Lesson Plan
Session 1 Lesson Plan
Students will introduce themselves through an icebreaker, complete an “All About Me” worksheet, and reflect on shared interests to begin building classroom connections.
Establishing a welcoming environment on day one helps students feel valued and connected, setting the tone for a supportive classroom community.
Audience
5th Grade
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Interactive sharing and reflection.
Materials
Name Tags, Markers, All About Me Worksheet, Chart Paper and Markers, and Index Cards
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Print a copy of the All About Me Worksheet for each student
- Create enough name tags for all students and a few extras
- Prepare chart paper with two columns labeled “Similar Interests” and “Unique Facts”
- Arrange desks in a semi-circle to facilitate sharing
- Gather markers, index cards, and any icebreaker prompts
Step 1
Welcome and Warm-Up
10 minutes
- Greet students at the door by name and hand out name tags
- Briefly introduce yourself: share 2–3 facts about your background and interests
- Explain today’s goals: getting to know one another and starting our classroom community
Step 2
Icebreaker: Find a Friend
15 minutes
- Distribute an index card to each student
- Ask students to write one hobby or interest on the card (no names)
- Collect cards, shuffle, and redistribute randomly
- Students mingle to find the person whose interest matches the one on their card
- Once matched, partners introduce each other to the class with that shared interest
Step 3
Main Activity: All About Me Worksheet
20 minutes
- Hand out the All About Me Worksheet
- Students complete sections on personal background, favorite activities, and goals for 5th grade
- Encourage drawings or decorations to reflect their personalities
- As students finish, invite volunteers to share one thing they learned about a classmate
Step 4
Group Reflection
10 minutes
- Gather students around the chart paper
- Invite volunteers to share something they discovered they have in common with someone else; record under “Similar Interests”
- Ask for unique facts learned and record under “Unique Facts”
- Highlight the variety of strengths and interests in the class
- Conclude by reiterating the value of knowing and respecting each other
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Slide Deck
Session 1: Getting to Know Each Other
Welcome to “Our Class, Our Stories”
Today’s Agenda:
• Icebreaker: Find a Friend
• Main Activity: All About Me Worksheet
• Group Reflection
Welcome students as they enter. Introduce yourself with 2–3 personal facts. Explain that today we will begin building our classroom community by getting to know one another.
Today's Objectives
By the end of this session, students will:
- Introduce themselves through an icebreaker activity
- Complete the All About Me Worksheet
- Reflect and share similarities and unique facts with classmates
Read each objective aloud. Emphasize that everyone’s story is valuable and that sharing helps us learn and respect one another.
Icebreaker: Find a Friend
- Write one hobby or interest on your index card (no names).
- Collect all cards, shuffle, and redistribute randomly.
- Mingle to find the person whose interest matches your card.
- When matched, introduce your partner and their interest to the class.
Distribute one index card per student. Model writing your own hobby on a card. Shuffle and hand cards back. Monitor pairs as they search and support quieter students.
Main Activity: All About Me Worksheet
• Complete sections on:
– Personal background (family, home)
– Favorite activities and hobbies
– Goals for 5th grade
• Add drawings, stickers, or colors to personalize your page
• Volunteers may share one thing they learned about someone else.
Hand out the All About Me Worksheet. Encourage students to decorate and add drawings. Circulate to ask follow-up questions and prompt deeper thinking.
Group Reflection
Let’s share what we discovered:
• Similar Interests:
– What hobbies or likes did you have in common?
• Unique Facts:
– What surprised you or was completely new?
Discuss why knowing each other helps us learn and collaborate.
Bring students together around the chart paper. Record responses under the two columns. Highlight how both similarities and differences make our class stronger.
Worksheet
Session 1 All About Me Worksheet
Welcome! Use colors, drawings, and stickers to make this page your own. Fill in each section so we can get to know you better!
1. Full Name:
2. Nickname (if you have one):
3. Birthday & Age:
4. Describe Your Family:
5. My Favorite Subject in School:
6. My Favorite Hobbies & Activities:
7. Something I’m Really Good At:
8. One Thing I Want to Learn This Year:
9. My Goals for 5th Grade:
10. A Fun Fact About Me:
11. My Favorite Book or Movie:
12. Draw a Self-Portrait Here:
Great job! Be ready to share one thing you added when we come together as a class.
Warm Up
Session 1 Warm-Up: Name Tag Personalization
Welcome to our first day! Let’s get started by making a name tag that shows who you are. You’ll use your blank name tag and markers to share your name and a few things you love.
Materials: Blank Name Tag, Markers
Time: 10 minutes
1. Write Your Name Clearly:
2. Thing You Love #1:
3. Thing You Love #2:
4. Thing You Love #3:
5. Draw One of Those Things Here:
When the timer rings, find a partner and share one of the things you added to your name tag. Then, pin your name tag on and get ready for our next activity!
Cool Down
Session 1 Cool-Down: Reflection Exit Ticket
Name:
Date:
1. Something new I learned about a classmate:
2. One word that describes how I felt during today’s icebreaker:
3. One thing I enjoyed most today and why:
4. Something I’d like to learn about a classmate next time:
5. One promise I will make to help our classroom community be welcoming:
Great work today! Be ready to share one of your reflections with a partner before you head out.
Lesson Plan
Session 2 Lesson Plan
Students will explore and share their family heritage through a mapping activity, discuss traditions to build empathy, and collaboratively create a class mural that reflects our diverse backgrounds.
Honoring each student’s cultural and family background fosters respect, empathy, and a stronger classroom community by celebrating our unique stories.
Audience
5th Grade
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Mapping and collaborative art.
Materials
Family Heritage Map Worksheet, Large Mural Paper, Chart Paper and Markers, Colored Pencils, Sticky Notes, and Glue Sticks and Scissors
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Print a copy of the Family Heritage Map Worksheet for each student
- Secure a large sheet of mural paper on a classroom wall or bulletin board space
- Gather Chart Paper and Markers for group sharing
- Arrange tables with Colored Pencils, Glue Sticks, Scissors, and Sticky Notes
- Review students’ seating so each small group has room to work on the mural
Step 1
Warm-Up: Family Heritage Mapping
15 minutes
- Hand out the Family Heritage Map Worksheet
- Students fill in sections: family origins, traditions, favorite family foods, special celebrations
- Encourage drawings and labels to make their maps personal
- Circulate and ask students to share one unique tradition with you
Step 2
Gallery Share
15 minutes
- Post completed maps around the room on chart paper
- Students walk in small groups to view classmates’ maps
- Each student places a Sticky Note on one map and writes a question or positive comment about that classmate’s heritage
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to share what they noticed or asked
Step 3
Main Activity: Collaborative Class Mural
20 minutes
- Divide students into small groups and assign each group a section of the mural paper
- Ask groups to illustrate elements from their maps (cultural symbols, traditions, favorite foods)
- Provide Glue Sticks and Scissors for students to add small illustrations or printed photos if available
- As groups work, encourage discussion about why each element is meaningful
- Once complete, bring focus to the whole mural and admire the diversity of backgrounds
Step 4
Cool-Down: Reflection and Commitments
10 minutes
- Give each student a Sticky Note
- Ask students to write one thing they learned about a classmate’s heritage and one promise to honor our community’s diversity
- Students stick their notes on the mural border
- Conclude by reading a few commitments aloud and celebrating our shared stories
Slide Deck
Session 2: Exploring Our Heritage
Welcome back to “Our Class, Our Stories!”
Today’s Agenda:
• Warm-Up: Family Heritage Mapping
• Gallery Share: Ask & Reflect
• Main Activity: Class Mural Creation
• Reflection & Commitments
Welcome students and recap what we learned in Session 1 about our personal stories. Explain that today we’ll dive into our family heritage to learn more about where we come from.
Today's Objectives
By the end of this session, students will:
- Map and share elements of their family heritage
- Ask questions and leave positive comments on classmates’ maps
- Collaboratively create a class mural reflecting our diverse traditions
- Reflect on what they learned and commit to honoring our community’s diversity
Read through the objectives. Emphasize that understanding each other’s backgrounds builds empathy and respect.
Warm-Up: Family Heritage Mapping
- Fill out your Family Heritage Map:
– Family origins (countries, regions)
– Traditions you celebrate
– Favorite family foods
– Special celebrations or stories - Add drawings, labels, or symbols to personalize your map.
Distribute the Family Heritage Map Worksheet. Model filling in one section, then circulate to support students as they work.
Gallery Share: Ask & Reflect
- Tape maps around the room.
- In small groups, walk the “gallery.”
- On each map, place a sticky note with a question or positive comment.
- Gather and invite 2–3 volunteers to share what they noticed or asked.
Explain how the gallery share works: students walk, read, and leave sticky-note feedback. Model writing a positive comment or question.
Main Activity: Collaborative Class Mural
- In groups, illustrate elements from your heritage maps on the mural:
– Cultural symbols, traditional foods, celebrations - Use colored pencils, scissors, and glue to add small cut-outs or photos.
- Talk about why each element is important as you work.
Divide students into their groups and assign each a mural section. Encourage collaboration and dialogue about the meaning behind each symbol.
Reflection & Commitments
- On a sticky note, write:
– One thing you learned about a classmate’s heritage
– One promise to honor our community’s diversity - Place your note around the mural border.
- Share a few commitments aloud and celebrate our shared stories.
Hand each student a sticky note. Ask them to reflect quietly, then post their commitment on the mural border. Read a few aloud to close.
Worksheet
Session 2 Family Heritage Map Worksheet
Let’s explore our family heritage! Use words, drawings, labels, and colors to make your map personal and meaningful.
1. My Family’s Origins (Country, Region, or Place of Origin):
2. Traditions We Celebrate (Describe at least two traditions your family practices):
3. Favorite Family Foods (List your family’s favorite dishes or draw them below):
4. Special Celebrations or Stories (Describe one memorable celebration or family story):
5. Draw Your Family Heritage Map
Use this space to draw a map showing where your family has lived or where important traditions come from. Add arrows, labels, symbols, or flags to highlight key places and practices.
Great work! Be prepared to share one thing you added to your map during our class discussion.
Warm Up
Session 2 Warm-Up: Heritage Brainstorm
Get ready to create your family heritage map! Use this brainstorm to gather details before you dive into the full worksheet.
Materials: Pencil, Eraser
Time: 15 minutes
1. My Family’s Place of Origin (Country, Region, or City):
2. Two Traditions My Family Celebrates:
3. One Favorite Family Food:
4. A Special Celebration or Story from My Family:
5. One Question I Have About a Classmate’s Heritage:
When the timer rings, find a partner and share one tradition or story you brainstormed. Then, get ready to complete your Family Heritage Map Worksheet!
Cool Down
Session 2 Cool-Down: Heritage Reflection Exit Ticket
Name:
Date:
1. One new thing I learned about a classmate’s heritage:
2. My favorite element of the class mural and why:
3. How I felt sharing my heritage today:
4. One promise I make to celebrate or respect a classmate’s culture:
Great work today! Be ready to share one of your reflections with a partner before you head out.
Lesson Plan
Session 3 Lesson Plan
Students will recognize and celebrate their personal strengths, set actionable goals for the year, and articulate their aspirations in a letter to their future selves.
Engaging in self-reflection and goal-setting builds self-awareness, confidence, and ownership over learning, strengthening our classroom community as we support each other’s growth.
Audience
5th Grade
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Reflection, goal-setting, and creative writing.
Materials
Strengths Reflection Worksheet, Goal-Setting Worksheet, Letter to Future Self Template, Envelopes, Markers and Colored Pencils, and Sticky Notes
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Print a copy of the Strengths Reflection Worksheet, the Goal-Setting Worksheet, and the Letter to Future Self Template for each student
- Label and prepare envelopes for letters to be sealed and opened at the end of the year
- Gather markers, colored pencils, and sticky notes
- Place one envelope, one copy of each worksheet, and writing utensils at each student desk
- Prepare chart paper or wall space titled “Our Strengths” for sticky-note sharing
Step 1
Warm-Up: Strengths Share
10 minutes
- Ask students to think of one personal strength or talent they bring to our class community
- Distribute sticky notes and have each student write their strength in one sentence (no names required)
- Invite students to place their notes on the chart paper titled “Our Strengths”
- Read aloud a few examples to highlight the variety of strengths in the room
Step 2
Main Activity Part 1: Strengths Reflection
15 minutes
- Hand out the Strengths Reflection Worksheet
- Students identify and describe three personal strengths, providing one example for each
- Circulate and prompt deeper thinking by asking, “Why is this strength important to you?”
Step 3
Main Activity Part 2: Goal Setting
15 minutes
- Distribute the Goal-Setting Worksheet
- Model setting a SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
- Students write two academic or personal goals using the SMART framework
- Encourage students to think about goals they can revisit throughout the year
Step 4
Main Activity Part 3: Letter to Future Self
15 minutes
- Provide each student with the Letter to Future Self Template and an envelope
- Instruct students to write a letter to themselves that includes:
- A summary of their strengths
- Their SMART goals for the year
- Encouragement and hopes for their future selves
- Once finished, students seal their letters in envelopes addressed to themselves and submit to the teacher for safekeeping
Step 5
Cool-Down: Share and Commit
5 minutes
- Invite volunteers to share one goal or hope they wrote in their letters
- Reinforce that the class will revisit these goals and letters later in the school year to celebrate progress
- Close by affirming that each student’s strengths and goals help our community grow stronger together
Slide Deck
Session 3: Celebrating Strengths & Setting Goals
Welcome back to “Our Class, Our Stories!”
Today’s Agenda:
• Warm-Up: Strengths Share
• Strengths Reflection Worksheet
• Goal-Setting Worksheet
• Letter to Future Self
• Share & Commit
Welcome students and recap what we’ve done in Sessions 1 & 2. Explain that today we’ll celebrate our strengths, set goals, and write letters to our future selves.
Today's Objectives
By the end of this session, students will:
- Identify and share one personal strength with the class
- Reflect on three strengths using the Strengths Reflection Worksheet
- Write two SMART goals using the Goal-Setting Worksheet
- Compose a letter to their future selves summarizing strengths and goals
Read each objective aloud. Emphasize that knowing our strengths and setting goals helps us support each other’s growth.
Warm-Up: Strengths Share
- Think of one strength or talent you bring to our class community
- Write it in one sentence on a sticky note (no name needed)
- Place your note on the chart paper titled “Our Strengths”
- We’ll read a few examples to celebrate our talents
Distribute sticky notes. Model writing a strength like “I am a good listener.” Have students post notes and then read a few aloud.
Main Activity: Strengths Reflection
• On the worksheet, list three personal strengths
• For each strength, provide a specific example
• Think about why each strength is important to you and our community
Hand out the Strengths Reflection Worksheet. Circulate and ask students to explain why each strength matters.
Main Activity: Goal Setting
• Use the Goal-Setting Worksheet
• Write two goals following the SMART framework:
– Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
• Be ready to share one of your goals
Model writing a SMART goal, such as “I will read one chapter book each month by December.” Then support students as they draft their own.
Main Activity: Letter to Future Self
• Take the Letter to Future Self Template
• Write a letter that includes:
– A summary of your three strengths
– Your two SMART goals for the year
– Encouragement or hopes for your future self
• Seal your letter in an envelope for the end of the year
Show an example letter opening and closing. Remind students to include their strengths and goals.
Cool-Down: Share & Commit
- Volunteers share one goal or encouragement from their letter
- Discuss how we can support each other’s strengths and goals
- Close by affirming that our combined talents and aspirations make our class community strong
Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one goal or hope from their letters. Remind students that we will revisit these letters later.
Worksheet
Session 3 Strengths Reflection Worksheet
Instructions: Think about three personal strengths you bring to our class community. For each strength, use full sentences and specific examples to complete the sections below.
Strength 1
Name this strength:
Example: Describe a time you used this strength:
Why it matters to you and our class:
Strength 2
Name this strength:
Example: Describe a time you used this strength:
Why it matters to you and our class:
Strength 3
Name this strength:
Example: Describe a time you used this strength:
Why it matters to you and our class:
Be prepared to share one of your strengths and explain how it helps our classroom community grow stronger.
Worksheet
Session 3 Goal-Setting Worksheet
Instructions: A strong goal is SMART:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
Use the guiding questions below to write two SMART goals you can revisit throughout the year.
Goal 1
My Goal:
Specific (What exactly do I want to accomplish?):
Measurable (How will I know I’ve succeeded?):
Achievable (Can I realistically do this with my current resources?):
Relevant (Why is this goal important to me?):
Time-bound (What is my deadline?):
Goal 2
My Goal:
Specific (What exactly do I want to accomplish?):
Measurable (How will I know I’ve succeeded?):
Achievable (Can I realistically do this with my current resources?):
Relevant (Why is this goal important to me?):
Time-bound (What is my deadline?):
Great work! Be ready to share one of your SMART goals with a partner before sealing your letter to your future self.
Worksheet
Session 3 Future Self Letter Template
Instructions: Write a letter to your future self. Include your strengths, your SMART goals for the year, and some words of encouragement. When you’re done, seal this letter in the provided envelope for us to open at the end of the school year.
Dear Future Me,
Today, I want to remember three strengths I bring to our class community:
- Strength 1:
- Strength 2:
- Strength 3:
My two SMART goals for this year are:
- Goal 1:
- Specific:
- Measurable:
- Achievable:
- Relevant:
- Time-bound:
- Specific:
- Goal 2:
- Specific:
- Measurable:
- Achievable:
- Relevant:
- Time-bound:
- Specific:
Here is some encouragement for you if things get challenging:
One thing I’m looking forward to by the end of the year is:
Remember to believe in yourself, keep working toward your goals, and celebrate how much you grow.
Sincerely,
Your Name (Today):
Date:
Great work! Seal your letter in the envelope and we’ll revisit it together at the end of the school year.
Warm Up
Session 3 Warm-Up: Strengths Brainstorm
Let’s kick off today by celebrating what makes each of us unique. We’ll use sticky notes to share one personal strength with the class.
Materials: Sticky Notes, Marker
Time: 10 minutes
1. Think of One Strength:
What’s one talent, skill, or strength you bring to our classroom community?
2. Write It on a Sticky Note:
Use a complete sentence (no names needed).
3. Post on “Our Strengths” Chart:
Walk up and add your note to the chart paper titled Our Strengths.
4. Gallery Walk & Partner Share:
• Take a quick walk to read a few classmates’ strengths.
• Find a partner and share one strength you posted and why you chose it.
When the timer rings, we’ll gather to read aloud a few strengths and celebrate our class’ diverse talents!
Cool Down
Session 3 Cool-Down: Goal Reflection & Commitments
Name:
Date:
1. One goal I will focus on next week and the first step I’ll take to work toward it:
2. One way I will support a classmate’s goal:
3. Something I’m most excited to work on:
4. A promise I will make to help our class community reach our goals:
Great work today! Be ready to share one of your commitments with a partner before you head out.
Discussion
Family Heritage Gallery Discussion
Let’s dive deeper into what we explored during the gallery share. Use these guidelines and questions to guide our conversation.
Discussion Guidelines
- Listen respectfully and allow each person to finish speaking before you respond.
- Speak clearly and use kind, curious language.
- Ask open-ended questions to learn more (e.g., “Can you tell me why…?”).
- Build on each other’s ideas—say “I noticed…” or “I agree because…”
Discussion Questions
- Noticing similarities:
• What traditions or foods did you see that are like your own family’s?
• How do those shared traditions make you feel connected? - Spotting uniqueness:
• Which family celebration or tradition surprised you the most?
• What made that tradition special or different from yours? - Deepening understanding:
• Pick one sticky-note question you left on someone’s map. Ask the author to share more about that tradition or origin.
• What new details did you learn from their answer? - Making connections:
• How might learning about classmates’ heritages help us work together better?
• In what ways can we celebrate these traditions in our daily class activities? - Reflect & share:
• One thing I learned today that surprised me:
Next Steps
- Think about how we can include a new tradition or symbol on our collaborative mural based on today’s discussion.
- Use what you learned to ask respectful, curious questions in future conversations.
Great discussion, everyone! Remember: our diverse heritages make our classroom stronger and more vibrant.
Rubric
All About Me Worksheet Rubric
Use this rubric to assess students’ Session 1 All About Me Worksheet on four key criteria. Circle or record the score (4–1) that best describes each student’s work, then provide targeted feedback.
| Criteria | 4 – Excellent | 3 – Proficient | 2 – Developing | 1 – Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Completeness | All sections are fully completed with detailed responses. No blank or skipped items. | Most sections are complete; 1–2 minor sections lack detail or are partially blank. | Several sections are incomplete or too brief; some blanks remain. | Many sections are missing or left blank; minimal effort to complete the worksheet. |
| Detail & Depth | Provides rich, specific information and examples (e.g., vivid descriptions, clear goals). | Provides clear information and simple examples; some sections could use more depth. | Responses are general or vague; few examples or specifics included. | Responses are one-word or single-phrase only; lacks supporting detail or examples. |
| Creativity & Presentation | Worksheet is attractively decorated (colors, drawings) and reflects strong effort/individuality. | Worksheet shows some decoration (color, drawings); personal touches are evident. | Limited decoration or personalization; mostly plain writing without illustrations. | No decoration or personal flair; worksheet appears rushed or lacks visual engagement. |
| Reflection & Connection | Responses show self-awareness and thoughtful reflection (how strengths/goals connect to self). | Responses include basic reflection; some connection to personal strengths or goals. | Little reflection; connections to self or goals are superficial or unclear. | No evidence of reflection or connection to personal background, interests, or goals. |
Scoring Guide:
• 4 – Exceeds expectations; exemplary work.
• 3 – Meets grade-level expectations; solid work.
• 2 – Approaching expectations; needs more development.
• 1 – Below expectations; significant support needed.
Next Steps for Students:
- Review any sections marked 2 or 1 and add specific details or examples.
- Enhance creativity by adding more drawings, colors, or personal symbols.
- Reflect on why each response matters to build deeper self-awareness.