Lesson Plan
Finish Strong Lesson Plan
Students will reflect on their 8th-grade achievements, set SMART end-of-year goals, and establish peer support commitments to finish the school year strong.
This lesson empowers transitioning 8th graders to recognize accomplishments, stay motivated, and collaboratively overcome end-of-year challenges, boosting confidence as they move to high school.
Audience
8th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Reflection, goal-setting, and peer collaboration
Materials
End-of-Year Reflection Worksheet, Goal-Setting Action Plan Template, Peer Support Agreement Sheet, Chart Paper and Markers, and Digital Timer or Stopwatch
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the lesson flow and objectives in the Finish Strong Lesson Plan
- Print enough copies of the End-of-Year Reflection Worksheet, Goal-Setting Action Plan Template, and Peer Support Agreement Sheet for each student
- Post chart paper on the wall and gather markers
- Arrange seating in a circle or small group configuration to foster discussion
Step 1
Warm-Up Discussion
5 minutes
- Introduce the session’s purpose: finishing 8th grade with confidence
- Ask each student to name one accomplishment they’re proud of from this year
- Record responses on chart paper to celebrate successes and set a positive tone
Step 2
End-of-Year Reflection
10 minutes
- Distribute the End-of-Year Reflection Worksheet
- Instruct students to spend 5 minutes listing their top 3 achievements, challenges they overcame, and how they felt during those moments
- After individual work, invite 2–3 volunteers to share insights with the group
Step 3
Goal-Setting Activity
10 minutes
- Explain SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) briefly
- Hand out the Goal-Setting Action Plan Template
- Ask students to draft 1–2 goals to finish the year strong, listing steps and deadlines
- Pair students up to share their goals and give one supportive suggestion each
Step 4
Peer Support & Closing
5 minutes
- Provide the Peer Support Agreement Sheet
- In pairs, students commit to at least one way they’ll hold each other accountable (e.g., study together, check in weekly)
- Have pairs share their commitments aloud
- Summarize key takeaways and encourage students to place their goal plans somewhere visible for the remainder of the year
Slide Deck
Finish Strong
Welcome to Finish Strong!
Today we will:
• Celebrate our accomplishments
• Reflect on challenges we’ve overcome
• Set SMART end-of-year goals
• Build peer support commitments
Welcome everyone! Introduce yourself and explain that today’s session is all about finishing 8th grade with confidence by reflecting on successes, setting goals, and building peer support.
Warm-Up: Celebrate Your Wins
What is one accomplishment you’re proud of from this year?
• It can be academic, personal, or extracurricular
• We’ll record each response and celebrate together
Explain the warm-up: each student names one accomplishment they’re proud of. Record responses on chart paper to set a positive tone.
End-of-Year Reflection
Use your reflection worksheet to list:
- Your top 3 achievements this year
- Challenges you faced and overcame
- How you felt during those moments
Distribute the End-of-Year Reflection Worksheet. Give students 5 minutes to complete it, then invite a few volunteers to share.
Setting SMART Goals
SMART Goals are:
• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound
Example: "I will raise my math grade from a C to a B by the end of May by studying 30 minutes each day and attending weekly tutoring."
Now, draft your goals using the Action Plan Template.
Briefly define each SMART component and show an example. Hand out the Goal-Setting Action Plan Template. Give students time to draft 1–2 goals, then have them partner up to share and offer one supportive suggestion.
Peer Support Commitments
In pairs, decide on how you’ll hold each other accountable:
• Example: “We’ll meet every Wednesday after school to review notes.”
Write your commitment on the Peer Support Agreement Sheet.
Distribute the Peer Support Agreement Sheet. In pairs, have students agree on at least one accountability action (e.g., study together, check in weekly). Have pairs share commitments aloud.
Closing & Next Steps
Key Takeaways:
• Celebrate what you’ve achieved
• Keep your SMART goals visible
• Lean on your peer support partner
Finish the year strong and get ready for high school!
Summarize the session’s key takeaways and encourage students to keep their goals visible. Thank them for their participation and enthusiasm.
Worksheet
End of Year Reflection Worksheet
Use this worksheet to think about what you’ve accomplished, the challenges you’ve overcome, and how you felt along the way. Take your time and be honest—your reflections will help you set strong goals for the rest of the school year!
1. My Top 3 Achievements
-
Achievement #1:
-
Achievement #2:
-
Achievement #3:
2. A Challenge I Faced and How I Overcame It
Describe one major challenge you encountered this year, and explain the steps you took to overcome it.
Challenge:
How I overcame it:
3. How I Felt During Those Moments
Reflect on how you felt when you achieved your successes and conquered your challenges. What emotions did you experience?
Feelings and reflections:
When you’re finished, keep this sheet handy. You’ll use your reflections in the Goal-Setting Action Plan Template to create SMART goals for finishing 8th grade strong!
Worksheet
Goal-Setting Action Plan Template
Use this template to turn your reflections into 1–2 SMART goals. Be as specific as possible so you can track your progress and finish 8th grade strong!
My SMART Goal #1
Specific: What exactly do I want to accomplish?
Measurable: How will I know when I’ve succeeded? (e.g., grades, number of practice sessions)
Achievable: What skills or resources do I already have? What support do I need?
Relevant: Why is this goal important to me right now?
Time-bound: What is my deadline for achieving this goal?
Action Steps & Deadlines
List the steps you’ll take to reach your goal. Be as detailed as possible and assign a target date to each step.
-
Step 1:
Deadline: -
Step 2:
Deadline: -
Step 3:
Deadline:
(If you have more steps, attach extra paper or continue below.)
Check-Ins & Accountability
Who will I check in with? (Peer partner, teacher, family member)
When will I check in? (Dates or frequency, e.g., every Friday)
Notes/Progress Updates:
Keep this plan somewhere you can see it every day. Use your Peer Support Agreement Sheet to stay motivated and on track!
Worksheet
Peer Support Agreement Sheet
Use this sheet to solidify your peer support partnership. Work with your partner to complete each section and keep this agreement with your Goal-Setting Action Plan Template to stay motivated and on track!
Partner Information
Partner 1 Name:
Partner 2 Name:
Accountability Commitment
Describe one clear way you will hold each other accountable (for example, meeting times, reminders, study check-ins):
Commitment Details:
Check-In Schedule
How often will you check in? (e.g., daily, weekly):
Next Check-In Date:
Time of Day:
Support Strategies
List at least two specific ways you will support each other toward your SMART goals:
-
Strategy #1:
-
Strategy #2:
-
(Optional) Additional Strategy:
Signatures
By signing below, we agree to uphold the commitments outlined above and support each other in finishing 8th grade strong.
Partner 1 Signature: ___________________________ Date: __________
Partner 2 Signature: ___________________________ Date: __________