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Adventure Awaits

Syria Fuhrmann

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Session 1 Lesson Plan

Build a welcoming classroom community and introduce essential routines through a name-based icebreaker and collaborative creation of class norms.

Establishing community and routines on Day 1 builds trust, reduces anxiety, and sets a positive tone. Students feel valued, understand expectations, and are prepared to engage in learning.

Audience

4th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive icebreaker and collaborative discussion

Materials

Session 1 Lesson Plan, Icebreaker Questions Slides, Name Tags and Markers, Chart Paper and Colored Markers, and Classroom Norms Chart

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

  • Review Session 1 Lesson Plan
  • Print and assemble name tags; gather markers
  • Prepare the Icebreaker Questions Slides and test display
  • Post Chart Paper at the front and label it “Class Norms”
  • Familiarize yourself with icebreaker questions to facilitate discussion

Step 1

Welcome and Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Greet students at the door; hand out name tags and markers
  • Invite students to write their name and draw a small icon that represents them
  • Play soft background music to create a welcoming atmosphere

Step 2

Icebreaker Activity

10 minutes

  • Display the Icebreaker Questions Slides
  • Students pair up and ask each other two questions
  • Partners introduce each other to the class by sharing their partner’s name and a fun fact

Step 3

Establish Classroom Norms

10 minutes

  • Explain the purpose of norms and show the Classroom Norms Chart
  • Brainstorm expected behaviors; record responses on chart paper
  • Guide students to distill ideas into 3–5 clear, positive norms
  • Students sign their names next to the norms to show agreement

Step 4

Reflection and Closing

5 minutes

  • Ask students to reflect on one new thing they learned about a classmate
  • Invite a few volunteers to share their reflections with the group
  • Preview tomorrow’s session focus and warmly dismiss students
lenny

Slide Deck

Session 1 Icebreaker

Get ready to meet your new classmates! We’ll pair up, ask questions, and learn fun facts about each other.

Welcome students and introduce today’s activities. Explain we will play an icebreaker to learn about each other and then create our class norms.

How to Play

  1. Turn to a partner.
  2. Choose two questions from the next slide.
  3. Take turns asking and answering.
  4. We’ll reconvene to share what you learned.

Explain the process step by step. Remind students to speak clearly and listen actively.

Icebreaker Questions

• What’s your favorite hobby or game?
• If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
• What’s your favorite book or movie?
• Do you have a pet? Tell me about it.
• What’s one place you want to visit?

Display this slide while students talk. Encourage them to pick questions that spark conversation.

Introduce Your Partner

Stand up and share:
• Your partner’s name
• One fun fact you learned about them

After pairs finish, call on volunteers to introduce their partner to the class. Model the introduction first.

Why Classroom Norms?

Norms help us:
• Know how to behave
• Respect each other
• Learn together in a positive environment

Explain why we create norms: to make our classroom safe, respectful, and fun. Keep it student-centered.

Brainstorm Norms

What behaviors will help our class succeed?
• Be kind
• Listen when others speak
• … (your ideas)

Invite students to shout out ideas. Write responses on chart paper. Prompt for clear, positive statements.

Our Class Norms

  1. Respect everyone’s voice
  2. Raise your hand before speaking
  3. Use kind words

(Sign your name below to show agreement)

Review the brainstormed list and refine into 3–5 short positive norms. Then have students sign next to each one.

Reflection & Closing

Think about one new thing you learned today.
• Write or draw it on your name tag.
• Volunteer to share if you’d like!

Close the session by having students reflect quietly and optionally share aloud.

lenny

Lesson Plan

Session 2 Lesson Plan

Introduce classroom procedures and daily routines—morning arrival, transitions, bathroom and lunch—to help students navigate the school day independently and confidently.

Clear, well-practiced routines reduce student anxiety, foster independence, maximize instructional time, and create a predictable learning environment.

Audience

4th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive modeling and guided practice

Materials

Session 2 Lesson Plan, Procedures and Routines Slides, Daily Procedures Chart, Transition Routine Cards, and Sticky Notes

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

  • Review Session 2 Lesson Plan
  • Prepare the Procedures and Routines Slides and test display
  • Create or update the Daily Procedures Chart and post it where all can see
  • Laminate and cut out Transition Routine Cards; organize in a binder
  • Gather sticky notes for student reflections

Step 1

Morning Meeting & Review

5 minutes

  • Greet students and review the 3–5 class norms posted
  • Display slide 1 of the Procedures and Routines Slides
  • Ask volunteers to recall one routine from yesterday’s discussion

Step 2

Introduce Daily Procedures

10 minutes

  • Step through slides illustrating each routine: arrival/unpacking, morning work, bathroom breaks, hallway transitions, lunch line
  • Model correct behavior and highlight key steps on the Daily Procedures Chart
  • Pause after each routine to ask quick comprehension questions

Step 3

Guided Practice

10 minutes

  • Students simulate arrival: unpack backpacks and begin a brief morning task posted on chart paper
  • Use Transition Routine Cards to practice moving from seats to a new area (e.g., lining up)
  • Circulate and provide feedback; reinforce correct steps

Step 4

Reflection & Closing

5 minutes

  • Distribute sticky notes; have students write one routine they feel confident performing
  • Invite a few students to share their routine and why it’s important
  • Preview tomorrow’s focus on personal goal setting and teamwork
  • Dismiss students with a reminder to follow routines independently next session
lenny

Slide Deck

Session 2: Procedures & Routines

Today we will learn about our key daily routines:
• Arrival & Unpacking
• Morning Work
• Bathroom Breaks
• Hallway Transitions
• Lunch Line

Welcome students and introduce today’s focus: learning our daily procedures to start the day smoothly.

Why Procedures Matter

• Keep our classroom organized and calm
• Help us work independently
• Maximize learning time
• Ensure everyone is safe and respected

Explain why routines matter and how they help us learn together in a safe, efficient way.

Arrival & Unpacking

  1. Hang your backpack on your hook
  2. Unpack your materials quietly
  3. Take out your planner and pencil
  4. Begin the morning work on the board

Model each step as you read the slide aloud, then invite students to demonstrate.

Morning Work

• Read today’s prompt on the board
• Write today’s date and your name
• Work quietly until everyone finishes
• Ask for help if you need it

Highlight the importance of arriving on time and starting work immediately.

Bathroom Breaks

  1. Raise your hand and ask permission
  2. Take the hall pass off the hook
  3. Go quickly and quietly
  4. Wash your hands and return promptly
  5. Replace the hall pass

Discuss hall pass use and student responsibility.

Hallway Transitions

• Line up quietly at the door
• Keep hands and feet to yourself
• Walk in a straight line on the right side
• Use a whisper voice if you need to talk

Demonstrate walking in line and use visuals or hallway markers if possible.

Lunch Line

  1. Push in your chair before leaving
  2. Walk calmly to the lunch line
  3. Stand in line without talking over others
  4. Choose your lunch politely
  5. Return to the classroom quietly

Remind students about cafeteria etiquette and moving respectfully.

Reflection & Closing

Grab a sticky note and write one procedure you feel confident performing independently.

Then place your note on our reflection board.

Guide students to reflect using their sticky notes as described in the lesson plan.

lenny

Lesson Plan

Session 3 Lesson Plan

Guide students to articulate personal academic and social goals for the year using a structured worksheet and collaborative discussion.

Goal setting fosters ownership, motivation, and self-awareness. By defining clear targets, students build confidence and a growth mindset to support success throughout the year.

Audience

4th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Structured reflection and peer collaboration

Materials

Session 3 Lesson Plan, Goal-Setting Slides, Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet, Sticky Notes, and Pencils

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

  • Review Session 3 Lesson Plan
  • Print copies of the Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet for each student
  • Prepare the Goal-Setting Slides and test display
  • Gather sticky notes and pencils for student reflections
  • Familiarize yourself with examples of academic and social goals to model during the lesson

Step 1

Morning Meeting & Norms Review

5 minutes

  • Greet students and revisit the 3–5 class norms
  • Display slide 1 of the Goal-Setting Slides
  • Ask volunteers to recall why norms help us learn together

Step 2

Introduce Goal-Setting

7 minutes

  • Explain what a goal is and why it matters (academic vs. social)
  • Show slides 2–4 of the Goal-Setting Slides
  • Model setting one academic and one social goal with steps and timeline
  • Invite student questions to clarify the process

Step 3

Individual Goal Setting

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet
  • Guide students through each section:
    • Identify a personal strength
    • Choose one academic goal and one social goal
    • List 2–3 action steps for each goal
    • Set a timeline and choose a support person
  • Circulate to support and prompt deeper thinking

Step 4

Partner Share & Feedback

5 minutes

  • Pair students to share their goals and action steps
  • Encourage partners to ask clarifying questions and offer positive feedback
  • Remind students to focus on growth and encouragement

Step 5

Reflection & Commitment

3 minutes

  • Give each student a sticky note
  • Have them write one goal they commit to achieving first
  • Invite students to place their sticky note on the “Goal Board”
  • Preview tomorrow’s teamwork session and warmly dismiss students
lenny

Slide Deck

Session 3: Setting Personal Goals

Today we will learn what goals are and practice setting our own academic and social goals.

Welcome students and introduce today’s focus: setting personal academic and social goals for the year.

What Is a Goal?

• A goal is something you want to achieve and plan for.

Academic Goals: Improve your learning skills or grades.
Social Goals: Develop friendships and social skills.

Explain what a goal is and why it matters. Discuss the difference between academic and social goals.

Academic Goal Example

My academic goal: Read one new book each month.

Action Steps:
• Choose a book by Friday
• Read 10 pages each day
• Discuss the book with a partner

Timeline: Complete one book by the end of each month.

Model an academic goal with clear steps and a timeline. Display this example and talk through each part.

Social Goal Example

My social goal: Make two new friends this month.

Action Steps:
• Say hello to someone new each day
• Invite a classmate to play at recess
• Share something about yourself in class discussions

Timeline: Have two new friends by the end of the month.

Model a social goal with clear steps and a timeline. Explain how the steps will help achieve the goal.

Using Your Goal Worksheet

Follow these steps:

  1. Identify a personal strength
  2. Choose one academic goal and one social goal
  3. List 2–3 action steps for each goal
  4. Set a timeline and choose a support person

Preview the sections of the Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet so students know what to complete.

Questions & Next Steps

Do you have any questions?

When you’re ready, we’ll fill out our worksheets and then share your goals with a partner.

Invite students to ask any questions before distributing worksheets. Then transition to the individual work phase.

lenny

Worksheet

Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet

Use this worksheet to plan one academic goal and one social goal for the year. Be thoughtful and detailed!

Name: ____________________________ Date: __________________



1. Personal Strength

What is one personal strength you have? Explain why this is a strength.






2. Academic Goal

a. My academic goal is:




b. Action Steps: List 2–3 steps you will take to achieve your academic goal.




2. ____________________________________________



3. ____________________________________________



c. Timeline: When do you plan to reach this goal?




d. Support Person: Who can help you stay on track with this goal?



3. Social Goal

a. My social goal is:




b. Action Steps: List 2–3 steps you will take to achieve your social goal.




2. ____________________________________________



3. ____________________________________________



c. Timeline: When do you plan to reach this goal?




d. Support Person: Who can help you stay on track with this goal?



Good luck! Keep this worksheet in a safe place and revisit your goals often.

lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Session 4 Lesson Plan

Engage students in collaborative team-building games that foster trust, communication, and problem-solving skills through hands-on challenges.

Team-building strengthens relationships, encourages cooperation, and builds a positive classroom culture. These activities help students learn to work together, support one another, and develop essential social skills.

Audience

4th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Hands-on challenges with whole-class reflection

Materials

Session 4 Lesson Plan, Team-Building Games Slides, Team Challenge Cards, Timer or Stopwatch, and Team Reflection Worksheet

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

  • Review Session 4 Lesson Plan
  • Prepare the Team-Building Games Slides and test display
  • Print and cut apart Team Challenge Cards; sort into challenge sets
  • Gather a timer or stopwatch
  • Print copies of the Team Reflection Worksheet for each group
  • Arrange desks or tables into small teams of 4–5 students

Step 1

Warm-Up & Norms Review

5 minutes

  • Greet students and revisit the 3–5 class norms
  • Display slide 1 of the Team-Building Games Slides
  • Briefly discuss why teamwork and trust matter in our classroom community

Step 2

Overview & Team Formation

5 minutes

  • Explain today’s focus: two short team challenges
  • Use slides 2–3 of the Team-Building Games Slides to outline rules and time limits
  • Assign or have students form teams of 4–5 using prearranged grouping strategy

Step 3

Challenge 1: Tower Build

8 minutes

  • Distribute a Team Challenge Card for the “Tallest Tower” task and materials
  • Start the timer (5 minutes build; 3 minutes testing)
  • Students plan and build a tower using only provided items
  • Test and measure towers; celebrate creativity and height

Step 4

Challenge 2: Shared Story Drawing

7 minutes

  • Explain the second challenge: collaboratively create a continuous story drawing
  • Give each team a new Team Challenge Card with drawing prompts
  • Allow 5 minutes drawing, then 2 minutes for teams to explain their story to the class

Step 5

Reflection & Closing

5 minutes

  • Distribute Team Reflection Worksheet to each group
  • Ask teams to complete sections on what worked well and how they communicated
  • Invite one volunteer from each team to share a key insight
  • Reinforce the value of collaboration and preview tomorrow’s review session
lenny

Slide Deck

Session 4: Team-Building Challenges

Today we’ll work in teams to solve fun challenges!

• Use communication and cooperation
• Be creative and supportive
• Have fun together

Welcome students and introduce today’s focus: collaborative challenges to build teamwork and trust.

Rules & Timing

• Two challenges: Tower Build & Shared Story Drawing
• Work quietly and share ideas
• Follow time limits: Build 5 min, Test 3 min; Draw 5 min, Explain 2 min
• Use only the materials on your Team Challenge Card

Explain the rules, timing, and materials for both challenges.

Challenge 1: Tower Build

Goal: Build the tallest stable tower!

• Use provided items only
• Plan first, then build together
• After 5 minutes, we’ll test stability and measure height

Introduce the first challenge. Show an example or remind students of materials.

Challenge 2: Shared Story Drawing

Goal: Create a continuous story drawing as a team!

• Each member adds to the picture
• Follow the prompt on your card
• Draw for 5 minutes, then explain your story in 2 minutes

Present the second challenge and explain how teams will share their work.

Reflection & Closing

• Complete the team reflection worksheet:
– What worked well?
– How did we communicate?
– What could we improve?
• One volunteer per team shares a key insight
• Celebrate collaboration and preview tomorrow

Guide teams through reflecting on their teamwork and sharing insights.

lenny

Worksheet

Team Reflection Worksheet

Use this sheet to discuss how your team worked together during today’s challenges.

Team Name: ____________________________




Team Members: ____________________________






1. What Worked Well

Describe one or two things your team did successfully.











2. How Did We Communicate?

Explain how your team shared ideas and made decisions.











3. Challenges & Solutions

What problems did you face, and how did you solve them?











4. What Could We Improve?

Identify one area to focus on for better teamwork next time.











5. Key Insight to Share

Choose one important takeaway your team will share with the class.











Great work reflecting together—remember these insights for our next team challenge!

lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Session 5 Lesson Plan

Engage students in an interactive scavenger hunt to review this week’s classroom norms, procedures, personal goals, and teamwork skills, then reflect on their growth and set next steps.

A fun, active review reinforces key concepts and celebrates students’ achievements. Guided reflection builds metacognition and helps students take ownership of their learning as they head into the coming weeks.

Audience

4th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive scavenger hunt and guided reflection

Materials

Session 5 Lesson Plan, Session 5 Review Slides, Scavenger Hunt Task Cards, Clipboards, Pencils, and Individual Reflection Worksheet

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

  • Review Session 5 Lesson Plan
  • Prepare and test display of the Session 5 Review Slides
  • Print and cut apart the Scavenger Hunt Task Cards; group them into station sets
  • Place a clipboard and pencil at each station
  • Print copies of the Individual Reflection Worksheet
  • Arrange stations around the room and post slide 1 at the front

Step 1

Welcome & Norms Review

5 minutes

  • Greet students and revisit the 3–5 class norms using slide 1 of the Session 5 Review Slides
  • Quickly recap key routines, personal goals, and teamwork ideas from earlier sessions

Step 2

Interactive Scavenger Hunt

15 minutes

  • Explain scavenger hunt rules: work in pairs, rotate through stations, complete each task card, and record answers on your clipboard
  • Distribute clipboards and assign starting stations
  • Students spend 2–3 minutes per station completing the task, then rotate on teacher’s signal
  • Circulate to prompt thinking, reinforce correct responses, and celebrate successes

Step 3

Group Reflection & Sharing

7 minutes

  • Gather students and distribute the Individual Reflection Worksheet
  • Ask students to write:
    • One new thing they learned this week
    • One aspect they’re most proud of
    • One goal or focus for next week
  • Invite volunteers to share one reflection with the class

Step 4

Closing & Commitment

3 minutes

  • Invite students to place their completed reflections on the “Reflection Board”
  • Reinforce how reviewing helps us grow and preview next week’s focus
  • Warmly dismiss students, celebrating a great first week
lenny

Slide Deck

Session 5: Review & Reflection

Today we’ll revisit our class norms, daily routines, personal goals, and teamwork skills. Get ready to show what you know and share your achievements!

Welcome students and explain today’s goal: to review what we learned this week and celebrate our progress.

Our Class Norms

  1. Respect everyone’s voice
  2. Raise your hand before speaking
  3. Use kind words

Why do these norms help us learn and work together?

Display the norms chart or slide, ask volunteers to name each norm and share why it’s important.

Key Routines

• Morning Arrival & Unpacking
• Bathroom Breaks
• Hallway Transitions
• Lunch Line

What’s one routine you’ve mastered?

Highlight key routines—call on students to describe each one and share a tip for doing it well.

Personal Goals

• Academic Goal Example: Read one book each month
• Social Goal Example: Make two new friends

Share one goal you’re proud of working on.

Invite students to recall their goals—ask for examples of academic and social goals they set.

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Tower Build: Planning & problem-solving
• Story Drawing: Listening & cooperating

What teamwork skill did you use this week?

Discuss teamwork—ask teams to summarize a challenge they enjoyed and one skill they practiced.

Looking Ahead

Great work this week! Next week we’ll dive into reading strategies and math games.

What’s one thing you want to learn or improve next week?

Preview next week’s focus and motivate students to keep growing.

lenny

Activity

Scavenger Hunt Task Cards

Move through the stations in pairs. At each station, read the prompt on the card and record your answer on your clipboard. Rotate on the teacher’s signal.

Station 1: Class Norms
Prompt: Name one of our class norms and explain why it’s important.




Station 2: Class Norms
Prompt: Describe a time this week when you and a classmate used a norm to help each other.




Station 3: Daily Routines
Prompt: List the steps for our morning arrival routine in order.






Station 4: Daily Routines
Prompt: Share one tip for hallway transitions and explain why it helps keep our class safe and calm.






Station 5: Personal Goals
Prompt: Write your academic goal and describe one action step you already took toward achieving it.






Station 6: Personal Goals
Prompt: Write your social goal and name the support person who will help you stay on track.






Station 7: Teamwork Skills
Prompt: Which team challenge did you enjoy most (Tower Build or Story Drawing)? Explain why.






Station 8: Teamwork Skills
Prompt: Describe one way your team communicated or solved a problem during a challenge.






Station 9: Reflection
Prompt: What’s one new thing you learned this week that surprised you?






Station 10: Looking Ahead
Prompt: What’s one thing you want to learn or improve next week?






lenny
lenny

Worksheet

Individual Reflection Worksheet

Use this worksheet to think about your first week in class and set a goal for next week!

Name: ____________________________ Date: __________________



1. New Learning

What is one new thing you learned this week?






2. Proud Moment

Describe one aspect of this week that you’re most proud of.






3. Next Steps

What is one goal or focus you want to work on next week?






Great job reflecting! Keep this sheet in a safe place and revisit your reflections often to track your growth.

lenny
lenny