Lesson Plan
Colorful Goodbyes Lesson Plan
By the end of the lesson, students will identify three significant memories from the school year, represent each with a distinct colored bead on their memory bracelet, and share one story-led reflection to articulate their personal growth.
This lesson fosters emotional expression, reinforces social-emotional learning, and provides students with a creative way to reflect on and celebrate their experiences, promoting closure at year-end.
Audience
Elementary School Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Craft-based reflection and storytelling
Materials
- Colored Bead Assortment (various sizes and colors), - Elastic String for Bracelets, - Reflection Prompts Handout, - Pencils, and - Colorful Goodbyes Slide Deck
Prep
Material Setup and Review
10 minutes
- Gather beads and cut elastic into 8-inch lengths for each student
- Prepare one bead assortment tray per table
- Print enough Reflection Prompts Handout for each student
- Queue up the Colorful Goodbyes Slide Deck and test audio/visual equipment
- Review slides and reflection prompts to familiarize yourself with guiding questions
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Display the first slides of the Colorful Goodbyes Slide Deck
- Facilitate a brief discussion: "How do you feel about the end of the school year? What are some highlights?"
- Introduce the memory bracelet concept: each bead color represents a type of experience (e.g., friendship, learning, challenges)
Step 2
Memory Bracelet Crafting
30 minutes
- Distribute elastic strings and bead trays to each student
- Instruct students to select a bead for each memory, referencing their notes or the Reflection Prompts Handout
- Assist students with fine motor challenges by providing pre-strung beads or peer helpers (Differentiation)
- Circulate and prompt deeper reflection with questions from the handout
- Tie off bracelets once beads are selected
Step 3
Sharing & Reflection
15 minutes
- Ask volunteers to share the story behind one bead on their bracelet
- Encourage classmates to ask supportive questions
- Use the Reflection Prompts Handout to guide responses and ensure all students engage (Assessment: observe participation and depth of reflection)
Step 4
Closure & Assessment
10 minutes
- Lead a final circle discussion: "What did creating the bracelet teach you about this year?"
- Have students complete an exit ticket: "My favorite memory this year was..."
- Collect exit tickets to assess understanding of emotional growth and reflective skills
- Reinforce positive reflection and celebrate completion of the activity
Slide Deck
Colorful Goodbyes: Celebrating Our Year
Reflect on memories • Create your memory bracelet • Share your story
Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Explain that today we’ll celebrate the year by reflecting on memories and creating a colorful keepsake.
Our Goal Today
By the end of this lesson, you will:
- Identify three important memories from this year
- Represent each with a colored bead on your bracelet
- Share one story about your personal growth
Review the objective on the board and ensure students understand what they will accomplish by the end of the session.
Materials Needed
- Colored beads (various colors)
- Elastic string cut to bracelet length
- Reflection Prompts Handout (#reflection-prompts-handout)
- Pencil
Point to each item as you list it. Confirm everyone has the materials ready before moving on.
Bead Color Meanings
- Pink (#FF69B4): Friendship moments
- Magenta (#FF6EB4): New learnings
- Coral (#FF82AB): Challenges overcome
Explain that each bead color has special meaning. Show examples if you’ve prepared sample bracelets.
Reflection Prompts
- What surprised you this year?
- When did you feel proud of yourself?
- Who helped you learn and grow?
Distribute the Reflection Prompts Handout now. Encourage students to jot down quick notes for each prompt.
Craft Steps
- Pick a bead for each memory
- Thread beads onto your elastic string
- Tie a secure knot and trim excess
Demonstrate threading one bead on your string. Model tying a knot at the end when finished.
Sharing Guidelines
- Show one bead from your bracelet
- Tell the story behind it
- Listen quietly and ask supportive questions
Guide students on respectful listening. Remind them to speak clearly and ask kind questions.
Closure & Exit Ticket
Discussion question: What did creating your bracelet teach you?
Exit Ticket: “My favorite memory this year was…”
Wrap up with a final discussion. Pass out exit tickets and collect when students finish.
Activity
Memory Bracelet Craft Activity Sheet
Purpose
Students will reflect on their school-year experiences by selecting colored beads that represent key memories and stringing them into a bracelet. This craft encourages emotional expression, storytelling, and peer sharing.
Objective
By the end of this activity, each student will:
- Choose at least three beads that symbolize important memories (friendship, learning, challenges)
- Thread and tie a secure elastic bracelet
- Use guided prompts to reflect on and articulate each memory
Materials
- Colored Bead Assortment (various sizes/colors)
- Elastic String (cut to 8-inch lengths)
- Reflection Prompts Handout
- Pencils or colored pencils
- Scissors (for teacher use)
Step-by-Step Instructions (30 minutes)
-
Set Up (2 min)
Distribute elastic strings and bead trays to each student. -
Brainstorm Memories (5 min)
Students consult the Reflection Prompts Handout and jot down quick notes about three memories in the colors below:- Pink (#FF69B4): Friendship moments
- Magenta (#FF6EB4): New learnings
- Coral (#FF82AB): Challenges overcome
-
Select Beads (5 min)
Students pick a bead for each memory, considering size and shape that match their feeling. -
String Beads (10 min)
- Demonstrate how to thread beads onto elastic.
- Assist students with fine motor needs by offering pre-lined beads or peer support.
- Once all beads are on, help tie a secure double knot and trim excess string.
-
Reflection Writing (5 min)
Using their notes, students write a sentence or two about each bead on the handout’s reflection section. -
Clean Up (3 min)
Collect any leftover beads and strings; wipe tables as needed.
Reflection Prompts
– What did this memory teach you about yourself?
– How did you feel in this moment?
– Who was with you or helped you?
Differentiation Tips
- Provide larger beads or pre-cut strings for students with fine-motor challenges.
- Pair students for peer support during brainstorming and crafting.
- Allow oral responses for reflection if writing is a barrier.
- Extend learners: invite them to add extra beads for more memories or create a matching color key.
Assessment
- Observe each student’s bead choices and listen for depth of their reflection during sharing.
- Review written responses on the Reflection Prompts Handout or collect an exit ticket: “My favorite memory this year was…”.
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Use this sheet alongside the Colorful Goodbyes Slide Deck to guide timing and discussion.