Lesson Plan
The Rearview Mirror: An Honest Look Back
Students will reflect honestly on their attendance, homework, and classroom habits to identify patterns in their performance.
Understanding personal academic habits is crucial for growth. This lesson empowers students to take ownership of their learning by recognizing areas of strength and identifying opportunities for improvement.
Audience
9th-12th Grade
Time
20 Minutes
Approach
Guided self-assessment and reflective discussion.
Materials
Rearview Mirror Slide Deck, and Habit Reflection Worksheet
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10-15 minutes
- Review the The Rearview Mirror: An Honest Look Back Lesson Plan and all linked materials: Rearview Mirror Slide Deck and Habit Reflection Worksheet.
- Make copies of the Habit Reflection Worksheet (one per student).
- Prepare to project the Rearview Mirror Slide Deck.
Step 1
Opening Hook: The Look Back
3 minutes
- Display the first slide of the Rearview Mirror Slide Deck.
- Engage students by asking them to consider the concept of a 'rearview mirror' in relation to their academic journey. Prompt them to think about what they would see if they looked back at their performance recently.
Step 2
Guided Self-Assessment
7 minutes
- Distribute the Habit Reflection Worksheet to each student.
- Guide students through the worksheet, encouraging honest self-assessment of their attendance, homework completion, and classroom participation. Provide brief instructions for each section, emphasizing personal reflection over comparison with peers.
- Move through the relevant slides in the Rearview Mirror Slide Deck.
Step 3
Identifying Patterns
7 minutes
- After students complete the worksheet, facilitate a brief discussion. Ask students to identify any patterns or surprising observations they made about their own habits.
- Encourage them to think about why these patterns might exist and how they impact their learning.
- Emphasize that this is for personal insight, not for sharing specific details publicly, but for general reflection.
- Utilize the relevant slides in the Rearview Mirror Slide Deck to prompt discussion and consolidate learning.
Step 4
One-Word Checkout
3 minutes
- Conclude the lesson by asking each student to share one word that describes their feeling or a key takeaway from this self-reflection exercise.
- This can be done verbally or written on an exit ticket.
- Display the final slide of the Rearview Mirror Slide Deck for this activity.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
The Rearview Mirror
An Honest Look Back at Our Habits and Progress!
Welcome students and introduce the concept. Ask: "What does a rearview mirror do? How could we apply that to our school year so far?"
What's in Your Rearview Mirror?
Think about:
- Your attendance
- Your homework
- Your classroom participation
Explain that today we'll be looking back at our habits. "Just like a rearview mirror helps a driver see where they've been, we're going to take a moment to look back at our academic journey this year. What kind of things do you think we'll see?"
Guided Self-Assessment
Time to reflect on your habits:
- Attendance
- Homework Completion
- Classroom Habits
(Complete your Habit Reflection Worksheet)
Distribute the Habit Reflection Worksheet. Emphasize honesty and personal reflection. "Now, let's take a closer look. I'm handing out a worksheet that will help us reflect on these areas. Be honest with yourself – this is for your growth, not a test!"
Identifying Patterns
What did you notice?
- Strengths?
- Areas for growth?
- Why do these patterns exist?
- How do they impact your learning?
Facilitate a brief discussion. Ask students what patterns they noticed, without requiring them to share personal details. "As you look at your worksheet, do you notice any patterns? Are there areas where you consistently do well? Are there areas where you might want to make a change? Why do you think these patterns exist?"
One-Word Checkout
Share one word that describes your reflection or a key takeaway.
Conclude with a one-word checkout. "To wrap up, think of one word that describes what you're feeling after this reflection, or one word that represents a key takeaway for you." Have them share verbally or on an exit ticket.
Worksheet
Habit Reflection Worksheet: The Rearview Mirror
Name: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
Welcome to your personal "Rearview Mirror" reflection! Just like a car's rearview mirror helps you see where you've been, this worksheet will help you honestly look back at your academic journey so far this year. The goal is to identify patterns in your habits and performance, not to judge yourself, but to understand and grow.
Part 1: My Academic Habits Snapshot
Rate yourself honestly on the following statements for the current school year. (1 = Rarely/Never, 3 = Sometimes, 5 = Consistently/Always)
- Attendance & Punctuality: I arrive to class on time and ready to learn.
1
2
3
4
5
- Homework Completion: I submit my homework and assignments on time.
1
2
3
4
5
- Classroom Participation: I actively participate in class discussions and activities.
1
2
3
4
5
- Preparedness: I come to class with all necessary materials (notebook, pen, charged device, etc.).
1
2
3
4
5
- Seeking Help: I ask questions when I don't understand or seek extra help when needed.
1
2
3
4
5
Part 2: Looking Closer – Identifying Patterns
Reflect on your ratings and answer the following questions:
- Which areas did you rate yourself highest in? What does this tell you about your strengths as a student?
- Which areas did you rate yourself lowest in? What challenges might be contributing to these habits?
- Think about the past few weeks or months. Have you noticed any recurring patterns in your academic performance (e.g., always turning in math homework late, but never English homework)? Describe them.
- How do you think your attendance and punctuality impact your learning and grades?
- How does completing (or not completing) your homework affect your understanding of new material?
- How does your participation in class contribute to your own learning and the learning of others?
Part 3: Moving Forward – Personal Accountability
Based on your reflections, what is ONE small, actionable step you can take to improve an academic habit you identified as an area for growth? Be specific!
My Action Step: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I will take this step by (Date/Time): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Worksheet
Habit Reflection Worksheet: The Rearview Mirror
Name: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
Welcome to your personal "Rearview Mirror" reflection! Just like a car's rearview mirror helps you see where you've been, this worksheet will help you honestly look back at your academic journey so far this year. The goal is to identify patterns in your habits and performance, not to judge yourself, but to understand and grow.
Part 1: My Academic Habits Snapshot
Rate yourself honestly on the following statements for the current school year. (1 = Rarely/Never, 3 = Sometimes, 5 = Consistently/Always)
- Attendance & Punctuality: I arrive to class on time and ready to learn.
1
2
3
4
5
- Homework Completion: I submit my homework and assignments on time.
1
2
3
4
5
- Classroom Participation: I actively participate in class discussions and activities.
1
2
3
4
5
- Preparedness: I come to class with all necessary materials (notebook, pen, charged device, etc.).
1
2
3
4
5
- Seeking Help: I ask questions when I don't understand or seek extra help when needed.
1
2
3
4
5
Part 2: Looking Closer – Identifying Patterns
Reflect on your ratings and answer the following questions:
- Which areas did you rate yourself highest in? What does this tell you about your strengths as a student?
- Which areas did you rate yourself lowest in? What challenges might be contributing to these habits?
- Think about the past few weeks or months. Have you noticed any recurring patterns in your academic performance (e.g., always turning in math homework late, but never English homework)? Describe them.
- How do you think your attendance and punctuality impact your learning and grades?
- How does completing (or not completing) your homework affect your understanding of new material?
- How does your participation in class contribute to your own learning and the learning of others?
Part 3: Moving Forward – Personal Accountability
Based on your reflections, what is ONE small, actionable step you can take to improve an academic habit you identified as an area for growth? Be specific!
My Action Step: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I will take this step by (Date/Time): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________