Lesson Plan
Session 1: Building Connections
Students will learn peers’ names and personal interests through an interactive name game and create a personal shield illustrating their strengths and goals, fostering initial connections and self-awareness.
Building rapport and self-expression in a supportive setting helps 9th grade special education students gain confidence, ease the transition into high school, and form positive peer relationships from day one.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Name Game Icebreaker
5 minutes
Step 2
Personal Shield Creation
15 minutes
Step 3
Group Reflection Discussion
7 minutes
Step 4
Wrap-Up and Exit Ticket
3 minutes
Slide Deck
Freshman Connect: Session 1
Objective & Why
Materials & Prep
Icebreaker: Name Game
Name Game Accommodations
Activity: Personal Shield
Personal Shield Example
Group Reflection
Exit Ticket
Closing & Next Steps
Worksheet
Activity
Cool Down
Lesson Plan
Session 2: Discovering Strengths
Students will identify and celebrate their personal strengths through a strengths scavenger hunt and create a Strengths Flower to visually represent their top qualities, fostering self-awareness and peer support.
Recognizing and sharing strengths builds self-esteem, encourages positive peer interactions, and supports 9th grade special education students’ transition into high school by highlighting their unique abilities.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Brainstorm Strengths
5 minutes
Step 2
Strengths Scavenger Hunt
10 minutes
Step 3
Strengths Flower Creation
10 minutes
Step 4
Group Reflection Discussion
4 minutes
Step 5
Wrap-Up and Exit Ticket
1 minute
Slide Deck
Freshman Connect: Session 2
Objective & Why
Materials & Prep
Brainstorm Strengths
Activity: Strengths Scavenger Hunt
Activity: Strengths Flower
Strengths Flower Example
Group Reflection
Exit Ticket
Closing & Next Steps
Worksheet
Lesson Plan
Session 3: Goal Setting
Students will learn to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound (SMART) goals, brainstorm personal academic and social targets, and map actionable steps to achieve one goal, fostering planning skills and self-direction.
Teaching goal-setting empowers students to take ownership of their high school journey, builds organizational skills, and boosts confidence by breaking big ambitions into manageable steps in a supportive group setting.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduce SMART Goals
5 minutes
Step 2
Goal Brainstorming
7 minutes
Step 3
Create Goal Map
12 minutes
Step 4
Group Reflection Discussion
5 minutes
Step 5
Wrap-Up and Exit Ticket
1 minute
Slide Deck
Freshman Connect: Session 3
Objective & Why
Materials & Prep
Introducing SMART Goals
SMART Goals Poster
Activity: Goal Brainstorming
Activity: Create Goal Map
Goal Map Example
Group Reflection
Exit Ticket & Closing
Worksheet
Worksheet
Worksheet
Worksheet
Worksheet
Worksheet
