Lesson Plan
Year-End Memory Quest
Students will create a visual “memory map” to reflect on favorite moments and growth this year, share their maps with classmates, and articulate gratitude for learning experiences.
This lesson celebrates student achievements, builds self-awareness, strengthens class bonds, and encourages gratitude as students review their year of learning.
Audience
2nd Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Students draw, share, and reflect through structured activities.
Materials
- Year-End Memory Map Worksheet, - Reflection Prompt Cards, - Memory Map Showcase Chart, - Colored Pencils Or Markers, and - Star Stickers
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print one copy of Year-End Memory Map Worksheet for each student.
- Cut and, if desired, laminate the Reflection Prompt Cards.
- Post the Memory Map Showcase Chart on a wall or bulletin board.
- Gather Colored Pencils Or Markers and Star Stickers.
- Review the reflection prompts to facilitate discussion.
Step 1
Warm-Up Discussion
5 minutes
- Gather students on the carpet and ask: “What was your favorite moment this year?”
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to share brief responses.
- Introduce the concept of a “memory map” and distribute the Year-End Memory Map Worksheet.
Step 2
Create Memory Maps
15 minutes
- Instruct students to draw four key memories or accomplishments in separate sections of their worksheet.
- Encourage use of Colored Pencils Or Markers to add details and color.
- Circulate, ask guiding questions, and praise effort and creativity.
Step 3
Gallery Walk
5 minutes
- Have students place their completed maps on the wall around the room using Star Stickers.
- Invite the class to quietly walk around and view each other’s maps.
- Point out the Memory Map Showcase Chart where students can add a sticky dot under favorite memories.
Step 4
Individual Reflection & Exit
5 minutes
- Give each student one Reflection Prompt Card at random.
- Ask students to write or draw a quick response to their prompt on the back of their worksheet.
- Collect worksheets as exit tickets and encourage students to take a star sticker for participation.
Worksheet
Year-End Memory Map Worksheet
Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________
Instructions
Think back over the year. In each box below, draw one special memory or accomplishment. Add colors, words, or details to show why each memory matters to you.
Memory Box 1
Memory Box 2
Memory Box 3
Memory Box 4
On the back of this worksheet, you’ll write or draw your response to the Reflection Prompt Card you’ll receive.
Activity
Reflection Prompt Cards
Cut these cards beforehand. Distribute one to each student for their individual reflection at the end of the lesson.
Card 1
What was your proudest moment this year?
Card 2
Name one thing you learned this year that surprised you.
Card 3
Who was a friend or classmate that helped you, and how?
Card 4
What are you most grateful for in our classroom community?
Card 5
What was your favorite subject or activity, and why?
Card 6
Describe one way you’ve grown since the first day of school.
Card 7
What new thing did you try this year that you enjoyed?
Card 8
What will you remember most about this school year?
Rubric
Memory Map Rubric
Use this rubric to assess students’ Year-End Memory Maps. Score each criterion from 1 to 3, then total for a maximum of 9 points.
| Criterion | 3 – Exceeds Expectations | 2 – Meets Expectations | 1 – Approaching Expectations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Completeness & Organization | • All 4 memory boxes are filled with clear, recognizable drawings. | ||
| • Each drawing includes a brief label or caption. | • 3 memory boxes are filled with recognizable drawings. | ||
| • Labels or captions are present on at least 2 drawings. | • Fewer than 3 boxes are filled or drawings lack clarity. | ||
| • Labels/captions are absent or unclear. | |||
| Creativity & Expression | • Drawings are colorful, detailed, and show creative use of color, symbols, or words. | ||
| • Student went beyond basic shapes/lines. | • Some color and extra details are used. | ||
| • Student shows effort in layout and decoration. | • Minimal use of color or detail. | ||
| • Drawings are simplistic or show little creative effort. | |||
| Reflection Depth & Gratitude | • Written or drawn reflection on back is thoughtful and specific. | ||
| • Student expresses clear gratitude and personal growth. | • Reflection addresses the prompt with general ideas. | ||
| • Some expression of gratitude or growth. | • Reflection is missing or shows little connection to the prompt. |
Scoring Guide
• 7–9 points: Exemplary – Students have demonstrated strong reflection, creativity, and completeness.
• 4–6 points: Satisfactory – Students meet basic expectations with room to deepen detail or reflection.
• 1–3 points: Needs Improvement – Students should add more memories, detail, or thoughtful reflection to meet objectives.
Slide Deck
Year-End Memory Quest
Objective:
• Reflect on favorite moments and growth
• Create and share a visual memory map
• Practice gratitude for our learning journey
Welcome everyone! Today we’re celebrating all the great things we’ve done this year. Introduce the lesson name and objective, then invite students to get ready for fun drawing and sharing.
Warm-Up Discussion
- Gather on the carpet.
- Ask: “What was your favorite moment this year?”
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to share.
- Introduce the “memory map.”
- Distribute the Year-End Memory Map Worksheet.
Guide the students to sit on the carpet. Ask them to think about their favorite moment. Call on a few volunteers, then explain what a memory map is before handing out worksheets.
Create Your Memory Maps
• Draw four key memories or accomplishments
• Use colored pencils or markers to add details
• Label or caption each drawing
• Teacher circulates to ask questions and offer praise
Explain how each memory box works. Encourage coloring and detail. Walk around to support and praise creativity.
Gallery Walk
• Place completed maps on the wall with star stickers
• Walk around quietly to view classmates’ maps
• Add a sticky dot on the Memory Map Showcase Chart under your favorites
Demonstrate how to place maps on the wall with star stickers. Encourage quiet observation and respect. Show the showcase chart for voting.
Reflection & Exit
- Give each student a Reflection Prompt Card
- On the back of their worksheet, write or draw a quick response
- Turn in worksheets for exit tickets
- Take a star sticker for participating
Hand out one reflection card each. Explain they can draw or write on the back of their worksheet. Collect worksheets as exit tickets and celebrate participation.
Thank You & Next Steps
• Great work today, everyone!
• Keep your memory map as a reminder of your growth
• Remember to say “thank you” to someone who helped you this year
• Have a wonderful summer!
Wrap up the lesson by thanking students for sharing and reflecting. Encourage them to keep their memories and show gratitude all summer.
Cool Down
Memory Quest Exit (Cool-Down Reflection)
Time: 5 minutes
- Gather chairs or sit on the carpet in a circle.
- Invite students to take three deep breaths and think quietly about one thing they’re most grateful for this year in our classroom.
- Going around the circle, each student shares their gratitude aloud in one sentence (e.g., “I’m grateful for…”).
- After sharing, students return to their seats and write or draw that same gratitude on the back of their Year-End Memory Map Worksheet:
- Collect worksheets as exit tickets.
- Celebrate everyone’s participation with a final round of applause or a classroom “high five.”
Rubric
Reflection Card Evaluation Guide
Use this guide to evaluate students’ open-ended responses to the Reflection Prompt Cards. There are no single “correct” answers—look for evidence of thoughtful engagement, gratitude, and connection to the prompt.
Criteria and Performance Levels
| Criterion | 3 – Exemplary | 2 – Satisfactory | 1 – Needs Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relevance to Prompt | Directly addresses the card question with specific details. | Addresses the question but with general or partial details. | Response is off-topic or does not address the question clearly. |
| Depth of Reflection | Shows clear personal insight or gratitude; goes beyond basics. | Demonstrates some reflection or gratitude but lacks specificity. | Minimal reflection; superficial or one-word response. |
| Effort & Completeness | Response is complete and clearly expressed (drawn or written). | Response is complete but may be brief or less detailed. | Response is incomplete or very brief. |
Scoring Guide
• 7–9 points: Outstanding reflection—specific, thoughtful, and complete.
• 4–6 points: Adequate reflection—addresses prompt with some detail.
• 1–3 points: Limited reflection—needs more detail or relevance.
Note: These guidelines are flexible. Encourage students’ unique perspectives and celebrate their individual reflections.