Next-Stop Success

Kylie Taniguchi

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Next-Stop Success Lesson Plan

Students will reflect on their 3rd-grade journey by identifying proud moments, celebrate their growth, and set clear, actionable goals for 4th grade.

This lesson builds self-awareness, confidence, and goal-setting skills. Celebrating successes fosters motivation, while planning next steps empowers students for a smooth transition to 4th grade.

Audience

3rd Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided reflection, sharing, and goal-setting with individual worksheets

Materials

Reflection and Goal-Setting Worksheet, - Chart Paper, - Markers, - Sticky Notes, and - Pencils

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Print enough copies of the Reflection and Goal-Setting Worksheet for each student
Gather Chart Paper, Markers, Sticky Notes, and Pencils
On Chart Paper, prepare a heading “My 3rd Grade Journey” with a simple timeline drawn
Arrange seating in a circle or semicircle for group discussion
Review the Next-Stop Success Lesson Plan

Step 1

Welcome and Warm-Up

5 minutes

Greet students in a circle and lead a 1-minute mindful breathing exercise
Explain: “Today we’ll look back on our year, celebrate what we’ve learned, and plan for 4th grade!”
Point to the “My 3rd Grade Journey” chart paper and introduce the timeline

Step 2

Individual Reflection

7 minutes

Distribute the Reflection and Goal-Setting Worksheet
Instruct students to complete Part 1: “My Favorite 3rd Grade Memory” and “Something I’m Proud Of”
Circulate to support and encourage detail in their responses

Step 3

Partner Share

5 minutes

Pair students up and have them take turns sharing one thing from their reflection
Encourage active listening: partners should ask one question or give a compliment
After 3 minutes, invite pairs to quickly share highlights with the whole group

Step 4

Goal Setting

7 minutes

Guide students to complete Part 2 of the worksheet: “My Goal for 4th Grade” and “Steps to Achieve My Goal”
Prompt with examples (e.g., reading more, making new friends, staying organized)
Remind them to write at least two concrete steps toward their goal

Step 5

Group Celebration and Closing

6 minutes

Invite a few volunteers to share their 4th grade goal and steps
Use Sticky Notes for students to write one word about how they feel (e.g., “Excited,” “Ready”) and post around the chart
Close by celebrating each student’s work and reminding them they’re prepared for their next adventure

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Next-Stop Success

Final SEL Session with School Counselor

Reflect on your 3rd-grade journey and set goals for 4th grade.

Welcome students enthusiastically. Introduce yourself as their school counselor and explain that today is all about looking back on the year and planning for a successful 4th grade.

Welcome & Warm-Up

• Let’s take a deep breath together
• Today: Celebrate what we’ve learned and plan for 4th grade

Guide students through a 1-minute mindful breathing exercise. Model breathing in slowly for a count of 4, holding for 2, and exhaling for 4.

My 3rd Grade Journey

On our classroom timeline, recall your favorite moments and proud achievements.

What event or memory stands out to you?

Point to the “My 3rd Grade Journey” chart paper you prepared. Invite a few volunteers to name a high point on the timeline.

Reflect on Your Year

Complete Part 1 on your worksheet:

• My favorite 3rd-grade memory is…
• Something I’m proud of is…

Distribute the Reflection and Goal-Setting Worksheet. Encourage detail: ask “What made that memory special?”

Partner Share

Share one item from your reflection.
Your partner asks a question or gives a compliment.

After 3 minutes, we’ll share highlights together.

Have students turn to their partners. Remind them to listen carefully, ask a question, or give a compliment after their partner shares.

Set Your 4th Grade Goals

Complete Part 2 on your worksheet:

• My goal for 4th grade is…
• Steps to achieve my goal (write at least 2):

Show examples on the board if students get stuck (e.g., reading more books). Circulate to support clear, actionable steps.

Share & Celebrate

• Who wants to share their 4th-grade goal and steps?
• Write one word about how you feel (e.g., “Excited,” “Ready”) on a sticky note and post it around our chart.

Invite volunteers to share their goal and steps. Hand out sticky notes and markers.

You’re Ready for 4th Grade!

Congratulations on your growth and goals!

Remember: You have a plan and support as you head to 4th grade.

Praise each student: “Great work! You’ve reflected, set goals, and are ready for 4th grade.” Dismiss with enthusiasm.

Worksheet

Reflection and Goal-Setting Worksheet

Name: _______________________ Date: _______________

Part 1: Reflect on Your 3rd-Grade Journey

My favorite memory from 3rd grade is:
Something I’m proud of achieving this year is:
A challenge I faced and overcame in 3rd grade was:

Part 2: Set Your 4th-Grade Goals

My goal for 4th grade is:
This goal is important to me because:
Steps I will take to reach my goal:
a. First, I will…

b. Next, I will…
A friend or adult who can help me and how they will support me:

Great job reflecting on your 3rd-grade year and planning for 4th grade! Keep this worksheet as a reminder of your strengths and goals.