Leading the Way

Section 1: Lesson Introduction

Ask the children: 'Who is a leader you admire?' Collect examples — could be a teacher, a sports captain, a family member, a famous person. Then ask: 'What makes them a good leader?' List the qualities on the board. Share Larry's message: 'A great leader doesn't just go first — they bring everyone with them.'

Section 2: What Makes a Good Leader?

Introduce key leadership qualities: listening, including everyone, encouraging others, making fair decisions, taking responsibility, staying calm. Use scenario cards to discuss: 'What would a good leader do if...?' (two children want different games, someone is being left out, the group is stuck on a task). Emphasise that leadership is about service, not bossiness.

Section 3: Main Activity — Lead a Mini-Activity

In small groups, children take turns being the leader. The leader is given a simple task to guide their group through (e.g. teach a 30-second game, organise a line from shortest to tallest, lead a drawing challenge, teach a new clap pattern). Each child gets 3-4 minutes as leader. Group members give specific, positive feedback afterwards.

Section 4: Leadership Styles Exploration

Discuss different leadership styles: the quiet leader who leads by example, the encouraging leader who cheers everyone on, the organising leader who helps everyone know what to do. Ask children which style felt most natural to them. Emphasise there's no single right way to lead.

Section 5: Reflection and Leadership Pledge

Children write or draw one leadership quality they want to practise and one situation where they could use it. Share Larry's encouragement: 'You don't need a title to be a leader. You just need to care and step up. You can do it!'