Guide to Reflection

Warm-Up: Think About It! (5 minutes)

"Good morning, everyone! Today we're going to dive into a really important skill: self-reflection. To get us started, I want you to take a moment to look at the warm-up question on the board: Think of a time you learned something surprising about yourself. What was it? How did you learn it? You'll find this on Slide 2 of our Slide Deck: What's Your Reflection?. No need to write anything down just yet, just think about it for about a minute. Really let your mind wander and recall those moments."

(Pause for 1 minute for students to reflect.)

"Alright, who would like to share their initial thoughts? Was there a moment when something clicked, or you realized something new about yourself? Don't worry if it's big or small!"

(Facilitate a brief discussion, calling on a few students. Encourage active listening.)

Introduction to Self-Reflection (10 minutes)

"Thank you for sharing! Those are great examples of moments of self-discovery, which is exactly what self-reflection is all about. Let's look at Slide 3 on the Slide Deck: What's Your Reflection?."

"Self-reflection is simply the ability to look inward and examine your own thoughts, feelings, and actions. It's like holding up a mirror to your inner self. It helps you build self-awareness, which is understanding who you are, and it supports a growth mindset, meaning you're always learning and improving."

"Why do you think it's important to understand your own thoughts and feelings? Turn and talk with a partner for 30 seconds about this question."

(Allow students to talk, then bring them back together.)

"Any thoughts to share from your discussions?"

(Facilitate a short discussion, drawing connections to the Discussion Guide: Sharing Our Insights - Section: What is Self-Reflection?)

Understanding the Benefits (10 minutes)

"Now that we know what self-reflection is, let's explore why it's such a valuable skill. Take a look at Slide 4 of our Slide Deck: What's Your Reflection?."

"Self-reflection brings many benefits: it helps you make better decisions by understanding your motivations, leads to stronger relationships because you can empathize more, helps in managing emotions by recognizing and coping with feelings, fuels personal growth as you learn from experiences, and contributes to increased well-being by reducing stress and boosting happiness."

"To understand these benefits even more, I'm going to hand out a short Reading: The Power of Pause. Please read it quietly to yourselves or with a partner. We'll discuss it afterward. You have about 5 minutes."

(Distribute reading. After 5 minutes)

"What were some of the key takeaways from the reading? How does the article reinforce what we just discussed about the benefits of self-reflection?"

(Use prompts from the Discussion Guide: Sharing Our Insights - Section: Why Reflect? to guide the conversation, referring to Slide 5 and 6 on the Slide Deck: What's Your Reflection?.)

Practicing Self-Reflection (15 minutes)

"Knowing the 'what' and 'why' is great, but now let's get to the 'how.' How do we actually do self-reflection? Slide 7 of our Slide Deck: What's Your Reflection? shows some techniques."

"Some common ways include journaling, which is writing down your thoughts and feelings; mindfulness or meditation, focusing on the present moment; talking it out with a trusted friend or mentor; and simply questioning yourself, asking 'why' you feel a certain way or 'how' you can approach a situation differently."

"Today, we're going to start with journaling. I'm handing out a Worksheet: My Reflection Journal. Please take a few minutes to respond to the first couple of prompts. Remember, there's no right or wrong answer here; it's about exploring your own thoughts."

(Allow 5 minutes for initial journaling. Circulate and provide support. Refer to Slide 8 on the Slide Deck: What's Your Reflection?.)

"Great work! Now, we're going to try another method. We're going to break into groups and move to different Activity: Reflection Stations around the room. Each station will have a different prompt or a different way to encourage reflection. Spend about 3-4 minutes at each station, then I'll tell you when to rotate. Make sure you engage with the prompts and think deeply. (Refer to Slide 9 and 10 on the Slide Deck: What's Your Reflection?.)"

(Guide students through the Reflection Stations activity.)

Interactive Engagement & Application (10 minutes)

"Wonderful job at the stations, everyone! That was a great way to try out different reflection methods. Now, let's play a quick Game: Self-Awareness Charades to reinforce our understanding of emotions, which is a big part of self-awareness. Look at Slide 11 on the Slide Deck: What's Your Reflection?."

"I'll explain the rules: I'll give a student an emotion, and they will act it out without speaking. The rest of you will guess what emotion it is. The first person to guess correctly gets to act out the next emotion. Let's make sure we're being respectful and encouraging of everyone!"

(Lead the game. After the game, bring the class back together.)

"That was fun! How did recognizing emotions in others, and acting them out, connect to our discussion about self-reflection?"

(Briefly discuss how emotional recognition ties into self-awareness and self-reflection.)

Assessment & Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

"We've covered a lot today about self-reflection! To check your understanding, I'm going to hand out a short Quiz: Reflect & Grow. This will help me see what you've learned. Please complete it individually. You'll have about 5 minutes. (Refer to Slide 12 on the Slide Deck: What's Your Reflection?.)"

(Distribute quizzes. Collect them after 5 minutes.)

"For a longer-term application of self-reflection, I want to introduce our next assignment: the Project Guide: My Self-Reflection Portfolio. This project will allow you to delve deeper into your personal reflections over time. I'm also providing a Rubric: Self-Reflection Portfolio so you know exactly what is expected. We'll discuss this more next time, but I wanted to give you a preview today. (Refer to Slide 13 on the Slide Deck: What's Your Reflection?.)"

"Finally, let's wrap up with a quick Cool-Down: One Word Reflection. Look at Slide 14 on the Slide Deck: What's Your Reflection?. In just one word, how would you describe what you learned or how you feel about self-reflection today? I'll go around the room and ask each of you to share your word."

(Go around the room, allowing each student to share one word.)

"Excellent words, everyone! Thank you for your thoughtful participation today. Remember, self-reflection is a powerful tool you can use throughout your lives. Have a great rest of your day!"

My Reflection Journal

Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

Part 1: Initial Thoughts

1. What does "self-reflection" mean to you in your own words?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Why do you think it might be important for people, especially teenagers, to think about their own thoughts and feelings?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Think about a recent situation where you felt a strong emotion (e.g., happiness, frustration, excitement, sadness). Briefly describe what happened and how you felt.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Deeper Dive

Choose ONE of the following prompts to respond to more deeply.

1. Describe a time when reflecting on your actions helped you make a better decision or improve a situation. What did you learn about yourself?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What is one challenge you face regularly (e.g., managing time, dealing with stress, communicating with others)? How could practicing self-reflection help you address this challenge?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Imagine you have a

The Power of Pause: Why Self-Reflection Is Your Superpower

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the constant rush of activities, social media, and schoolwork. We move from one task to the next, often without taking a moment to slow down and truly think. This is where self-reflection comes in—a powerful, yet often overlooked, skill that can dramatically improve your life.

What is Self-Reflection?

Simply put, self-reflection is the act of stepping back and examining your own thoughts, feelings, and actions. It's like taking a mental snapshot of your inner world and asking: What just happened? How did I feel? Why did I react that way? What could I do differently next time?

The Hidden Benefits

While it might seem like a simple exercise, the benefits of regular self-reflection are profound:

1. Boosts Self-Awareness: The more you reflect, the better you understand yourself. You start to recognize your strengths, weaknesses, values, and what truly motivates you. This clarity is the foundation for personal growth.

2. Improves Decision-Making: Have you ever made a quick decision you later regretted? Self-reflection encourages you to pause before acting, consider different perspectives, and think through the potential consequences. This leads to more thoughtful and effective choices.

3. Enhances Emotional Intelligence: By reflecting on your emotions, you learn to identify them, understand their triggers, and manage them more effectively. This means less impulsive reactions and more calm, considered responses, even in stressful situations.

4. Fosters Personal Growth: Life is a continuous learning journey. When you reflect on your experiences—both successes and failures—you extract valuable lessons. This process helps you adapt, improve, and evolve into a better version of yourself.

5. Strengthens Relationships: Understanding your own feelings and motivations makes it easier to understand others. Empathy grows, communication improves, and conflicts can be navigated more constructively. Reflection helps you see how your actions impact those around you.

6. Increases Resilience: When faced with challenges, self-reflection helps you process difficult emotions, learn from setbacks, and find coping mechanisms. It builds an inner strength that allows you to bounce back from adversity.

Making Reflection a Habit

Self-reflection doesn't require hours of silent meditation (though that can be helpful!). It can be as simple as taking five minutes at the end of each day to think about:

• What went well today?
• What challenged me, and how did I handle it?
• What did I learn?
• What could I do differently tomorrow?

Journaling, talking to a trusted friend or mentor, or simply taking quiet walks can also be excellent ways to engage in self-reflection. The key is to be honest with yourself and to approach your thoughts with curiosity, not judgment.

In a world constantly pulling for your attention, carving out time for self-reflection is an act of self-care and a commitment to becoming the best version of yourself. It's not about dwelling on the past, but about using your experiences as stepping stones for a brighter, more self-aware future.

Sharing Our Insights: A Discussion Guide

This guide provides prompts to facilitate class discussions on self-reflection, encouraging students to share their thoughts and deepen their understanding.

Section 1: What is Self-Reflection? (After Introduction)

• What comes to mind when you hear the term "self-reflection"? Is it something you do often, or is it a new idea?
• Can you think of any real-life situations where taking a moment to reflect on your actions or feelings would be really helpful?
  
  
  
• How is self-reflection different from just thinking about something casually? What makes it a

Reflection Stations: A Deeper Look Inward

Objective: To provide students with various prompts and methods to actively practice self-reflection.

Instructions:

1. You will be divided into small groups and assigned to a starting station.
2. At each station, you will find a different prompt or activity related to self-reflection.
3. Spend approximately 3-4 minutes at each station, engaging with the prompt or activity. You can write your thoughts on sticky notes, in your My Reflection Journal, or discuss them quietly with your group members.
4. When your teacher signals, you will rotate to the next station.

Station 1: The

Self-Awareness Charades

Objective: To enhance emotional recognition and understanding, which are key components of self-awareness and self-reflection, through an interactive game.

Materials:

• Slips of paper with various emotions written on them (see list below)
• A hat or bowl to hold the emotion slips

How to Play:

1. Divide the class into two teams.
2. One student from Team A will come to the front of the class.
3. The teacher will show the student an emotion written on a slip of paper (without showing it to the rest of the class).
4. The student must act out the emotion without speaking. They can use facial expressions, body language, and gestures.
5. Team A has 60 seconds to guess the emotion. If they guess correctly, they get a point.
6. If Team A cannot guess, Team B gets one chance to guess (within the same 60 seconds) for a bonus point.
7. A student from Team B then takes their turn.
8. Continue playing for 10-15 minutes or until most emotions have been acted out.

Emotion Ideas (write each on a separate slip of paper):

• Happy
• Sad
• Angry
• Excited
• Scared
• Surprised
• Confused
• Proud
• Shy
• Frustrated
• Bored
• Calm
• Nervous
• Determined
• Relieved
• Embarrassed
• Curious
• Grumpy

Discussion after the game:

• "How easy or difficult was it to guess the emotions?"
• "What clues did you look for in people's expressions and body language?"
• "How does understanding emotions, both in yourself and others, connect to self-reflection and self-awareness?"

Reflect & Grow Quiz Answers

Question 1

Which of the following best defines self-reflection?

• Correct Answer: B. The ability to look inward and examine your own thoughts, feelings, and actions.
• Thought Process: Self-reflection involves introspecting and analyzing one's internal state and behaviors. Options A, C, and D describe other activities or partial aspects, but not the core definition.

Question 2

Why is self-reflection considered a 'superpower' for personal growth?

• Correct Answer: C. It enables you to learn from experiences and improve yourself.
• Thought Process: The reading and lesson emphasize how self-reflection allows individuals to gain insights from their past, identify areas for improvement, and thus foster personal growth. The other options are either exaggerations or incorrect.

Question 3

Which of these is a benefit of self-reflection?

• Correct Answer: C. Developing stronger relationships through empathy.
• Thought Process: The lesson plan and reading explicitly state that understanding oneself (through reflection) leads to greater empathy for others, which in turn strengthens relationships. The other options are incorrect or contradictory to the benefits of reflection.

Question 4

Which technique is NOT a common method for practicing self-reflection?

• Correct Answer: D. Blaming others for your problems.
• Thought Process: Journaling, mindfulness, and talking to mentors are all positive, active self-reflection techniques. Blaming others is an externalizing behavior that prevents self-reflection and personal accountability.

Question 5

Describe one way self-reflection can help you manage your emotions more effectively.

• Sample Answer: Self-reflection helps you manage emotions by allowing you to identify what you are feeling, understand the triggers behind those emotions, and choose a thoughtful response instead of reacting impulsively. For example, by reflecting on why you get frustrated, you can develop strategies to calm down before responding.
• Thought Process: A complete answer should explain the mechanism (identification, understanding triggers) and the outcome (choosing responses over impulsive reactions), possibly with an example.

Question 6

Why is honesty important when you are engaging in self-reflection?

• Sample Answer: Honesty is crucial for self-reflection because if you are not honest with yourself, you won't be able to truly understand your thoughts, feelings, or actions. Without an honest assessment, it's impossible to identify areas for genuine growth or make meaningful changes.
• Thought Process: The core idea is that inaccurate self-assessment due to dishonesty prevents genuine insight and improvement. Students should connect honesty to accurate understanding and effective growth.

My Self-Reflection Portfolio

Objective: To provide an opportunity for students to engage in ongoing self-reflection, track their personal growth, and demonstrate their understanding of self-reflection techniques over a period of time.

Project Overview:

For this project, you will create a personal "Self-Reflection Portfolio." This portfolio will be a collection of your reflections on various experiences, learning moments, and personal goals over the next [Teacher to specify: e.g., 2 weeks, 1 month]. You can choose the format that best suits you (e.g., a physical binder, a digital document, a presentation, a blog, a video diary). The goal is to show your journey of self-discovery and how you apply self-reflection in your daily life.

Deliverables:

Your portfolio must include the following components:

1. Introduction (10% of grade):

   • A short personal statement (200-300 words) defining self-reflection in your own words and explaining why you believe it is important. You can refer to your learning from the Lesson Plan and Reading: The Power of Pause.
   • Your personal goals for engaging in this self-reflection project (e.g., "I want to understand my study habits better," "I aim to improve how I handle stress").
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

2. Weekly Reflections (50% of grade):

   • You will complete [Teacher to specify: e.g., 3-4] weekly reflection entries. Each entry should be about a significant experience, challenge, or learning moment from that week. You can use different methods for each entry, such as:
     • Journal Entry: A written reflection (300-500 words) using prompts like: What went well this week? What was challenging? How did I feel? Why did I feel that way? What did I learn? What could I do differently?
     • Mind Map/Visual Reflection: A visual representation of your thoughts and connections regarding a specific event or emotion, accompanied by a short written explanation.
     • Video/Audio Log: A short (3-5 minute) recording where you speak about your reflections on a topic, similar to a verbal journal.
     • Response to a Quote/Image: Reflect on how a chosen quote or image relates to your experiences and self-understanding.
   • Each entry should clearly state the date and the specific method used.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

3. Analysis of Growth (30% of grade):

   • At the end of the project, write a concluding analysis (400-600 words) reflecting on your entire portfolio. Address the following questions:
     • What patterns did you notice in your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors throughout the weeks?
     • Did you achieve your initial personal goals for this project? Why or why not?
     • What new insights did you gain about yourself?
     • How has practicing self-reflection changed your perspective or approach to daily life?
     • What self-reflection techniques did you find most helpful, and why?
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       

4. Presentation/Sharing (10% of grade):

   • You will briefly share one key learning or insight from your portfolio with the class in a [Teacher to specify: e.g., 2-3 minute] presentation or informal share-out session. You do not need to share anything you feel is too personal.
     
     
     
     

Assessment:

Your project will be assessed using the Rubric: Self-Reflection Portfolio. Please review it carefully to understand the expectations for each component.

Tips for Success:

• Be honest with yourself in your reflections. This is for your growth, not for judgment.
• Don't just describe events; analyze your feelings, motivations, and learning.
• Choose a format that genuinely excites you and makes it easier for you to reflect.
• Don't wait until the last minute! Regular reflection is key.

Self-Reflection Portfolio Rubric

Student Name: ________________________

Project: My Self-Reflection Portfolio

Due Date: ________________________

Introduction (10%)

Weekly Reflections (50%)

Warm-Up: Think About It!

Instructions: Take a moment to think about the following question. You don't need to write anything down yet, just reflect silently.

Think of a time you learned something surprising about yourself. What was it? How did you learn it?

(Be prepared to share your thoughts with the class if you feel comfortable.)

Cool-Down: One Word Reflection

Instructions: Think about everything we discussed and learned about self-reflection today. In just one word, how would you describe what you learned or how you feel about self-reflection now?

(Be prepared to share your word with the class.)

Teacher Script: Guiding Reflection

Introduction (with Warm-Up)

(Teacher says while displaying Warm-Up: My Brain Buzz / Slide Deck: Reflection Journey - Slide 3)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going on an exciting journey. We're going to explore something called 'self-reflection.' Has anyone ever heard that term before? What does it make you think of?"

(Pause for student responses)

"That's right! When we reflect, it's like looking in a mirror, but instead of seeing our outside, we're looking at our inside – our thoughts, our feelings, our actions. Think about our warm-up: 'My Brain Buzz.' You just reflected on something you did well and something you could improve. That's a perfect start!"

(Teacher transitions to Slide Deck: Reflection Journey - Slide 2)

"So, why bother looking at our inner selves? Why is self-reflection important? Take a look at these reasons on the slide: it helps us understand ourselves better, learn from our experiences, make smarter choices, and grow into our best selves. Imagine you're trying to learn a new sport or play a new video game. Don't you think about what worked and what didn't? That's reflection in action!"

Reading: The Power of You

(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Reflection Journey - Slide 4 and distributing Reading: The Power of You)

"Now, we're going to dive a little deeper with a short reading called 'The Power of You.' This reading will help us understand just how powerful it is to take time to think about our own thoughts and feelings. You can read it quietly to yourselves or, if you prefer, you can read it with a partner. We'll take about 5-7 minutes for this."

(After reading, teacher prompts discussion)

"Alright, what were some of the main ideas from 'The Power of You' that really stood out to you? What did it say about understanding yourself?"

(Listen to student responses, prompt with follow-up questions like: "Why do you think it's called 'The Power of You'?" or "How can thinking about your feelings make you feel stronger?")

Worksheet: My Reflection Map

(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Reflection Journey - Slide 5 and distributing Worksheet: My Reflection Map)

"Excellent discussion! Now, it's your turn to create your own 'Reflection Map.' I'm handing out a worksheet that will help you do just that. We're going to pick one experience – it could be something that happened recently, something you're proud of, or something that was a bit challenging. The goal is to think about it in four steps: 'What Happened?', 'How Did I Feel?', 'What Did I Learn?', and 'What Will I Do Differently?'."

"Let's take a moment to think of an experience. It could be a school project, a moment with friends, or even something you did at home. Once you have an experience in mind, start filling out your Reflection Map. I'll walk around and help if you get stuck. We'll spend about 10-12 minutes on this."

(Teacher circulates, offering support and prompting deeper thought. For example: "When you say 'happy,' what kind of happy? Like excited happy or peaceful happy?")

Activity: Reflection Charades

(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Reflection Journey - Slide 6)

"Great work on your Reflection Maps! Now, let's have some fun and get moving with 'Reflection Charades'! I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will get a card with an emotion or a situation related to self-reflection. Your job is to silently act it out for the other groups to guess. The catch? You have to show how someone might feel or react in that situation, which often involves some internal reflection!"

"For example, if your card says 'Feeling proud after helping a friend,' you might act out someone smiling, giving a thumbs up, or even thinking about what they did. Remember, no talking! Let's see your best acting skills. We'll play for about 10 minutes."

(Teacher facilitates the game, ensuring fair play and encouraging guessing. After each round, briefly ask: "What emotion did you see? How does that relate to thinking about yourself?")

Discussion: Share Your Shine (Optional/Time Permitting)

(Teacher says while displaying Slide Deck: Reflection Journey - Slide 8)

"That was a fantastic activity! Now, let's bring it back to a discussion. Looking back at your Reflection Maps or thinking about the reading, what's something new you discovered about yourself today? Was anything surprising? Or, what's one thing you'll try to do more often after learning about self-reflection?"

(Encourage students to share. Prompt deeper thinking with questions like: "How do you think this skill will help you outside of school?" or "What was the hardest part about reflecting on an experience?")

Cool-Down: One Word Reflection

(Teacher says while displaying Cool-Down: One Word Reflection / Slide Deck: Reflection Journey - Slide 13)

"We're almost at the end of our lesson on self-reflection. To wrap up, I want everyone to think of one word that sums up how you feel about self-reflection now, or one word that describes what you learned today. You can write it down on a sticky note, or just think it in your head. Then, we'll go around and quickly share our one word if you're comfortable."

(Collect sticky notes or have students share aloud as an exit ticket.)

"Thank you, everyone, for your amazing participation and thoughtful reflections today. Remember, self-reflection is a superpower you all have, and the more you practice it, the stronger it gets! Keep using your inner mirror!"

Warm-Up: My Brain Buzz

Take a moment to think about yesterday. Let your brain buzz with ideas!

1. What is one thing you did well yesterday, or something you are proud of?
   
   
   
   

2. What is one thing you could improve on from yesterday, or something you learned from that didn't go as planned?
   
   
   
   

The Power of You: Discovering Your Inner Mirror

Imagine you have a special mirror, not one that shows your hair or your clothes, but one that shows your thoughts, your feelings, and your actions! This special mirror is called self-reflection. It's a superpower you have inside you that helps you understand you better than anyone else.

What is Self-Reflection?

Self-reflection is simply taking time to think about your own experiences, feelings, and what you did or said. It's like pressing pause on your day and asking yourself some important questions. For example, after you finish a big project at school, you might think: "What went well? What was tricky? What could I do differently next time?"

Why is it a Superpower?

Knowing yourself is super important for many reasons:

• You learn from your mistakes (and your wins!): If you don't think about what happened, how will you know what to repeat or what to change? Self-reflection helps you become smarter and better every time.

• You understand your feelings: Sometimes, feelings can be confusing. When you reflect, you can figure out why you felt happy, sad, or frustrated. This helps you manage those feelings better.

• You make better choices: When you know yourself well, you can predict how you might react in different situations. This helps you make choices that are good for you and for others.

• You grow and change: Just like a plant needs sunlight and water to grow, you need self-reflection to grow as a person. It helps you discover new strengths and work on things you want to improve.

How Can You Practice?

It's easy! You can:

• Ask yourself questions: "How did I do today?" "What made me smile?" "What challenged me?"
• Keep a journal: Write down your thoughts and feelings.
• Talk it out: Sometimes talking to a trusted adult or friend can help you sort through your thoughts.

So, remember your inner mirror! Use your superpower of self-reflection to shine even brighter and become the best version of YOU!

My Reflection Map: Charting Your Journey

Name: _________________________ Date: _____________

Think about a recent experience – it could be something you did really well, something that was a bit challenging, or anything in between! We're going to map out your thoughts about it.

1. What Happened?

• Briefly describe the experience. Who was involved? Where did it happen? What was the main event?

2. How Did I Feel?

• What emotions did you experience during or after this event? Why do you think you felt that way? (Use a few words or sentences)

3. What Did I Learn?

• Looking back, what is one important lesson or insight you gained from this experience? It could be about yourself, about others, or about the situation.

4. What Will I Do Differently (or Keep Doing)?

• Based on what you learned, what is one thing you will try to do differently next time a similar situation comes up? Or, if it was a positive experience, what will you keep doing?

Activity: Reflection Charades

Objective: To creatively express and interpret emotions and situations that require self-reflection.

Time: 10 minutes

Instructions:

1. Divide into Groups: The teacher will divide the class into small groups (3-4 students per group).
2. Pick a Card: Each group will take turns sending one person to pick a scenario card (provided by the teacher). The person who picks the card will be the Actor for that round.
3. Act it Out: The Actor will silently act out the emotion or situation described on the card. The scenario will involve an internal thought or feeling that someone might have when reflecting.
4. Guess: The other groups will watch the charades and try to guess the emotion or situation. The first group to guess correctly earns a point!
5. Reflect and Discuss (Briefly): After each guess, the teacher will briefly ask: "What emotion or situation did you see? How does that relate to thinking about ourselves?" (e.g., "How might someone feel when they realize they made a mistake?")
6. Rotate: Continue until each student has had a chance to be the Actor or until time runs out.

Example Scenario Cards (Teacher can write these on small slips of paper):

• Realizing you forgot your homework.
• Feeling proud after helping a friend.
• Being confused about a math problem.
• Thinking about a fun memory.
• Feeling nervous before a presentation.
• Regretting something you said.
• Feeling happy after achieving a goal.
• Wondering why a friend is upset.
• Thinking about a decision you need to make.
• Feeling calm and peaceful after a good day.

Game: The Growth Maze

Objective: To navigate a series of choices, reflect on the outcomes, and understand how different decisions lead to different paths and feelings.

Time: 10 minutes

Materials:

• The Growth Maze Game Board: This can be a simple drawing on a whiteboard, a large piece of paper, or a projected image. It should have a clear "Start" and "Finish" with various paths and branching points. Along the paths, there should be spaces for "Decision Cards" to be placed. (No need for a complex visual, just a basic maze structure).
• Small tokens or markers (one per player/group)
• Decision Cards: (Prepared by teacher, see examples below)

Instructions:

1. Divide into Small Groups: Students will work in groups of 3-4.
2. Start at the Beginning: Each group places their token at the "Start" of the Growth Maze.
3. Take a Turn, Make a Decision: On each turn, a group draws a "Decision Card." The card will present a scenario and two choices. The group must discuss and collectively decide which path to take. Encourage them to briefly articulate why they chose that path (this is the reflection component).
4. Move and Reflect: Once a decision is made, the group moves their token along the maze board according to their choice. The path might lead them closer to the "Finish," or it might take a longer route, representing the consequences of their choices. Briefly discuss: "What was the consequence of that choice? How does it make us feel?"
5. Continue Playing: Groups continue drawing cards, making decisions, and moving through the maze until time is up or a group reaches the "Finish."

Example Decision Cards:

Card 1: Homework Helper

• Scenario: You see a classmate struggling with their homework. You know the answer.
• Choice A: Quickly give them the answer so they can finish faster.
• Choice B: Offer to explain how to find the answer, guiding them through the steps.

Card 2: Playground Problem

• Scenario: You accidentally tripped someone on the playground.
• Choice A: Pretend you didn't see anything and walk away.
• Choice B: Stop, apologize, and ask if they are okay.

Card 3: Sharing is Caring?

• Scenario: You brought a special snack to school. A friend asks for some, but it's your favorite and you only have a little.
• Choice A: Say you don't have enough to share and keep it all.
• Choice B: Share a small piece, even if it means you have less of your favorite snack.

Card 4: Speaking Up

• Scenario: You notice someone is being left out of a game.
• Choice A: Join the game and ignore the person being left out.
• Choice B: Invite the person to join your group or suggest a game everyone can play.

Discussion Prompts: Share Your Shine

Objective: To facilitate a meaningful conversation about personal insights gained from the lesson and encourage sharing reflective thoughts.

Time: 5-7 minutes (can be longer if discussion is rich)

Instructions:

• Begin by reminding students about respectful listening and sharing. Encourage them to refer back to their Worksheet: My Reflection Map or the Reading: The Power of You for ideas.
• Pose the following questions to the class. Allow time for individual thinking before inviting responses. Facilitate the discussion by encouraging elaboration and asking follow-up questions.

Discussion Questions:

1. Thinking about our lesson today, what is one new thing you discovered about yourself or how you think?
   
   
   
   

2. Was there anything surprising that came up during the Worksheet: My Reflection Map activity? What was challenging about reflecting on an experience?
   
   
   
   

3. How do you think practicing self-reflection, like we did today, can help you in school, with your friends, or at home?
   
   
   
   

4. What is one small way you could try to practice self-reflection more often in your daily life? (e.g., before bed, after a challenging moment, after a success)
   
   
   
   

5. If you could give one piece of advice to a friend about why self-reflection is important, what would it be?
   
   
   
   

Cool-Down: One Word Reflection

Objective: To quickly synthesize learning and express a key takeaway or feeling about self-reflection.

Time: 2-3 minutes

Instructions:

1. Think about everything we discussed and did today about self-reflection.
2. On a blank piece of paper or a sticky note (or just in your mind), write down one word that describes:
   • How you feel about self-reflection now, OR
   • One important thing you learned about self-reflection today.

Optional: When prompted by the teacher, you can share your word with the class or turn it in as an exit ticket.