Lesson Plan
New Beginnings Reflection Plan
Students will reflect on their feelings, set personal goals, and identify strategies for success as they transition to secondary school, fostering confidence and excitement
This activity builds self-awareness, reduces transition anxiety, and empowers students to set actionable goals for the upcoming year, laying the foundation for a positive secondary school experience
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Prompted self-reflection and peer sharing to set goals and build confidence
Materials
Pens and Paper, New Beginnings Reflection Worksheet, and Sticky Notes
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print one copy of New Beginnings Reflection Worksheet for each student
- Gather pens or pencils for each student
- Provide sticky notes and designate a board or wall space for posting
- Review the lesson flow and prompts
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Welcome students and introduce the activity’s purpose: reflecting on transition feelings and goals
- Ask each student to think of one word describing how they feel about moving to secondary school
- Have students write their word on a sticky note and place it on the board
- Briefly scan the board and highlight common themes
Step 2
Main Reflection Activity
20 minutes
- Distribute the New Beginnings Reflection Worksheet
- Students complete three sections: 1) Feelings—describe emotions about transition; 2) Goals—list two academic and two personal goals; 3) Strategies—identify actions to achieve goals and manage challenges
- Circulate to support students, prompting deeper thinking as needed
- Encourage honest, thoughtful responses
Step 3
Cool-Down
5 minutes
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to share a key insight or goal from their worksheet
- Highlight positive strategies and common goals shared
- Reinforce that students can revisit this worksheet throughout the year for guidance
- Thank students for their participation and enthusiasm
Slide Deck
New Beginnings Reflection
Welcome to our Reflection Activity!
Building confidence and excitement for your transition to secondary school.
Welcome students, introduce yourself, and set a positive tone. Explain that today’s session is about reflecting on their upcoming move to secondary school and setting themselves up for success.
Objectives
• Reflect on how you feel about moving to secondary school
• Set personal academic and personal goals
• Identify strategies to achieve your goals and overcome challenges
Read the objectives aloud, emphasizing why each one matters. Invite nods or quick thumbs-up to ensure understanding.
Warm-Up Activity
- Think of one word that describes how you feel about moving to secondary school.
- Write it on a sticky note.
- Place your sticky note on the board.
Observe and discuss common themes!
Explain the warm-up steps clearly. Distribute sticky notes and pens. Circulate as students write and post. Highlight 2–3 common words when sharing.
Main Reflection: Worksheet Overview
Grab your New Beginnings Reflection Worksheet.
Complete all three sections:
• Feelings
• Goals
• Strategies
Hand out the New Beginnings Reflection Worksheet. Show the link on screen. Walk through the layout: three sections to complete in the next 20 minutes.
Section 1: Feelings
• Describe your top 2–3 emotions about this transition.
• Explain why you feel each emotion.
Tip: Be honest and detailed!
Encourage honest, detailed responses. Walk around and prompt deeper thinking: “Why does that feeling matter to you?”
Section 2: Goals
• List 2 academic goals (e.g., improve study habits).
• List 2 personal goals (e.g., make new friends).
Tip: Make your goals specific and realistic!
Remind students to make goals S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). Offer examples as needed.
Section 3: Strategies
• For each goal, identify 1–2 actions you can take.
• Note any challenges and how you’ll overcome them.
Tip: Consider resources and people who can help.
Prompt students to think of actions and supports. Ask, “Who can help you?” and “What steps will you take?” as you circulate.
Cool-Down & Share
- Volunteers share one key insight or goal.
- Celebrate positive strategies.
- Remember: Revisit this worksheet anytime throughout the year!
Thank you for participating!
Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one insight or goal. Praise effort and positivity. Remind students they can revisit their worksheet anytime.
Worksheet
New Beginnings Reflection Worksheet
Section 1: Feelings
Describe 2–3 emotions you have about moving to secondary school. For each emotion, explain why you feel that way.
- Emotion: ________________________________
Why?
- Emotion: ________________________________
Why?
- Emotion (optional): _____________________
Why?
Section 2: Goals
List 2 academic goals and 2 personal goals. Make them as specific and realistic as possible.
Academic Goal 1:
Academic Goal 2:
Personal Goal 1:
Personal Goal 2:
Section 3: Strategies
For each goal, identify 1–2 actions you can take and any challenges you might face along with how you’ll overcome them.
Goal 1 (specify which above):
Actions:
Challenges & Solutions:
Goal 2 (specify which above):
Actions:
Challenges & Solutions:
Use this reflection to guide your transition—refer back any time you need a reminder of your feelings, goals, and strategies for success.
(Worksheet for: New Beginnings Reflection Plan)
Cool Down
Transition Exit Ticket
Time: 5 minutes
Materials: Pen/ Pencil & paper
Please respond to each prompt below. Hand your exit ticket to me before you leave.
- One thing I feel more confident about after today’s activity is:
- The personal goal I’m most excited to work on is:
- The strategy I plan to use first to achieve my goal is:
- On a scale of 1–5, how confident do you feel about starting secondary school?
( ) 1 — Not confident ( ) 2 ( ) 3 ( ) 4 ( ) 5 — Very confident
Thank you for your honest feedback! Your responses will help shape our next steps.
Warm Up
Sticky Word Warm-Up
Time: 5 minutes
Materials: Sticky Notes & Pens/Markers
- Think of one word that best describes how you feel about moving to secondary school.
- Write your word clearly on a sticky note.
- Place your sticky note on our designated board or wall space.
- Once everyone has posted their word, take a moment to read the words on the board.
- As a class, identify 2–3 common themes (for example, excitement, nervousness, curiosity).
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to share why they chose their word and what it means to them.
Use this quick activity to surface feelings and set the tone for our deeper reflection on goals and strategies for success!