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My School Year Preview

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Lesson Plan

Individual Welcome Back Plan

In this 30-minute one-on-one session, a 4th grader will share feelings about returning to school, set one simple academic and one personal goal, and create a drawing to express hopes and worries.

Starting the year with an emotional check-in and goal-setting builds trust, boosts confidence, and helps students feel supported as they transition back to school.

Audience

4th Grade, Elementary School Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided questions, personalized goal worksheet, and drawing reflection.

Materials

Feelings Check Question Cards, Goal Setting Worksheet, Drawing Reflection Page, Pencil, Crayons or Colored Pencils, and Timer

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Build Rapport

5 minutes

  • Greet the student warmly and chat briefly about their summer or interests
  • Explain that today’s session is a safe space to share feelings and ideas
  • Emphasize confidentiality and that there are no right or wrong answers

Step 2

Feelings Check

10 minutes

  • Present the Feelings Check Question Cards face down
  • Invite the student to draw one card and read the question aloud
  • Encourage the student to answer and ask one follow-up (e.g., “Can you tell me more?”)
  • Repeat for 2–3 cards, gauging comfort level and depth of sharing

Step 3

Goal Setting

8 minutes

  • Hand the student the Goal Setting Worksheet
  • Explain: choose one learning goal (e.g., improving reading skills) and one personal goal (e.g., making a new friend)
  • Model a simple example, then let the student write each goal and one small first step
  • Praise specific ideas to reinforce confidence

Step 4

Drawing Reflection

5 minutes

  • Give the student the Drawing Reflection Page
  • Ask them to draw something that shows a hope or worry they have about school
  • After drawing, invite them to explain their picture and what it means to them

Step 5

Closing & Next Steps

2 minutes

  • Summarize what was shared and highlight their goals and insights
  • Reinforce that you’re available for support anytime
  • Collect all materials and thank the student for their honesty and effort
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Worksheet

Feelings Check Question Cards

Instructions: Cut along the lines to make individual cards. Shuffle them, draw one card at a time, read the question out loud, and share your answer. Use the space under each question to jot down your thoughts or draw a quick picture.

1. How do you feel about coming back to school?


2. What is something you’re excited about this year?


3. Is there anything that makes you nervous or worried about school?


4. Name one fun thing you did over the summer that made you happy.


5. Who are you looking forward to seeing at school and why?


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Worksheet

Goal Setting Worksheet

Instructions: Think about one school goal and one personal goal you want to achieve this year. For each goal, write what it is and one small first step you can take.

1. My Learning Goal

What is one thing you want to get better at in school?
Goal:





What is one small step you can do this week to work on your learning goal?
First Step:


2. My Personal Goal

What is one thing you want to do or improve outside of class (like making friends, a hobby, or feeling more confident)?
Goal:





What is one small step you can do this week to work on your personal goal?
First Step:


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Worksheet

Drawing Reflection Page

Instructions: Use the space below to draw a picture that shows one hope or one worry you have about coming back to school. Be creative and take your time!

(Drawing Area)











After you finish your drawing, use the lines below to explain what you drew and why it represents your hope or worry.

  1. What did you draw?






  1. Why does this picture show your hope or worry about school?






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My School Year Preview • Lenny Learning