e Middle School Workbook activity by activity. Students complete activities in the workbook while you teach from the guide’s lesson plans, facilitation notes and assessments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"5\"\u003eHow long does each lesson take?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eEach lesson takes about 25–30 minutes, so it fits easily into advisory, homeroom or a class period. Lessons can be expanded with discussion, role play, projects or real-world extensions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"5\"\u003eDoes it help with bullying prevention?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eYes. The Being an Upstander lesson helps students understand the bystander-to-upstander shift and practice safe ways to step in, including ways to help without saying a word.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"5\"\u003eCan I use it for a leadership elective or student council?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eYes. The Communication \u0026amp; Leadership unit helps students find their voice, read the room, build confidence, take responsibility and lead with integrity online.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"5\"\u003eCan I teach just one unit?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eYes. Each unit has its own pre-assessment and post-assessment, so you can teach the units in any order or focus on what your students need most.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"5\"\u003eIs it aligned with Universal Design for Learning?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eYes. Each unit includes UDL guidance for multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"5\"\u003eCan parents and homeschool families use this guide?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eYes. It’s written for both teachers and parents, which makes it a good fit for homeschool and at-home learning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"5\"\u003eIs there a high school version?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eYes. The \u003cem\u003eLeading with Connection\u003c\/em\u003e High School Instructional Guide covers the same three skill areas at a more advanced level, with 16 lessons and 83 activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"5\"\u003eWhat are future-ready skills?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFuture-ready skills, also called durable skills, are lasting, transferable abilities like communication, collaboration, critical thinking and adaptability. Students use them across subjects, careers and life.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Future Ready Education","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43751024132230,"sku":"LWCMSIG","price":79.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0787\/7841\/files\/LearningtoLeadwithConnectionMiddleSchoolInstructionalGuide.png?v=1774785990","url":"https:\/\/myibsource.com\/products\/learning-to-lead-with-connection-instructional-guide-middle-school","provider":"IB Source Education","version":"1.0","type":"link"}