Lesson Plan
High School Ready? Lesson Plan
Students will identify potential high school challenges, set SMART goals, practice organizational planning, and learn self-advocacy strategies through personalized worksheets and one-on-one coaching.
Transitioning to high school can be overwhelming; this targeted mini-lesson builds students’ confidence in organizing, goal-setting, and advocating for their needs—key skills for long-term success.
Audience
8th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Personalized one-on-one worksheet activities
Materials
High School Transition Worksheet, Goal-Setting Template, Self-Advocacy Tips Sheet, Student Planner Model, Notebook or Notepad, and Pens or Pencils
Prep
Prepare Session
10 minutes
- Review the student’s current organizational habits and any known transition concerns
- Print and assemble personalized copies of High School Transition Worksheet, Goal-Setting Template, and Self-Advocacy Tips Sheet
- Familiarize yourself with the structure of the Student Planner Model to demonstrate during the session
Step 1
Introduction & Objective Setting
5 minutes
- Greet the student warmly and explain the purpose: preparing for high school success
- Ask the student to share their biggest worries about the transition
- Present session objectives: recognize challenges, set goals, organize tasks, and practice self-advocacy
Step 2
Complete Transition Worksheet
8 minutes
- Hand the student the High School Transition Worksheet
- Guide them to list potential academic, social, and time-management challenges
- Prompt detailed descriptions to increase self-awareness
Step 3
Set SMART Goals
10 minutes
- Introduce the Goal-Setting Template
- Explain SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
- Support the student in drafting 2–3 personal goals for their first high school semester
Step 4
Practice Organization Tools
5 minutes
- Show the student the Student Planner Model
- Demonstrate transferring one SMART goal into the planner with deadlines and action steps
- Have the student practice entering a second goal or assignment
Step 5
Self-Advocacy & Wrap-Up
2 minutes
- Share the Self-Advocacy Tips Sheet and highlight key phrases for asking help
- Role-play a quick scenario: requesting clarification from a teacher
- Summarize next steps and schedule a follow-up check-in
Slide Deck
High School Ready? Preparing for Your Transition
One-on-One Session | 30 Minutes | 8th Grade Student
Welcome the student and introduce the purpose of the session: preparing for success in high school. Explain that you'll work together on challenges, goals, organization, and advocacy.
Session Objectives
- Identify potential high school challenges
- Set SMART goals for the first semester
- Practice organizing tasks in a planner
- Learn key self-advocacy strategies
Spend about 5 minutes reviewing these objectives with the student. Ask if they have questions about what you’ll cover.
What Are Your Concerns?
Hand the student the High School Transition Worksheet and have them:
- List at least three challenges (academic, social, time-management)
- Write a brief description for each
Guide the student through the worksheet. Ask follow-up questions to deepen self-awareness.
What Makes a SMART Goal?
S: Specific – Clear and focused
M: Measurable – Track progress
A: Achievable – Realistic steps
R: Relevant – Aligned with your needs
T: Time-bound – Set a deadline
Explain each SMART criterion with examples. Encourage the student to think about relevant areas for their goals.
Draft Your Goals
Use the Goal-Setting Template to draft 2–3 goals for your first semester. For example:
- “Complete all homework assignments by 6 PM, 5 days a week.”
Work one-on-one to ensure each goal meets SMART criteria. Provide feedback and help refine wording.
Organize Your Plan
Show the Student Planner Model. Then:
- Enter one SMART goal with action steps and deadlines
- Practice adding a second task or assignment
Demonstrate filling in the planner first, then let the student try. Encourage clear, dated entries.
Self-Advocacy Tips
Refer to the Self-Advocacy Tips Sheet for key phrases:
- “Could you explain that again?”
- “Can I get an extension on this assignment?”
Role-play a quick scenario asking a teacher for help.
Use a brief role-play to practice. Provide corrective feedback on tone and phrasing.
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
- Summarize the goals and planner entries
- Confirm the student’s action plan for the week
- Schedule a follow-up check-in soon
Encourage the student to use the planner daily and review their goals. Set a date for the next check-in.
Worksheet
High School Transition Worksheet
Part 1: Identify Your Challenges
Think about the academic, social, and time-management changes you’ll face in high school. List three challenges and describe each one.
- Challenge 1 (Category: Academic / Social / Time-Management):
_______________________________________________
Why this is a concern:
_______________________________________________ - Challenge 2 (Category: Academic / Social / Time-Management):
_______________________________________________
Why this is a concern:
_______________________________________________ - Challenge 3 (Category: Academic / Social / Time-Management):
_______________________________________________
Why this is a concern:
_______________________________________________
Part 2: Reflect on Your Concerns
For each challenge above, rate your level of worry (1 = Not at all, 5 = Very worried) and explain your feelings.
- Challenge 1 Worry Level (1–5): _____
How does this challenge make you feel?
_______________________________________________ - Challenge 2 Worry Level (1–5): _____
How does this challenge make you feel?
_______________________________________________ - Challenge 3 Worry Level (1–5): _____
How does this challenge make you feel?
_______________________________________________
Part 3: Propose Initial Strategies
Brainstorm one strategy or resource that could help you address each challenge.
- Strategy for Challenge 1:
_______________________________________________ - Strategy for Challenge 2:
_______________________________________________ - Strategy for Challenge 3:
_______________________________________________
Part 4: Additional Thoughts
List any other concerns not covered above and note people, tools, or strategies you might use to support yourself.
Additional Concern:
_______________________________________________
Possible Support:
_______________________________________________
Worksheet
Goal-Setting Template
Use this template to craft 2–3 SMART goals for your first semester of high school. For each goal, fill in the sections below and identify action steps and deadlines.
Goal 1
Specific (What exactly do you want to achieve?):
_______________________________________________
Measurable (How will you track progress?):
_______________________________________________
Achievable (What steps will make this realistic?):
_______________________________________________
Relevant (Why is this goal important to you?):
_______________________________________________
Time-bound (By what date will you complete it?):
_______________________________________________
Action Steps
Deadline for Each Step
_______________________________________________
Goal 2
Specific (What exactly do you want to achieve?):
_______________________________________________
Measurable (How will you track progress?):
_______________________________________________
Achievable (What steps will make this realistic?):
_______________________________________________
Relevant (Why is this goal important to you?):
_______________________________________________
Time-bound (By what date will you complete it?):
_______________________________________________
Action Steps
Deadline for Each Step
_______________________________________________
Goal 3 (Optional)
Use this space if you’d like to set one more SMART goal.
Specific:
_______________________________________________
Measurable:
_______________________________________________
Achievable:
_______________________________________________
Relevant:
_______________________________________________
Time-bound:
_______________________________________________
Action Steps
Deadline for Each Step
_______________________________________________
Worksheet
Self-Advocacy Tips Sheet
Why Self-Advocacy Matters
Being able to ask for help, clarification, or accommodations is an important skill for success in high school and beyond. Use the tips and phrases below to confidently share your needs with teachers, counselors, and peers.
Key Phrases to Use
• Asking for Clarification:
- "Could you explain that part again, please?"
- "I’m not sure I understand the instructions. Can you show me an example?"
• Requesting Help:
- "Would you have time this week to review my notes with me?"
- "I’m struggling with this concept. Could we meet during office hours?"
• Seeking Accommodations or Extensions:
- "Is it possible to get an extension on this assignment?"
- "I work best with written instructions—could you provide that for me?"
• Sharing Your Strengths & Challenges:
- "I learn best by doing hands-on activities—could we try that approach?"
- "I have difficulty focusing in large groups; would it be okay if I sit near the front?"
Practice Writing Your Own Phrases
- Scenario: You didn’t understand today’s homework directions. What would you say to your teacher?
_______________________________________________ - Scenario: You need extra time to complete a project. How can you ask for an extension?
_______________________________________________ - Scenario: You want to request a different format for your notes. What would you say?
_______________________________________________
Developing Your Self-Advocacy Plan
Think about people you can approach (teacher, counselor, peer tutor). For each, write down:
Person: ____________________________
What I’ll ask:
_______________________________________________
Person: ____________________________
What I’ll ask:
_______________________________________________
Reflection & Next Steps
Why is advocating for yourself important?
_______________________________________________
When will you practice these phrases this week?
_______________________________________________
Reading
Student Planner Model
Use this sample weekly planner to record your SMART goals, break them into action steps, set deadlines, and track your progress. Refer back to this model each week to stay on top of tasks and deadlines.
How to Read This Planner
- Day: The day of the week you plan to work on the task.
- Task/Goal: What you want to accomplish (e.g., “Read Chapter 1 of Biology”).
- Action Steps: The smaller steps needed to complete the task.
- Deadline: When each action or the overall task should be finished.
- Status/Notes: Check off completed steps or jot down observations (e.g., “Need help with question 3”).
Weekly Planner Template
| Day | Task/Goal | Action Steps | Deadline | Status / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 1. | |||
| 2. | ||||
| 3. | ||||
| Tuesday | 1. | |||
| 2. | ||||
| 3. | ||||
| Wednesday | 1. | |||
| 2. | ||||
| 3. | ||||
| Thursday | 1. | |||
| 2. | ||||
| 3. | ||||
| Friday | 1. | |||
| 2. | ||||
| 3. |
Example Entry
| Day | Task/Goal | Action Steps | Deadline | Status / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Draft English Essay | 1. Outline thesis 2. Write introduction | Thursday, 4 PM | In progress—need examples from text |
| 3. Draft body paragraphs | Thursday, 6 PM |
Fill In Your Planner
Use the blank template above to plan your week. Then, practice adding three more tasks below:
- Task/Goal: ___________________________
• Action Step 1: ___________________________
• Action Step 2: ___________________________
• Deadline: ___________________________
• Status / Notes: ___________________________ - Task/Goal: ___________________________
• Action Step 1: ___________________________
• Action Step 2: ___________________________
• Deadline: ___________________________
• Status / Notes: ___________________________ - Task/Goal: ___________________________
• Action Step 1: ___________________________
• Action Step 2: ___________________________
• Deadline: ___________________________
• Status / Notes: ___________________________
Refer back to the Student Planner Model each week to keep your goals on track and celebrate your progress!