Overview
The First Like exercise will create an environment where students feel comfortable being vulnerable and stepping out to lead trusting those around them will embrace and support them.
- The students will learn their performance responsibility when others step out to lead
- The students will learn how to add authority and momentum to the positive leadership of others
- The students will work to have the positive leadership around them go “viral” so it reaches everyone
"I had never thought of racing to support my teammates leadership the way I do now as a result of the First Like exercise."
Senior Girls Basketball Player
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Lesson Plan
Student Growth Areas
Exercise Length
Language Guide
First Like
An intentional effort to immediately support the positive acts of leadership demonstrated by others
Additional Resources
Exercise Reminder Card
To emphasize and reinforce the lessons learned in this exercise with your players, download and share this graphic with them 24 hours after completing the exercise.
Exercise Slides
Powerpoint slides ready for you to use
Quiz Questions
Use these questions below to engage after you have taught the exercise.
- What is a “like”?
- The goal is to get more “likes” to help our classmates leadership to go ______.
- Likes create an environment that produces greater _____________.
At Home
Coaches, use the below question, reflection, and action to engage parents, guardians, and other family members in the lessons learned in this exercise.
Suggestions on how to use: Email to parents the day you have taught this lesson, add it to the materials you send home, or text it to text message threads with your players.
- Question: What does being a “First Like” look like?
- Reflection: How would you feel if you tried to lead and no one responded?
- Action: Every day this week, race to be the First Like for a classmate’s leadership. At dinner, discuss what you did and the response of the leader and your fellow classmates
Teacher Reflection
Take a moment to reflect on the lesson and how you can lead by example to your students.
Who gave you confidence when you were first starting out in your teaching career? What did that person do to encourage you and how did it build your confidence as a leader? Send that person a note/text this week thanking them for their “First Like”. Now, pay it forward. Look for opportunities throughout the week where you can be the “First Like” for one of your fellow teachers or students.
Special Assignment
Pair students up and have them share how they feel when someone gives them verbal support or affirmation. Encourage students to share how encouragement from others influences behavior. They should describe the situation, who provided the encouragement, and how it impacted their behavior.