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Year Reflection Carousel

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Lesson Plan

Year Reflection Lesson Plan

Students will reflect on their school-year experiences by rotating through reflection stations, writing responses to prompts, and reading peers’ insights to foster self-awareness, community, and a positive closure to the year.

Reflection helps students recognize growth, build empathy by reading peers’ perspectives, and celebrate achievements, reinforcing a supportive classroom culture.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Students rotate among stations, answer prompts, then read peers’ responses.

Materials

Year Reflection Carousel Slide Deck, Reflection Question Posters, Markers (one per student), and Visual Timer (optional)

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Display the Year Reflection Carousel Slide Deck to introduce the activity and its purpose.
  • Explain that students will reflect on their year by responding to prompts at different stations.
  • Remind students of respectful reading and writing behaviors.

Step 2

Explain Carousel Rules

3 minutes

  • Describe how to rotate: when the timer rings, move clockwise to the next station.
  • Instruct students to answer each question in a different colored marker if possible.
  • Clarify that after visiting all stations, they will revisit stations to read peers’ responses without writing.

Step 3

Carousel Reflection Activity

15 minutes

  • Start the timer for 3 minutes per station.
  • Students walk to each station, read the prompt on the Reflection Question Posters, and write their response.
  • Continue rotating until all stations are completed.
  • After the first round, run a second round for students to read and reflect on peers’ responses.

Step 4

Group Debrief

7 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle and invite volunteers to share interesting insights they read.
  • Discuss common themes or surprises noticed across reflections.
  • Highlight the value of reflection and celebrating personal growth.
  • Thank students for their participation and encourage ongoing reflection throughout summer.
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Slide Deck

Year Reflection Carousel

Reflecting on Our School Year Together

Welcome students and introduce the Year Reflection Carousel. Explain that today we’ll revisit highlights from our year and learn from each other’s experiences.

Objectives

• Reflect on memorable moments from this year
• Share insights and celebrate achievements
• Build community by reading peers’ perspectives

Read each objective aloud. Emphasize that reflection builds empathy and celebrates growth.

Why Reflect?

• Recognize your personal growth
• Learn from classmates’ experiences
• Strengthen our classroom community

Explain why reflection matters. Connect this to positive closure and summer readiness.

How It Works

  1. Visit each station and read the prompt on the Reflection Question Posters
  2. Write your response with your marker
  3. After visiting all stations, rotate again to read others’ answers

Walk through each step slowly, checking for understanding.

Carousel Rules

• Move clockwise when the timer rings
• Use a different colored marker at each station if you can
• First round: write your response
• Second round: read and reflect—no writing

Highlight the key rules before starting.

Station Prompts

  1. What was your favorite memory of this year?
  2. Name one thing you’re proud you accomplished.
  3. Describe a challenge you overcame.
  4. What are you looking forward to next year?

Point to posters around the room. Encourage thoughtful, honest responses.

Let’s Begin!

3 minutes per station | 2 rounds (Write + Read)

Start the visible timer. Remind students to keep moving quietly.

Group Debrief

• What common themes did you notice?
• Which insight surprised you?
• How can reflection help you over summer?

Bring students back to a circle. Use these questions to guide sharing.

Thank You & Next Steps

Keep a summer journal of your reflections and memories!

Thank students for participating and encourage them to keep reflecting over the break.

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