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Pause & Ponder Power-Up

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Lesson Plan

Pause & Ponder Power-Up

Students will reflect on their behavior, take ownership of their actions, and identify replacement behaviors for future success in a concise and supportive manner.

This lesson helps students quickly develop self-awareness and accountability, fostering a more positive and productive learning environment. By focusing on actionable steps, students can improve their classroom behavior and academic outcomes efficiently.

Audience

9th Grade Students with IEPs and low reading levels

Time

7-10 minutes

Approach

Concise guided reflection and self-assessment through a focused journal activity.

Materials

One copy of My Reflection Power-Up Journal per student., and Pencils or pens.

Prep

Review and Print

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction (1 minute)

1 minute

  • Greet students warmly and explain the brief purpose of the reflection: to help them learn and grow from challenging situations.
  • Emphasize that this is a safe space for honest self-reflection and not a punishment.
  • Introduce the My Reflection Power-Up Journal and briefly explain its sections. (Refer to Pause & Ponder Power-Up Slide Deck Slide 1-2)

Step 2

Guided Reflection (7 minutes)

7 minutes

  • Distribute the My Reflection Power-Up Journal to each student.
  • Read each prompt aloud, allowing students time to think and write their responses.
  • Offer support and clarification as needed, encouraging them to write as much as they feel comfortable.
  • Remind them that short, honest answers are perfectly fine. (Refer to Pause & Ponder Power-Up Slide Deck Slide 3-4)

Step 3

Wrap-Up (1-2 minutes)

1-2 minutes

  • Thank students for their honesty and effort.
  • Briefly discuss how their reflections can help them make better choices in the future.
  • Collect the journals for review.
  • End on a positive and encouraging note. (Refer to Pause & Ponder Power-Up Slide Deck Slide 5-6)
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Slide Deck

Welcome to Your Power-Up!

Today's Goal:

  • Quickly reflect on tough moments in class.
  • Understand your choices.
  • Find new ways to be awesome next time!

Welcome students and introduce the very brief purpose of today's activity: to quickly reflect on challenging moments and learn from them. Emphasize it's a supportive process for growth. (Approx. 1 minute)

What's a 'Power-Up'?

A 'Power-Up' is when you take a moment to:

  • Think about what happened.
  • Plan for a better next time.

It's like leveling up your super skills for success!

Explain that 'reflection' means taking a quick moment to think. Connect it to building 'power' for better choices. Make it clear this is about learning, not punishment.

Your Reflection Journal

Time to Think and Write!

Introduce the journal. Explain that they will be answering three concise questions in their journal. Reassure them that short, honest answers are what matters most. Read the first prompt aloud from the journal. (Approx. 7 minutes for all journal prompts)

Your Power to Choose

What can we do differently next time?

  • Taking ownership means accepting our choices.
  • It also means choosing new ways to react and behave.
  • Let's find your replacement power-ups!

Transition to the section about taking ownership and choosing new behaviors. Emphasize the power they have to change their future actions. Read the prompt about replacement behaviors.

Level Up!

You've just leveled up your reflection skills!

  • Thinking about our actions helps us grow.
  • We all make mistakes, but we can always learn from them.
  • You have the power to make great choices!

Summarize the key takeaways: quick reflection helps us grow. Emphasize that making mistakes is part of learning, and the goal is to always try to improve. (Approx. 1-2 minutes)

Stay Awesome!

Keep using your reflection power!

  • You're capable of amazing things.
  • Let's make every day a learning adventure!

Thank you for your hard work today!

End with a positive and encouraging message. Thank them for their hard work and honesty. (Approx. 1-2 minutes)

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Journal

My Reflection Power-Up Journal

Sometimes things get tough in class, and we might need a moment to pause and think. This journal is a chance for you to reflect and find your personal power-ups for next time! There are no right or wrong answers, just your honest thoughts.

1. What Happened and What Was My Part?

Briefly describe what happened that led to you leaving class. What did you say or do? What part did you play?







2. My Power-Up for Next Time!

What is one new thing you can try or say next time if you start to feel frustrated or challenged in class? What is your new "replacement behavior"?







3. How can I make things better today?







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