• lenny-learning-logoLenny Learning
  • Home
    Home
  • Lessons
    Lessons
  • Curriculum
    Curriculum
  • Surveys
    Surveys
  • Videos
    Videos
  • Support
    Support
  • Log In
lenny

Finish Strong: Coping Kickoff

user image

Kylie Taniguchi

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Finish Strong Lesson Plan

In this 30-minute Tier 2 group session, 5th graders will reflect on end-of-year goals, learn and practice three coping strategies for stress, and create a personalized plan to finish the school year strong as they transition to 6th grade.

Helps students manage anxiety, build resilience, and set actionable goals to boost confidence and emotional regulation during a pivotal transition to middle school.

Audience

5th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Reflection, instruction, practice, planning

Materials

Goal Reflection Worksheet, Coping Skills Cards, Personal Plan Template, Chart Paper and Markers, and Sticky Notes

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print enough copies of Goal Reflection Worksheet and Personal Plan Template
  • Create a set of Coping Skills Cards with visuals and prompts
  • Gather chart paper, markers, and sticky notes
  • Review all materials and instructions

Step 1

Icebreaker & Goal Reflection

5 minutes

  • Invite students to share one highlight from their school year so far
  • Distribute Goal Reflection Worksheet
  • Give students 2 minutes to write one end-of-year goal and one challenge they’ve faced

Step 2

Facing End-of-Year Stress

5 minutes

  • Lead a discussion: What makes you feel stressed as the year ends or when starting 6th grade?
  • Record responses on chart paper to validate feelings

Step 3

Coping Skills Instruction

7 minutes

  • Introduce three coping strategies: deep breathing, positive self-talk, and break planning
  • Show Coping Skills Cards with visuals and prompts
  • Model deep breathing together as a group

Step 4

Practice Coping Skills

5 minutes

  • In pairs or small groups, students each pick one Coping Skills Card
  • Practice the strategy and give each other feedback on how it felt

Step 5

Finish Strong Plan Creation

5 minutes

  • Distribute Personal Plan Template
  • Students write one action step for each chosen coping skill and set a timeline to use it before year-end
  • Encourage specific, realistic steps

Step 6

Share & Cool-Down

3 minutes

  • Invite volunteers to share one action step from their plan or post plans on the board
  • Close with a 30-second guided mindfulness breathing exercise
lenny

Slide Deck

Finish Strong: Coping Kickoff

• 30-minute Tier 2 Group Session for 5th Graders
• Reflect on end-of-year goals
• Learn three coping strategies
• Create a personalized finish-strong plan

Welcome everyone! Introduce yourself and explain that today’s session will help them finish 5th grade strong and get ready for 6th grade by reflecting on goals and learning coping skills.

Icebreaker & Goal Reflection

  1. Share a favorite memory from 5th grade
  2. Complete your Goal Reflection Worksheet
    • Write one end-of-year goal
    • Note one challenge you’ve faced

Prompt students to share one highlight from this school year. Hand out the Goal Reflection Worksheet and give them two minutes to write their end-of-year goal and one challenge they’ve faced.

Facing End-of-Year Stress

• What stresses you as the school year ends?
• What worries come up about starting 6th grade?
• Record ideas on chart paper

Lead a group discussion asking what makes them feel stressed as the year ends or when thinking about 6th grade. Write responses on chart paper to validate feelings.

Coping Skills Instruction

Learn three strategies:

  1. Deep Breathing
  2. Positive Self-Talk
  3. Break Planning

Show visuals on Coping Skills Cards and model deep breathing.

Introduce each coping skill clearly. Display the Coping Skills Cards and demonstrate a deep-breathing exercise together.

Practice Coping Skills

• In pairs/small groups, choose one Coping Skills Card
• Practice the strategy together
• Share how it felt and give feedback

Organize students into pairs or small groups. Encourage them to pick one Coping Skills Card, practice the technique, and give each other feedback on how it felt.

Finish Strong Plan Creation

• Complete your Personal Plan Template
• For each coping skill:
– Write one action step
– Set a timeline to try it before year-end

Distribute the Personal Plan Template. Guide students to write one specific action for each coping skill they chose, plus when they will do it. Encourage realistic timelines.

Share & Cool-Down

• Volunteers share an action step
• 30-second guided mindfulness breathing

Great job! You’re ready to finish strong.

Invite volunteers to share one action step from their plan. Then guide the group through a quick 30-second mindfulness breathing exercise to wrap up.

lenny

Worksheet

Goal Reflection Worksheet

  1. My End-of-Year Goal:












  2. A Challenge I Faced This Year:












  3. How I Feel About This Challenge (Draw or Write Below):














  4. One Coping Skill or Action I Can Use to Work Toward My Goal:












lenny
lenny

Activity

Coping Skills Cards

Use these cards to learn and practice three quick strategies for handling stress as you finish 5th grade and get ready for 6th grade. You can keep a set at your desk or in your backpack!

Deep Breathing

Visual: Illustration of a student inhaling and exhaling, with arrows showing belly expansion and contraction.

Prompt:

  1. Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest.
  2. Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 counts.
  3. Hold your breath for 2 counts.
  4. Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 counts.
  5. Repeat 3 times, noticing how your body relaxes.




Positive Self-Talk

Visual: A speech bubble filled with affirmations (e.g., “I can do this!”).

Prompt:

  1. Think of a kind, encouraging sentence you can say to yourself when you feel worried or stressed.
  2. Write your affirmation below:






  3. Say it out loud three times: “________________________.”




Break Planning

Visual: A small checklist next to a clock icon, showing “3–5 min.”

Prompt:

  1. Choose a short, refreshing activity you enjoy (e.g., stretching, doodling, walking).
  2. Write it down and pick a time you’ll use this break:

Activity: ________________________




Time (e.g., after math class): ________________________

  1. When you start to feel stressed, take your planned break to reset!
lenny
lenny

Worksheet

Personal Plan Template

Use this template to create a clear, step-by-step plan for each coping skill you want to use before the end of 5th grade. Be specific and realistic!

Coping Skill #1: _______________________________

Action Step:
Describe exactly what you will do when you use this skill.






When I Will Do It (Timeline):
(e.g., after recess, before a big test)






Coping Skill #2: _______________________________

Action Step:
Describe exactly what you will do when you use this skill.






When I Will Do It (Timeline):
(e.g., during transition times, when I feel worried)






Coping Skill #3: _______________________________

Action Step:
Describe exactly what you will do when you use this skill.






When I Will Do It (Timeline):
(e.g., before starting homework, when I notice stress)






Great job! Keep this plan somewhere you can see it, and check off each step as you practice your coping skills to finish the year strong.

lenny
lenny