Lesson Plan
Reflect, Reset, Rise!
Students will reflect on their academic progress and social-emotional growth, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and set intentions for approaching interim assessments and the new year.
This lesson empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey, foster self-awareness, and develop proactive strategies for academic and personal success during a critical time of year.
Audience
5th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through guided reflection and goal-setting activities.
Materials
- Reflect, Reset, Rise! Slide Deck, - Warm-Up: My December Check-In, - Icebreaker: Interim Assessment Thoughts, - Growth Mindset Journal, and - Pencils or pens
Prep
Review Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Reflect, Reset, Rise! Lesson Plan, Reflect, Reset, Rise! Slide Deck, Warm-Up: My December Check-In, Icebreaker: Interim Assessment Thoughts, and Growth Mindset Journal to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
- Ensure all digital materials are accessible and ready for display.
- Make copies of the Warm-Up: My December Check-In, Icebreaker: Interim Assessment Thoughts, and Growth Mindset Journal for each student.
Step 1
Warm-Up: My December Check-In
5 minutes
- Distribute the Warm-Up: My December Check-In to each student.
- Instruct students to complete the warm-up independently, reflecting on their school year so far. Tell them there are no right or wrong answers, just honest reflection.
- After 3-4 minutes, briefly ask for volunteers to share one thought from their check-in (optional, depending on class comfort level).
Step 2
Introduction & Report Card Reflection
4 minutes
- Display the Reflect, Reset, Rise! Slide Deck (Slide 1 & 2).
- Use the script to introduce the lesson, highlighting the importance of reflection and growth.
- Guide students through a brief discussion about their report card conferences, encouraging them to think about what was celebrated and what areas were identified for growth. Emphasize that grades are a snapshot, not the whole picture.
Step 3
Icebreaker: Interim Assessment Thoughts
4 minutes
- Distribute the Icebreaker: Interim Assessment Thoughts to each student.
- Ask students to complete the icebreaker independently, reflecting on their initial thoughts or questions about interim assessments.
- After 3 minutes, invite a few volunteers to share their one word or a question they have.
Step 4
Interim Assessments & Goal Setting
8 minutes
- Transition to discussing upcoming interim assessments using the Reflect, Reset, Rise! Slide Deck (Slide 3 & 4).
- Explain the purpose of interim assessments and how they can be used as opportunities for showing growth.
- Distribute the Growth Mindset Journal.
- Guide students through the journal prompts, encouraging them to set specific, achievable goals for the interim assessments and the remainder of the school year. Provide examples if needed.
- Circulate around the room to offer support and answer questions.
Step 5
Share & Commit
4 minutes
- Invite students to share one goal or reflection from their Growth Mindset Journal with a partner or the whole class (if time permits).
- Encourage students to keep their journals as a reminder of their commitments and progress.
- Conclude by reiterating the power of reflection and a growth mindset.
Step 6
Cool-Down: One Word Wonder
5 minutes
- Distribute the Cool Down: One Word Wonder.
- Ask students to complete the cool-down activity, summarizing their main takeaway or feeling from the lesson in one word.
- Collect the cool-downs as an exit ticket.
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Slide Deck
Reflect, Reset, Rise!
Your Journey So Far
- Looking back at your progress
- Thinking about your strengths
- Identifying areas for growth
- Getting ready for what's next!
Welcome students and set a positive tone for reflection. Briefly introduce the idea that reflection helps us grow. Explain that 'Reflect, Reset, Rise!' is about looking back, making new plans, and achieving new heights.
Report Card Reflection
What did you learn from your report card conference?
- What were your successes?
- What areas did your teachers suggest for growth?
- How did you feel about your progress?
Remind students about their recent report card conferences. Ask them to quietly think about what was discussed. Emphasize that grades are just one measure and focus on learning and effort.
Interim Assessments: Your Chance to Shine!
What are interim assessments?
- A check-in on your learning
- Not a final grade, but a snapshot
- An opportunity to show growth
- A chance to prepare for the future
Introduce interim assessments. Explain they are check-ins, not final exams, and are opportunities to show what they've learned and how they've grown. Frame them as a chance to 'reset' and apply new strategies.
Setting Goals & Rising Up!
How can you prepare?
- Reflect: What study habits work for you?
- Reset: What new strategies can you try?
- Rise! Set clear, achievable goals for your assessments and beyond.
Guide students to think about how they can approach these assessments with a growth mindset. Encourage them to set realistic, actionable goals. Mention using the Growth Mindset Journal.
Activity
Icebreaker: Interim Assessment Thoughts
Take a moment to think about the phrase "interim assessments." What comes to mind? Choose one of the prompts below and jot down your thoughts:
- My first reaction to hearing "interim assessments" is...
- One question I have about interim assessments is...
- If I could describe interim assessments in one word, it would be...
Optional: Be ready to share your thoughts with a partner!
Warm Up
Warm-Up: My December Check-In
Take a few minutes to think about your school year so far. Respond to the prompts below:
- One thing I'm proud of accomplishing this school year is...
- One area where I've grown the most is...
- One thing I want to improve before the end of the year is...
- How do I feel about school right now, in one or two words?
Journal
Growth Mindset Journal: Reflect, Reset, Rise!
Use this journal to think about your learning journey and set goals for what's next. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to grow!
Part 1: Report Card Conference Reflections
- During my recent report card conference, my teacher(s) and/or guardian(s) celebrated these strengths about my learning or behavior:
- They suggested I could work on these areas to improve:
- How do I feel about these suggestions, and what's one thing I'd like to personally focus on from their feedback?
Part 2: Preparing for Interim Assessments
Interim assessments are coming up! This is a great chance to show how much you've learned and grown.
- Which subject area do I feel most confident about for the upcoming assessments?
- Which subject area do I want to focus on improving the most for the upcoming assessments? Why?
- What is ONE specific, measurable goal I can set for myself to prepare for these interim assessments? (e.g., "I will review my math notes for 15 minutes each night.")
Part 3: Rising into the New Year
It's December, and a new year is just around the corner! What do you want to achieve?
- What is one academic goal I have for myself for the rest of the school year (after assessments)?
- What is one social-emotional goal I have for myself (e.g., being a better friend, managing my time, being more organized)?
- What is one action step I will take this week to start working towards one of my goals?
Cool Down
Cool Down: One Word Wonder
Think about today's lesson on reflection, report cards, and interim assessments. What is ONE word that describes how you feel about your learning journey right now, or what you will focus on moving forward?
Write your one word below:
Optional: Briefly explain why you chose that word.