Learn more about Tuckman’s stages of small group development. 

*Need something to complete an activity? Click Here!

Forming Stage (Click to learn more)

Welcome! What’s This Group All About?

  • State the purpose, goals, and expectations of the group
  • Get to know other members of the group
  • Begin identifying and expressing thoughts and feelings regarding the transition to high school
  • Have mentees complete the Mentee Pre-Survey

Where am I? High School 101: Dealing with Fears and Concerns

Where Have I Been? Middle School Years

Who am I? Developing a Sense of Self

Who Supports Me? Connecting to My Social Network

Storming Stage (Click to learn more)

Relationships and Boundaries

Dealing with Peer Pressure and Healthy Decision Making

Stress Relief and Self Care

All About Me: Self-Esteem and Positive Peer Influences

  • Reflect on greatest assets
  • Discuss friendship skills
  • Learn how to manage conflict

Norming Stage (Click to learn more)

Exploring Identity and Values

  • Explore components of identity
  • Identify and discuss values

Violence and Bullying: News, Reality, Tragedy, and Hope

  • Define and discuss examples of violence
  • Review consequences of violence and strategies for avoiding it
  • Discuss causes and effects of bullying
  • Create and conduct a school climate survey

Femininity and Masculinity

  • Identify gender roles and limitations of society’s definitions
  • Explore power and privilege related to gender
  • Investigate role of gender in writing

Cultural Competence

  • Gain awareness of own cultural identity
  • Discuss experiences of being included and excluded
  • Learn about difference types of diversity

Performing Stage (Click to learn more)

Where Do I Want to Be? Goal Setting for High School and Beyond (Two Parts)

  • Articulate some of their academic and career goals
  • Identify strategies to reach their goals
  • Find part two of this activity here.

Supporting Students: Community, Family, and Your Future

  • Identify support systems
  • Discuss values regarding education
  • Develop skills for navigating difficult conversations

Who Cares? Motivation, Growth Mindset, and the F-Word

  • Determine motivation for doing well in school
  • Reflect on effort vs. ability (Growth Mindset)
  • Explore strategies for overcoming failure

Your Future: Money, College, and Career

  • Predict future income based on level of education
  • Explore college career paths
  • Develop strategies for overcoming challenges

Life Hacks for Students

  • Share strategies for success
  • Learn validated success tips
  • Create additional #lifehacks

Adjourning Stage (Click to learn more)

Make Summer Count!

  • Share summer plans with the group
  • Learn about available summer programs
  • Plan activities on summer calendar

Dear Future Self

  • Provide encouragement and validation for future selves
  • Share their support for other students
  • Receive positive feedback from mentors

Ending and Next Steps

  • Create a healthy goodbye
  • Reflect on lessons learned
  • Identify new tools and skills gained
  • Celebrate accomplishments

Mentors and mentees should complete the Mentor End of Year Survey and Mentee Post-Survey

 

Group Stages
Learn more about Tuckman’s Stages of Group Development to help your group grow together.

Other Activities
Find ideas for activities on academic achievement, identity, personal responsibility, life skills, and relationship building. Suggested group stage is noted on each activity.

 

Material used for Educational Purposes Only and Originally Adapted From: 
http://arkansased.org/parental_involvement/transitions/elem-mid.ppthttp://www.nmsa.org/AboutNMSA/PositionStatements/TransitioningStudentsSocial Skills Lesson and Activities by Weltman; Group Exercises for Adolescents: A Manual for Therapists, Susan Carrell, Thousand Oaks, CA USA, 2000; Girls in Real Life Situations: Group Counseling Activities for Enhancing Social and Emotional Development, Julia V. Taylor & Shannon Trice-Black, Champagne, IL, USA , 2007
…if anything is incorrect or missing a citation please reach out.