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Afternoon Boost

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Lesson Plan

Mid-Day Motivation

Students will participate in a brief mid-day check-in to reflect on their behavior, receive encouragement, and identify strategies to maintain positive behavior and refocus for the remainder of the school day.

This lesson is important for helping students develop self-awareness and self-regulation skills. By proactively addressing behavior mid-day, we can prevent escalations and reinforce positive choices, creating a more conducive learning environment for everyone.

Audience

6th Grade Small Group

Time

10 minutes

Approach

Interactive check-in, brief discussion, and individual strategy setting.

Materials

Small Group Check-in Form, Halfway There Huddle Slide Deck, Refocusing Strategies Cool Down, and Small Group Check-in Form Worksheet

Prep

Preparation Steps

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up

2 minutes

  • Greet students and welcome them to the "Afternoon Boost" session.
  • Explain the purpose of the mid-day check-in: to briefly reflect and set intentions for positive behavior for the rest of the day.
  • Display the first slide of the Halfway There Huddle Slide Deck.

Step 2

Check-In & Discussion

5 minutes

  • Ask students to complete the Small Group Check-in Form Worksheet individually.
  • Facilitate a brief discussion using prompts from the Halfway There Huddle Slide Deck:
    • "How is your day going so far?"
    • "What's one positive thing you've done or experienced?"
    • "Is there anything making it tricky to focus or follow expectations?"
  • Encourage students to share and actively listen to each other.
  • Offer positive reinforcement and specific praise for good choices observed earlier in the day.

Step 3

Strategy Brainstorm & Commitment

2 minutes

  • Lead a quick brainstorm of refocusing strategies (e.g., deep breaths, taking a quick stretch, asking for a break, visualizing success).
  • Ask each student to choose one strategy they will commit to using for the rest of the day.
  • Display the relevant slide on the Halfway There Huddle Slide Deck.

Step 4

Cool Down & Dismissal

1 minute

  • Distribute the Refocusing Strategies Cool Down for students to quickly complete.
  • Thank students for their participation and positive engagement.
  • Remind them of their chosen strategy and offer encouragement for a strong finish to the day.
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Slide Deck

Welcome to Afternoon Boost!

Let's take a moment to reset and recharge for a great afternoon!

Welcome the students and set a positive tone. Explain that this is a quick check-in to make sure everyone is ready for a strong finish to the day.

How's Your Day Going So Far?

On your form, quickly jot down:

  • One positive thing that's happened.
  • How you're feeling right now.

Prompt students to think about how their day is going. You can have them rate it with a thumbs up/down/sideways, or just a quick word. Distribute the Small Group Check-in Form.

Share & Shine!

Let's share:

  • What's one awesome thing you've done today?
  • Is there anything making it tough to focus or follow rules?

Facilitate a brief discussion. Encourage students to share their positive experiences and any challenges. Provide positive feedback and encouragement.

Refocus for Success!

What's one strategy you can use to stay focused and positive?

  • Deep breaths?
  • Quick stretch?
  • Ask for a break?
  • Visualize success?

Lead a quick brainstorm for coping strategies. Write them on the board if possible. Ask each student to pick one to focus on.

You Got This!

You've chosen your strategy.
Now let's finish the day strong and make great choices!

Conclude by reminding students of their commitment and offering a final word of encouragement.

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Cool Down

Refocusing Strategies: Cool Down

Name:


Date:

  1. What is one positive thing you accomplished today, even a small one?



  2. What is the refocusing strategy you chose to use for the rest of the day?



  3. How do you think this strategy will help you make positive choices or stay focused?






  4. On a scale of 1-5, how confident are you that you will use your chosen strategy?
    (1 = Not confident at all, 5 = Very confident)
    1      2      3      4      5


  5. Is there anything else you need to feel ready and positive for the rest of the day?



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Worksheet

Small Group Check-in Form: Afternoon Boost

Name:


Date:

  1. How is your day going so far? (Circle one)
    Great!      Okay      A little tough



  2. What is one positive thing you have done or experienced today?



  3. Is there anything making it tricky for you to focus or follow expectations today?






  4. What is one strategy you will use to make the rest of your day awesome? (e.g., take deep breaths, ask for a break, stretch)



  5. How do you feel about finishing the day strong? (Circle one)
    Ready!      I can do it      I need more help


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