Lesson Plan
Mirror Moment: Reflect & Rise
Students will be able to identify personal strengths and areas for growth, and articulate how self-reflection can lead to positive change within a 30-minute session.
Understanding oneself is crucial for navigating challenges and making informed decisions. This lesson helps students build resilience, set goals, and improve their overall well-being by fostering a deeper connection with their inner thoughts and feelings.
Audience
10th Grade At-Risk Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Guided discussion, interactive game, and a reflective activity.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Quick Reflection Blast Activity, My Strengths Shield Activity, My Reflection Map Activity Sheet, and Self-Reflection Slide Deck
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Self-Reflection Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
* Print or prepare the Quick Reflection Blast Activity prompts (for your reference).
* Print or prepare the My Strengths Shield Activity (one per student).
* Print or prepare the My Reflection Map Activity Sheet (one per student).
* Ensure you have markers/pens and a whiteboard/projector ready.
* Review all generated materials as needed.
Step 1
Introduction & Hook: What's Your Inner Selfie?
5 minutes
- Begin by displaying the first slide of the Self-Reflection Slide Deck and greeting students.
* Ask students: “When you look in a mirror, what do you see? What about when you look 'inside' yourself?”
* Explain that today’s lesson is about self-reflection – looking inward to understand ourselves better.
* Introduce the objective: By the end of this session, you'll be able to identify your strengths and areas for growth, and see how reflecting on them can lead to positive changes.
Step 2
Game: Quick Reflection Blast
3 minutes
- Transition by saying, "Let's warm up our reflection muscles with a Quick Reflection Blast!"
* Display the relevant slide from the Self-Reflection Slide Deck.
* Explain the rules: You will ask a quick self-reflection question, and students can share a one-word or short phrase answer if they feel comfortable. Keep it fast-paced and light.
* Use 2-3 prompts from the Quick Reflection Blast Activity like, "Name one feeling you've had this week," or "What's one small thing you're good at?"
Step 3
Activity: My Strengths Shield
7 minutes
- Distribute the My Strengths Shield Activity sheet.
* Explain the activity: Students will draw or write symbols in different sections of the shield to represent their core strengths, important values, and people/experiences that support them.
* Allow students about 5-6 minutes to work on their shields quietly. Circulate, offering encouragement.
* After individual work, ask if anyone would like to briefly share one aspect of their shield (no pressure). Debrief by asking: “How does seeing your strengths and support visually make you feel?”
Step 4
Introduction to Reflection Mapping
3 minutes
- Transition to the idea of mapping out their reflections, just like a treasure map leads to valuable insights.
* Display the relevant slide from the Self-Reflection Slide Deck explaining what a Reflection Map is.
* Introduce the My Reflection Map Activity Sheet and briefly explain its sections (Strengths, Challenges, Emotions, Goals).
Step 5
Individual Reflection Map Activity
8 minutes
- Distribute the My Reflection Map Activity Sheet.
* Instruct students to spend a few minutes quietly filling out their maps. Reassure them this is for personal reflection, not for grading.
* Circulate around the room, offering quiet encouragement and answering any questions.
* Emphasize that this is a starting point for their journey of self-discovery.
Step 6
Wrap-up: Reflect and Rise
2 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
* Conclude by reiterating the power of self-reflection to help them grow and overcome obstacles.
* Encourage them to continue using their Reflection Maps as a tool for personal growth.
* End with a positive message about their potential to
Step 7
Cool Down: One Word Reflection
3 minutes
- Have students write down one word that describes how they feel about the importance of self-reflection.
* Ask a few students to share their words and briefly explain why they chose them. Collect these as an exit ticket.
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Slide Deck
Mirror Moment: Reflect & Rise
Understanding YOU, from the inside out!
Greet students warmly. Introduce the topic of self-reflection and how it helps us understand ourselves better. Set a positive tone for introspection.
What is Self-Reflection?
It's like looking in an 'inner mirror' to:
- Understand your thoughts and feelings
- Recognize your strengths
- Identify areas where you want to grow
- Learn from your experiences
Ask students for their initial thoughts on what 'self-reflection' means. Guide them towards the idea of looking inward to understand their thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Why Bother Reflecting?
Self-reflection helps you:
- Make better choices
- Handle tough situations
- Set meaningful goals
- Boost your confidence
- Grow into your best self!
Discuss the practical benefits of self-reflection, especially for 10th-grade students. Emphasize how it helps with problem-solving, decision-making, and overall well-being.
Quick Reflection Blast!
Ready to share a quick thought?
- Listen for the question!
- Share a short answer (if you feel comfortable).
Introduce the 'Quick Reflection Blast' as a fun, fast way to get started. Explain you'll ask quick questions and students can share short answers.
Design Your Strengths Shield!
Your personal emblem of power:
- Top Left: Core Strengths 💪
- Top Right: Values & Beliefs ✨
- Bottom Half: Support System 🤝
Introduce the 'My Strengths Shield' activity. Explain that students will draw or write in each section to represent their personal strengths, important values, and people/experiences that support them. Emphasize that this is a visual representation of their inner power.
Your Inner GPS: The Reflection Map
A tool to chart your personal journey:
- Strengths: What makes you shine?
- Challenges: What areas can you improve?
- Emotions: How do you feel and why?
- Goals: What do you want to achieve?
Introduce the concept of the 'Reflection Map' as a tool for organized self-assessment. Explain it's like a personal treasure map to self-discovery.
Keep Reflecting, Keep Rising!
Self-reflection isn't a one-time thing; it's a superpower!
- Regularly check in with yourself.
- Use your Reflection Map as a guide.
- Celebrate your growth!
You've got this!
Encourage students to take their time with the Reflection Map, reminding them it's a personal journey. Stress that consistent self-reflection is a powerful habit.
Activity
Quick Reflection Blast!
Instructions: When prompted by the teacher, quickly share your response to a question or statement. There's no right or wrong answer, just a chance to share a quick thought! Listen to your classmates and be ready to share!
Potential Prompts for Teacher to Use:
- "Name one feeling you've had this week and why."
- "What's one small thing you're good at?"
- "Describe yourself in one word right now."
- "What's something you're looking forward to?"
- "Share one positive thought you had today."
- "Name a challenge you're currently facing."
Activity
My Strengths Shield: Design Your Personal Power!
Instructions: On your shield, you will represent different aspects of your personal power. This is for your eyes only, but feel free to share if you feel comfortable!.
Draw or write in each section:
1. Top Left Quarter: My Core Strengths 💪
What are you really good at? What positive qualities do you possess? (e.g., resilient, creative, kind, problem-solver, good listener)
2. Top Right Quarter: My Values & Beliefs ✨
What matters most to you? What principles guide your actions? (e.g., honesty, fairness, helping others, learning, courage)
3. Bottom Half: My Support System & Inspirations 🤝
Who are the people, groups, or even experiences that give you strength and support you? (e.g., family, friends, mentors, favorite hobbies, past successes)
Reflection Question:
How can remembering your strengths, values, and support system help you face challenges?
Activity
My Reflection Map
Instructions: This map is your personal guide to understanding yourself better. Take a few minutes to honestly reflect on each section. This is for your eyes only, so be truthful with yourself!
1. My Strengths: What makes me shine? ✨
What are you good at? What positive qualities do you possess? Think about skills, personality traits, and things you do well.
2. My Challenges: Where can I grow? 🌱
What are some areas you want to improve? What struggles or difficulties have you faced recently? It's okay to have challenges – everyone does.
3. My Emotions: How am I truly feeling? 🧭
What emotions have you felt lately? Can you identify why you felt them? Understanding your feelings is a big part of knowing yourself.
4. My Goals: What do I want to achieve? 🚀
Based on your reflections, what is one small goal you can set for yourself? This could be something you want to learn, a habit you want to start, or a challenge you want to tackle.
Remember:
- Self-reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth.
- Be kind to yourself throughout this process.
- You have the power to learn and evolve!