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Minute Mentor

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Lesson Plan

Mentor Chat Protocol

Guide an 8th grader through a structured, daily 6-minute Check-In/Check-Out to set behavior goals, self-monitor progress, and reinforce positive choices.

Consistent, brief mentor chats boost self-awareness, engagement, and on-task behavior. Quick goal-setting and reflection support students with Tier 3 needs in staying on track.

Audience

8th Grade Student

Time

6 minutes per session

Approach

Structured, two-part mentor-led chats

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

Step 1

Morning Check-In

3 minutes

  • Greet student using opening lines from the Opening & Closing Lines Script
  • Have student complete the top section of the Quick Support Checklist Worksheet by self-rating readiness and identifying one behavior goal
  • Discuss today’s target behavior/academic focus and note it on the worksheet
  • Offer a brief motivational prompt and ask if any concerns need quick problem-solving

Step 2

Afternoon Check-Out

3 minutes

  • Welcome student back with closing lines from the Opening & Closing Lines Script
  • Review student’s end-of-day self-ratings on the Quick Support Checklist Worksheet
  • Provide positive reinforcement for successes and suggest one strategy for any challenges
  • Set a brief next-step plan or goal for tomorrow and end with an encouraging closing remark
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Script

Opening & Closing Lines Script

Morning Check-In Greeting (60 seconds)

Teacher (smiling, with welcoming tone):

“Good morning, [Student Name]! It’s great to see you today. Let’s take a quick minute to check in. How are you feeling right now, on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 is ‘I’m not ready’ and 5 is ‘I’m totally ready’?”

Pause for student response.

Teacher:
“Awesome—thank you for sharing. Today our focus is on [Target Behavior/Academic Skill]. What’s one goal you’d like to set for yourself today around that?”

Pause. Listen and acknowledge.

Teacher (nods positively):
“That sounds like a solid goal. Remember, if you need a quick strategy or a reminder, just let me know. You’ve got this! Anything you’re worried about before we head into class?”

If student shares a concern, offer a 1–2 sentence supportive strategy:
Teacher:
“Thanks for letting me know. Try taking three deep breaths and refocusing on your goal if you feel stuck. You’re ready to have a great day!”

Teacher closes with:
“Alright, let’s go show today what you can do. I believe in you!”







Afternoon Check-Out Closing (60 seconds)

Teacher (warm tone):

“Hi again, [Student Name]! Let’s wrap up our day with a quick check-out. How would you rate your effort today on that goal from 1 to 5?”

Pause for rating.

Teacher:
“Great. Tell me one thing you did well today.”

Pause and celebrate success.

Teacher:
“That’s excellent. Now, what was one challenge you faced?”

Pause. Listen compassionately.

Teacher:
“Thank you for sharing. Next time, try [One Simple Strategy] when that happens. You’re making real progress!”

Teacher ends with:
“Tomorrow, let’s aim to [Next-Day Goal]. Have a restful afternoon, and I’m proud of your effort today. See you then!”







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Worksheet

Quick Support Checklist

Date: ________________ Student Name: ________________

Morning Check-In

  1. How ready am I to learn today? (Circle one): 1 2 3 4 5


  2. My target behavior or skill for today:






  3. My goal for today:







    Teacher Initials: ________________

Afternoon Check-Out

  1. How would I rate my effort today? (Circle one): 1 2 3 4 5


  2. One thing I did well today:






  3. A challenge I faced today:






  4. One strategy I will try next time:






  5. My goal for tomorrow:







    Teacher Comments:












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