New Beginnings Reflection

Arrunna Galuh

Tier 1

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

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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!