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Reflect & Grow

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Lesson Plan

Reflect & Grow Lesson Plan

Students will reflect on their 6th grade transition, identify coping skills used, note challenges and successes, and set three personal goals for 7th grade.

Reflecting on experiences fosters self-awareness, reinforces coping strategies, and builds confidence as students prepare for middle school advancement and social-emotional growth.

Audience

6th Grade Students with Autism

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided reflection worksheet and group discussion with visuals.

Materials

Reflect & Grow Reflection Worksheet, Pencils, Timer or Stopwatch, and Whiteboard and Markers

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print one copy of the Reflect & Grow Reflection Worksheet for each student.
  • Gather pencils and set a timer or stopwatch.
  • Arrange seating in a circle or U-shape for group discussion.
  • Prepare a whiteboard or chart paper to record shared reflections and goals.
  • Review each student’s IEP/504 plan for communication or time accommodations.

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Welcome students and explain that they will look back on their first year of middle school.
  • Display the session agenda on the whiteboard.
  • Briefly revisit key coping skills learned this year (e.g., deep breathing, break signals).

Step 2

Individual Reflection

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Reflect & Grow Reflection Worksheet.
  • Instruct students to complete each section:
    • How was your transition to middle school?
    • What coping skills did you learn and use?
    • What was hard or easy about 6th grade?
  • Offer one-on-one support or visual cue cards as needed.
  • Monitor pacing and prompt students if they get stuck.

Step 3

Group Sharing

5 minutes

  • Invite volunteers to share one highlight or challenge from their worksheet.
  • Record common themes and coping skills on the whiteboard.
  • Encourage respectful listening and positive feedback.

Step 4

Goal Setting

5 minutes

  • Ask students to write at least three SMART goals for 7th grade on their worksheet.
  • Provide example goals visually (e.g., “Ask one question in class each week”).
  • Offer support to clarify and adjust goals.
  • Collect worksheets for review and future reference.
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Worksheet

Reflect & Grow Reflection Worksheet

Welcome! Use this worksheet to look back on your 6th grade year and plan for 7th grade. Feel free to draw or use words.

1. Transition to Middle School 🏫

How did you feel when you started middle school? What was one big change you noticed?











2. Coping Skills 🛠

What coping skills did you learn and use this year? (e.g., deep breathing, break signals, asking for help)







3. Challenges & Successes 🌟

a) What was hard about 6th grade?







b) What was easy or fun in 6th grade?






4. Goals for 7th Grade 🎯

Write three SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) you want to reach next year.






2. __________________________________________





3. __________________________________________




Good luck! Remember to share one of your reflections during our group discussion.

lenny
lenny