lenny

High School: Level Up!

user image

Lesson Plan

High School: Level Up!

Students will identify positive aspects and potential challenges of high school, and begin to develop personal strategies for a successful transition.

The transition to high school can be exciting but also daunting. This lesson aims to reduce anxiety by providing students with tools to anticipate and prepare for this significant academic and social change, fostering a sense of control and readiness.

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, personal reflection, and strategy brainstorming.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Markers or Pens, High School: Level Up! Slide Deck, High School Hopes & Hurdles Worksheet, and Transition Triumphs Cool Down

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: High School Hype!

5 minutes

  • Begin by displaying the first slide of the High School: Level Up! Slide Deck and greeting students.
    * Ask students to quickly share one word or a short phrase about what they are most excited or curious about regarding high school. Record responses on the board or in a shared digital document.
    * Transition by stating that high school is a big step, and it's normal to have lots of feelings about it.

Step 2

Hopes & Hurdles: Navigating the Unknown

15 minutes

  • Distribute the High School Hopes & Hurdles Worksheet to each student.
    * Guide students through the worksheet using the High School: Level Up! Slide Deck.
    * Part 1: Hopes - Give students 5 minutes to brainstorm individually and write down their hopes and excitements for high school. Encourage them to think about new classes, clubs, sports, or friendships.
    * Part 2: Hurdles - Give students another 5 minutes to think about and write down any worries or challenges they anticipate. Reassure them that it's okay to feel nervous.
    * Share Out (Optional): Invite students to share one hope and one hurdle with a partner or the class, creating a safe space for open discussion. Emphasize that many classmates likely share similar feelings.

Step 3

Strategy Spotlight: Leveling Up Your Skills

5 minutes

  • Introduce the idea of proactively developing strategies to address hurdles and maximize hopes by displaying the "Strategy Spotlight" slide on the High School: Level Up! Slide Deck.
    * Briefly discuss each strategy on the slide (e.g., seeking information, developing good habits, building a support system, getting involved, embracing new challenges).
    * Encourage students to think about which strategies resonate most with their identified hurdles and hopes, and to start filling in "Part 3: My "Level Up" Strategies" on their High School Hopes & Hurdles Worksheet.

Step 4

Cool Down: Transition Triumphs

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Transition Triumphs Cool Down.
    * Ask students to complete the cool-down by writing down one "Level Up" strategy they will try to implement this week to prepare for high school.
    * Collect the cool-downs as an exit ticket.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

High School: Level Up!

Your Guide to a Smooth Transition to 9th Grade!

Greet students warmly. Ask them to think about what comes to mind when they hear "high school." Encourage one-word or short phrase responses, and capture them on the board. This helps gauge initial feelings and excitement levels.

What are your HIGH SCHOOL HOPES?

Think about:

  • New classes or subjects
  • Clubs, sports, or activities
  • Making new friends or seeing old ones
  • Independence and new responsibilities
  • Learning new things and growing!

Explain that high school is a big step, and it's normal to have various feelings. This slide sets the stage for the 'Hopes' part of the activity. Encourage students to think broadly about new opportunities.

What are your HIGH SCHOOL HURDLES?

Think about:

  • Academics (homework, tests)
  • Social adjustments (new people, fitting in)
  • Finding your way around a new building
  • Time management
  • Balancing school, activities, and life

Now, transition to the 'Hurdles' part. Reassure students that it's okay to feel nervous or have concerns. Normalize these feelings and encourage honest reflection. This sets up the problem-solving aspect of the lesson.

Strategy Spotlight: Level Up Your Skills!

How can you tackle those hurdles and make the most of your hopes?

  • Seek out information: Ask questions, attend orientations.
  • Develop good habits: Organization, time management.
  • Build your support system: Friends, family, teachers, counselors.
  • Get involved: Join a club, try a sport, volunteer.
  • Embrace new challenges: It's okay to step outside your comfort zone!

Introduce the idea of proactive strategies. Explain that knowing what to expect and having a plan can make the transition much smoother. Encourage students to think about concrete steps.

Your Next Level Awaits!

High school is an exciting new chapter!

  • Remember your strengths.
  • You've got this!
  • What's ONE thing you'll do to prepare?

This slide transitions to the Cool Down. Remind students that they are not alone and that this process is a journey. Prompt them to reflect on a personal takeaway.

lenny

Worksheet

High School: Hopes & Hurdles

Transitioning to high school is a big step! It's normal to have lots of feelings and questions. This worksheet will help you think about what you're excited for and what might feel a little challenging.

Part 1: My High School Hopes

What are you most excited about for high school? Think about new opportunities, classes, activities, or social experiences. What do you hope to gain or experience?












Part 2: My High School Hurdles

What are some worries or challenges you anticipate in high school? It's okay to feel nervous about new things. What might be difficult or cause you concern?












Part 3: My "Level Up" Strategies

Based on our discussion and the strategies we talked about, what are 2-3 specific things you can do to prepare for high school and overcome your hurdles? (e.g., talk to a high schooler, practice time management, explore clubs online)












lenny
lenny

Cool Down

Transition Triumphs: Your Next Step

Take a moment to reflect on today's lesson. We talked about hopes, hurdles, and strategies for a smooth high school transition.

What is ONE

lenny
lenny