Back-to-School Connection

A dynamic 8-session program to help high school students smoothly transition back to school by building routines, confidence, and social connections. This Tier 1 lesson equips all students with strategies for time management, goal setting, and self-care, ensuring they start the year strong. Each 25-minute session includes collaborative discussions, hands-on activities, and guided scripts for teachers.

A back-to-school kickoff lesson for 10th graders, harnessing the excitement of autumn to build community, set personal goals, and reflect on aspirations. This Tier 1, whole-class session lasts 45 minutes and includes engaging activities, journaling, and a meaningful exit ticket to launch a successful school year.

This resource introduces students to seasonal changes and classroom routines through interactive fall-themed activities, building excitement for the new school year. Perfect for 3rd graders in a 45-minute Tier 1 classroom session, this lesson helps students connect to the season while reinforcing routines, collaboration, and reflection.

A one-on-one academic coaching tool for a 10th-grade student, focusing on setting and achieving short-term goals mapped to the four seasons over four sessions of 20 minutes each. This Tier 3 individualized lesson helps visualize progress, build motivation, and ensure consistent check-ins by aligning goals with real-world seasonal themes.

An engaging individual reflection activity for Pre-K students where each child designs a seasonal superhero self-portrait to celebrate their unique strengths and connect back-to-school excitement. This 15-minute Tier 3 lesson fosters self-awareness, creativity, and confidence through art and storytelling.

This lesson focuses on helping 9th-grade students reconnect with each other and their school environment after a vacation. It's important for building a positive classroom community and easing the transition back to school. The session will last 30 minutes and is designed to be engaging and interactive.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 lesson for the whole school, students will reflect on their previous year and set meaningful goals for the year ahead. This warm-up worksheet sparks self-awareness, motivation, and optimism as students return to school.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 lesson for 1st graders, students will engage in fun, interactive activities to build classroom community and ease first-week jitters. Through a name game warm-up, an All About Me craft, and a Friendship Exit Ticket cool-down, students will get to know each other, practice listening and sharing, and feel excited about their new class.

A dynamic lesson that guides teachers in crafting an interactive first-day icebreaker incorporating seasonal themes to build community and excitement. This resource helps teachers foster connections and set a welcoming tone for K–12 students in a 45-minute session.

Dive into each season’s unique features with a small group, reinforcing observation and descriptive skills. This Tier 2 lesson for a 4th grade small group spans one 30-minute session per season, helping students sharpen descriptive language, pattern recognition, and observational skills.

A fun, interactive 30-minute lesson to welcome students back to school, build classroom community, and set positive expectations. This Tier 1 lesson engages the whole school audience with icebreakers and goal-setting activities to start the year off right.

Designed for upper elementary to high school students, this lesson helps ease anxiety around seasonal transitions and encourages students to view change as an opportunity. Through activities and discussions, students will prepare emotionally for summer, focusing on potential growth and new adventures.

This engaging 7th-grade lesson is designed to welcome students back from break by reigniting their enthusiasm for learning. Through a mix of activities, discussions, and games, students will reflect on their past achievements and set new goals, making the transition back to school smooth and exciting. The lesson is structured for a single 60-minute session and aims to create a positive and motivating classroom environment.

In this lesson, students will explore how the change in seasons can impact their feelings. Through a creative art project, each student will draw a seasonal tree and write their feelings on the leaves. This activity encourages emotional expression and reflection, helping young students to connect their emotions with environmental changes, fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

A 30-minute individual counseling session for 6th graders that kickstarts rapport building by discussing students’ summer experiences and having them set a personal emotional goal. This intro lesson helps students feel comfortable, heard, and empowers them to take ownership of their emotional growth.

In this 30-minute 5th grade lesson, students will build connections and a sense of belonging as they return to school after break. Through interactive activities and reflection, they’ll practice empathy, collaboration, and share personal stories to strengthen the classroom community.

A 30-minute Tier 1 reflection activity for 7th graders transitioning to secondary school. Students will reflect on their feelings, goals, and strategies for success to build confidence and excitement for the upcoming year.

A collection of three 30-minute Tier 2 counseling sessions for middle schoolers to kick off the school year confidently, build community, set personal goals, and manage stress. Includes fully scripted lesson plans, slides, activities, and handouts so counselors can deliver engaging support with minimal prep.

Kick off the school year with a harvest-themed icebreaker that connects students to autumn traditions, builds community, and sets a warm classroom tone. This Tier 1 lesson for a 3rd Grade class spans one 30-minute session and includes engaging activities and supports for all learners.

This playful Pre-K lesson welcomes little learners back to school with engaging activities that build social-emotional skills and classroom routines. Over a single 30-minute session, students will learn about classroom spaces, meet peers, and practice morning routines to set a positive tone for the school year.

This 5-session series for Pre-K and Kindergarten guides children through the beginning of the school year, helping them build routines, friendships, and confidence. Each 15-minute session includes interactive read-alouds, games, activities, discussions, and reflection to ease the transition and make school fun.

In this 30-minute, one-session lesson, 7th graders will explore different cultural and natural celebrations that occur throughout the year. Students will learn how seasons influence festivals around the world, fostering appreciation of diversity and seasonal cycles. This Tier 1 lesson builds cultural awareness and connects science concepts with real-world traditions.

A one-session, 30-minute group lesson for 1st graders exploring end-of-year feelings and transitions. Students will recognize and name their emotions, practice expressing them, and build coping strategies for the upcoming break—an essential step for social-emotional growth, especially for multilingual learners through UDL supports.

In this one-session 30-minute lesson, 4th-6th grade students will reflect on their school-year experiences, celebrate their accomplishments, and create a collaborative end-of-year card. This Tier 2 group support allows students to process mixed emotions, affirm positive moments, and foster a sense of closure and excitement for next year.

In this 30-minute Kindergarten lesson, students will explore empathy and kindness by connecting to different seasons of the school year. Through read-aloud, discussion, and a fun craft activity, they will practice recognizing feelings and showing kindness to peers. This whole-class Tier 1 lesson sets the tone for a supportive community.

In this 30-minute Tier 3 lesson for a 6th grader, students will explore strategies and build confidence for returning to school. This lesson focuses on personalized goal-setting, coping strategies, and a supportive plan to ease the transition. Perfect for individual support, it helps students feel prepared and empowered for the new school year.

This 5-day series of 30-minute icebreaker sessions for 7th graders introduces students to each other through fun, collaborative, and low-pressure activities. These Tier 2 group supports build rapport, communication, and a positive classroom atmosphere at the start of the school year.

A 3-session curriculum designed to help 9th grade special education students transition into high school by building relationships, discovering strengths, and setting goals through engaging, low-pressure activities. This Tier 2 small-group program offers a safe space for students to share, collaborate, and feel more confident as they start high school.

In this one-session, 30-minute Tier 1 end-of-year counseling lesson, 3rd graders will reflect on their emotional and academic growth, celebrate successes, and set intentions for summer. This engaging wrap-up helps students recognize their achievements, process feelings about transitioning to 4th grade, and build a positive classroom community.

Start the school year with a dynamic SEL lesson designed for 12th graders to build connection, self-awareness, and a supportive classroom community. Over a single 30-minute session, students will engage in icebreaker activities, reflect on strengths and goals, and practice active listening—kickstarting a positive year of growth.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 group session, 9th graders struggling with school avoidance will explore root causes of their feelings, learn practical coping strategies, and set achievable school attendance goals. This safe, collaborative environment helps students feel supported and empowered to re-engage with school life.

An immersive discussion and reading unit exploring how different cultures celebrate autumn holidays, building community and curiosity. This lesson is perfect for 7th graders, spans one 60-minute session, and fosters global awareness and empathy through collaborative activities.

In this 45-minute group lesson, 8th grade students will co-create a vision board of hopes and strategies for the school year using mixed media. This Tier 2 activity fosters collaboration, goal-setting, and self-expression, helping students build a positive mindset and peer support network as they transition back to school.

In this single 30-minute Tier 1 lesson for 6th graders, students will learn to recognize and manage back-to-school anxiety through engaging activities, guided discussions, and calming strategies. This lesson fosters emotional well-being and helps students start the year with confidence.

This one-session, 30-minute welcome back activity helps 8th graders reconnect, build community, and set positive intentions for the year. Through fun icebreakers and reflection prompts, students will feel seen and excited. Grade 8, Tier 1, 30 mins.

This 30-minute lesson helps special education students learn and practice coping skills for the start of the school year. It equips them with simple, engaging strategies to manage first-day nerves and build confidence, fostering a positive transition into the new school year.

In this 10-minute morning meeting, high school access points students will share and discuss summer break plans, fostering communication and social skills. This Tier 1 lesson builds community and helps students practice expressing preferences, with supports for nonverbal learners and hand-over-hand assistance.

In this two-session, 25-minute each Tier 1 lesson for Kindergarten and First Grade, students will embark on a fun language activity to practice greetings, name recognition, and simple classroom vocabulary. These engaging sessions help build confidence, foster a sense of community, and set the tone for a successful school year.

This lesson helps students reflect on past achievements and set thoughtful, achievable goals for the upcoming months. By fostering a forward-thinking mindset, students will learn to plan and work towards their personal and academic aspirations, which is crucial for their development and success.

Kick off the school year with a lively Welcome and Expectations session designed for 2nd graders! In this single 30-minute Tier 1 lesson, students will get to know each other, learn classroom routines, and co-create a positive class contract. Starting the year with clear expectations and a sense of community sets the tone for success and helps students feel safe, valued, and excited to learn.

A two-session, 30-minute each, Tier 3 wrap-up designed for a 5th grade student transitioning to middle school. Sessions review problem solving, flexible thinking, and relationship building skills, celebrate growth, and set personal goals for a successful start in 6th grade.

This lesson introduces kindergarten students to the concept of changing seasons through music. By singing simple songs related to each season and using instruments or body movements, students will enhance their memory and creative expression. This approach helps young learners connect with the natural world and develop an understanding of seasonal changes in a fun and engaging way.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 workshop, teachers learn key warning signs of student suicide risk, safe messaging practices, and referral protocols. This session equips educators with practical strategies to create a proactive, supportive classroom environment.

A quest-style scavenger hunt combining seasonal clues and school facts to spark curiosity and student collaboration. This Tier 1 lesson for a 7th Grade class runs one 25-minute session and includes everything teachers need to facilitate an engaging back-to-school adventure.

In this 20-minute summer school social skills lesson, 4th graders will learn how to start conversations, show empathy, and build friendships. These foundational skills will help students feel confident interacting with peers all summer and beyond.

In this 30-minute small-group session, 6th grade students with autism will reflect on their transition to middle school, social-emotional growth, coping skills learned, challenges faced, and set goals for 7th grade. This end-of-year activity helps students consolidate their experiences, build self-awareness, and prepare for the next school year.

In this 30-minute small-group session, 11th graders reflect on their social-emotional strengths and challenges, then set actionable summer goals to support self-awareness and personal growth. This Tier 2 enrichment helps students maintain and build SEL skills over the break, fostering community exploration and a growth mindset.

In this 15-minute Tier 1 lesson, students will practice introducing themselves and describing their summer break using verbal and nonverbal responses. This lesson supports access points learners with hand-over-hand assistance, visual prompts, and adaptable activities to build communication skills and confidence.

A 30-minute individual check-in for high school students returning to school, focusing on setting therapeutic and social-emotional goals. This session helps students articulate personal objectives for the year, build self-awareness, and foster ownership of their growth. Ideal for Tier 3 supports with checklist and short-answer formats.

This lesson engages young learners in a discussion about how different seasons might affect our feelings. Students will match various weather conditions with emotions and create artworks expressing how they feel in different seasons. This lesson is important as it aids in emotional expression and creativity, helping children understand and articulate their feelings in relation to their environment.

In this single 30-minute Tier 1 lesson for 3rd graders, students will reflect on meaningful moments from their school year, share experiences with peers, and practice understanding others’ feelings to strengthen classroom empathy. This lesson builds self-awareness, listening skills, and emotional connection.

In this lesson, students will create collage artworks that represent their feelings about the current season using elements from nature and recycled materials. This activity encourages creativity and personal reflection, allowing students to express their emotions through art. It helps develop fine motor skills, artistic expression, and emotional awareness.

These 2 sessions help beginner multilingual learners revisit the Zones of Regulation, share what they've learned, and plan for success in 8th grade. Through warm-ups, reflective activities, and guided worksheets, students build self-awareness and set goals for next year.

A fun, interactive SEL back-to-school icebreaker that brings 8th graders and staff together to build community and trust through a collaborative wave activity. This 30-minute Tier 1 session helps students and staff connect, practice emotional awareness, and set a positive tone for the year.

An engaging whole-class session for 8th graders to identify and practice essential work skills through interactive challenges. This lesson helps students recognize valuable career-ready skills and fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and self-awareness. Audience: 8th grade, Duration: 50 minutes, Sessions: 1

This 30-minute end-of-year SEL lesson for transitional kindergarten students helps them reflect on their growth, celebrate friendships, and practice gratitude and empathy through a fun group activity. It’s designed to strengthen the classroom community and leave students feeling appreciated and connected.

An engaging one-on-one framework for a 9th-grade student to embark on a creative mission to learn about each other’s strengths and interests. This 20-minute MTSS Tier 3 session uses relationship-building activities to set the tone for a supportive classroom environment.

An engaging whole-class session for 8th graders to identify and practice essential work skills through interactive challenges, fostering self-awareness and collaboration. This Tier 1 lesson builds career exploration and life skills in a 50-minute period.

In this engaging two-session exploration, 5th graders will identify and discuss the factors that make their school environment safe, welcoming, and supportive. Students will collaborate, reflect, and create visual representations of school climate elements, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and ownership of their community.

In this 30-minute 3rd grade lesson, students will reflect on memorable moments from their school year, share experiences with classmates, and practice empathy by exploring peers’ feelings. By recognizing and appreciating each other’s experiences, they strengthen classroom connections and understanding.

In this 45-minute, whole-class Tier 1 lesson for 10th graders, students will explore their social supports, identify friendship strengths, and foster positive peer connections over one session. This engaging activity helps students build awareness of healthy relationships and teamwork skills essential for emotional well-being and community building.

A brief, 10-minute survey session for 5th–8th graders to gauge how they feel about returning to school, identify support needs, and gather their hopes and ideas for the year. This Tier 1 activity builds classroom community and informs teacher planning.

A brief, 10-minute survey session for 5th–8th graders to gauge how they feel about returning to school, identify support needs, and gather their hopes and ideas for the year. This Tier 1 activity builds classroom community and informs teacher planning.

In this 45-minute Tier 1 introduction for 8th graders, students will meet the school counselor, learn about support services, create personalized name tents, and complete a needs assessment to guide future sessions. This lesson builds rapport, gathers student insights, and sets the stage for a supportive year.

An interactive kickoff to co-create classroom expectations and foster community. Builds student ownership by connecting seasonal back-to-school energy with collaborative rule-making. Audience: 7th Grade, Tier 1, 1 session of 45 minutes.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 SEL session for 2nd graders, students explore feelings about the end of the school year and learn strategies to cope with change. This lesson helps students recognize emotions, share memories, and build resilience as they transition to summer.

In this 30-minute Pre-K class, students will explore their feelings about the end of the year and the transition to a new grade level through discussion, activities, and creative expression. This lesson supports emotional literacy by helping young learners identify and share their emotions, easing anxiety around change, and building a positive mindset for the year ahead.

In this lesson, students will explore and share their own cultural and familial holiday traditions. This activity aims to foster a sense of community and appreciation for diversity within the classroom. By learning about each other's traditions, students will develop empathy and understanding, which are crucial for building a supportive and inclusive environment.

In this one-session lesson, 8th graders meet their school counselor, learn about counseling services, and complete pre- and post-surveys aligned to ASCA standards. Students will build trust and understand how the counselor supports academic, career, and social-emotional growth.