Lesson Plan
Next Chapter Reflection
Guide 10th graders to reflect on their growth this year, celebrate achievements, and set clear academic and personal goals for next year to boost self-awareness and motivation.
This end-of-year reflection helps students process experiences, recognize strengths, identify areas for growth, and enter the next year with focused, realistic goals and renewed confidence.
Audience
10th Grade High School Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Structured reflection and goal-setting activities.
Materials
Reflection Worksheet, Goal-Setting Worksheet, Whiteboard or Chart Paper, Markers, Sticky Notes, and Timer
Prep
Gather and Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print enough copies of the Reflection Worksheet and Goal-Setting Worksheet for each student
- Set up the whiteboard or chart paper and provide markers
- Place sticky notes and pens at each desk or table
- Test the timer to ensure clear time signals
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Welcome students and explain that today’s session focuses on celebrating their progress and planning ahead
- Ask each student to take a sticky note and write one accomplishment they’re proud of this year
- Invite volunteers to briefly share their sticky-note achievement and post it on the board/chart paper
Step 2
Reflective Journaling
10 minutes
- Distribute the Reflection Worksheet
- Instruct students to complete three sections: 1) Key successes, 2) Challenges overcome, 3) Lessons learned
- Circulate to support students who need prompts or clarification
Step 3
Goal-Setting Activity
10 minutes
- Hand out the Goal-Setting Worksheet
- Ask students to identify two academic goals and two personal or social-emotional goals for the upcoming year
- Encourage them to use SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
- Remind students to write at least one action step under each goal
Step 4
Cool-Down and Share-Out
5 minutes
- Invite a few students to share one goal and its action step with the class
- Highlight common themes and reinforce positivity and support
- Conclude by reminding students that reflection and goal-setting are ongoing processes and they can revisit their worksheets anytime
Slide Deck
Next Chapter Reflection
An end-of-year reflection to celebrate growth, set goals, and energize for next year.
Welcome students and set a positive tone. Introduce the title and main purpose: reflect on this year’s growth, celebrate successes, and plan for next year.
Agenda
• Warm-Up (5 min): Celebrate achievements
• Reflective Journaling (10 min): Worksheet
• Goal-Setting (10 min): SMART goals
• Share-Out & Wrap-Up (5 min)
Briefly walk through each item and time allocation. Emphasize that we’ll use a timer to keep on track.
Warm-Up: Celebrate Achievements
- Take a sticky note and write one accomplishment you’re proud of this year.
- Share with a partner or volunteer.
- Post your note on the board.
Model by sharing one of your own proud accomplishments. Encourage students to write honestly and cheer for each other.
Reflective Journaling
Distribute the Reflection Worksheet.
Complete three sections:
• Key successes
• Challenges overcome
• Lessons learned
Explain each section clearly. Circulate to prompt students who need ideas or reassurance.
Reflection Prompts
• What was your biggest success and why?
• Which challenge taught you the most?
• What strategies helped you grow?
Use these prompts for students who stall. Encourage depth—specific examples rather than general comments.
Goal-Setting Activity
Distribute the Goal-Setting Worksheet.
Identify:
• 2 academic goals
• 2 personal/social-emotional goals
Include at least one action step under each goal.
Clarify instructions and highlight that each goal needs at least one concrete action step.
SMART Goals
Specific: Clear and detailed
Measurable: Quantifiable progress
Achievable: Realistic yet challenging
Relevant: Meaningful to you
Time-bound: Deadlines set
Review SMART criteria. Invite students to revise one of their goals to make it SMART.
Share-Out & Wrap-Up
• Invite a few students to share one goal and action step.
• Highlight common themes and reinforce support.
• Remind students that reflection and goal-setting are ongoing processes.
Select a few volunteers to share. Reinforce positive feedback and note common themes.
Keep Reflecting and Growing
Reflection and goal-setting are ongoing. You have the tools to continue your journey with confidence!
Close with encouragement. Remind students they can revisit their worksheets anytime and seek support as needed.
Worksheet
Reflection Worksheet
Use this worksheet to think back on your year. Be honest and detailed in your responses.
1. Key Successes
Think about your proudest moments from this year. List three accomplishments and explain why each one is meaningful to you.
- Achievement: ________________________________________________
Why it matters: ________________________________________________
- Achievement: ________________________________________________
Why it matters: ________________________________________________
- Achievement: ________________________________________________
Why it matters: ________________________________________________
2. Challenges Overcome
Reflect on a significant challenge you faced this year. Describe the challenge and how you addressed it.
Challenge description: __________________________________________
Steps I took to overcome it: _____________________________________
3. Lessons Learned
What important lessons or strategies did you learn from your successes and challenges? How will these guide you next year?
Lessons and insights: __________________________________________
When you’ve completed this reflection, you’re ready to move on to goal-setting! Pick up the Goal-Setting Worksheet next. Good work reflecting on your growth!
Worksheet
Goal-Setting Worksheet
Use this worksheet to identify two academic goals and two personal or social-emotional goals for the upcoming year. Make each goal SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). For each goal, write at least one action step you will take to reach it.
Academic Goals
Goal 1
Goal Statement: ________________________________________________
Specific: ________________________________________________
Measurable: ________________________________________________
Achievable: ________________________________________________
Relevant: ________________________________________________
Time-bound: ________________________________________________
Action Step(s):
Goal 2
Goal Statement: ________________________________________________
Specific: ________________________________________________
Measurable: ________________________________________________
Achievable: ________________________________________________
Relevant: ________________________________________________
Time-bound: ________________________________________________
Action Step(s):
Personal/Social-Emotional Goals
Goal 1
Goal Statement: ________________________________________________
Specific: ________________________________________________
Measurable: ________________________________________________
Achievable: ________________________________________________
Relevant: ________________________________________________
Time-bound: ________________________________________________
Action Step(s):
Goal 2
Goal Statement: ________________________________________________
Specific: ________________________________________________
Measurable: ________________________________________________
Achievable: ________________________________________________
Relevant: ________________________________________________
Time-bound: ________________________________________________
Action Step(s):
Review your goals regularly. You can revisit both the Reflection Worksheet and this Goal-Setting Worksheet throughout the year to track your progress and adjust your action steps.