Lesson 4: Lesson Plan | Find Your Grind Resource Center

Starter Kit WHY + HOW to begin living the life you want + being the person you want to be.

Curriculum & Grade Level: Future Proof, 7th Grade

Objective(s):

Students will…

Explore the concept of self-reflection and articulate its significance in understanding themselves and their choices, enabling them to harness their personal experiences for growth.
Identify their unique strengths and develop strategies to leverage these strengths in overcoming challenges and achieving their goals, fostering a sense of confidence and self-awareness.
Cultivate a growth mindset by reflecting on past experiences and setbacks, learning to view challenges as opportunities for improvement, and creating a vision for their future that aligns with their values and aspirations.

CLASSROOM ORGANIZATION

Materials & Resources:	Physical Space:
Word processing application Video recording device/software (optional) Design application (Google Slides, Canva, etc.) (optional)	The classroom setup should be left to the teacher's discretion, providing ample space for easy movement while monitoring student progress. A designated area should be established for one-on-one time between the teacher and students to connect and reflect on the lesson.

PROCEDURES

Select the activities that align with your time frame and class needs.

Introduction ( 4 minutes):	Minute 1 - Introduction to Self-Reflection "Today, we’re diving into a powerful tool that can help each of you better understand who you are: self-reflection." Ask: “Have you ever thought about a past experience to understand why it happened or what you could learn from it? That’s self-reflection!” Emphasize: Self-reflection isn’t just about looking back; it’s a way to grow, plan, and make decisions for your future. Minute 2 - Why Self-Reflection Matters "Self-reflection lets you think about what you’ve done well and where you might want to improve. Imagine it’s like being a detective of your own life!" Example: Looking back at experiences is like finding clues that help you uncover your strengths. Ask (for show of hands): “Who here thinks they’re really good at something, like sports, art, or a specific subject?” Minute 3 - Discussion on Strengths Encourage student responses: Allow a few students to share what they’re good at. "Knowing your strengths gives you a superpower to handle challenges, just like superheroes have." Ask: “Can anyone share how one of their strengths has helped them tackle a tough situation?” Minute 4 - Preview Growth Mindset and Future Vision "As we look at these strengths, it’s also important to think about how we view our ability to grow and improve. That’s called a growth mindset—believing you can always get better with effort." "Today, we’ll also talk about setting goals and dreaming about your future. Self-reflection helps us figure out where we want to go next." Wrap up with enthusiasm: “So today, let’s uncover our strengths, look at how we approach challenges, and dream big!”
2. Student Learning / Independent Learning (17 minutes):	Students will complete and earn the first two badges in the "The Power of Self Reflection" lesson: Reflect & Discover Strengths Unleashed
3. Teacher-led Activity - A Hero's Journey (30 minutes):	In this imaginative activity, students will create and share their own “hero’s journey” story, using self-reflection to uncover strengths and consider how these can help them grow and overcome future challenges. See teacher materials
4. Student Learning / Independent Learning (20 minutes):	Students will complete and earn the first two badges in the "The Power Self Reflection" lesson: Growth Mindset Mastery Future Vision
5. Student-led Activity: My Growth Timeline (45 minutes):	In this independent project, students will create a "Visual Timeline" that highlights significant events, accomplishments, and challenges in their lives. This project encourages self-reflection, creativity, and personal storytelling, allowing students to explore how their experiences have contributed to their growth and development.
6. Teacher-led Activity - Mindset Workshop (40 minutes):	In this engaging workshop, students explore the concepts of growth mindset and future vision through interactive activities designed to foster creativity, self-reflection, and collaboration. The workshop consists of multiple stations, each focusing on different aspects of mindset principles and goal setting. See teacher materials
7. Reinforce Learning – Closure (4 minutes):	Reinforce the Importance of Self-Reflection "Self-reflection is like a tool you can use throughout your life. It’s what helps you understand your strengths, face challenges, and even make decisions about your future." "Remember, your strengths are unique to you, and when you know what they are, you can use them to build your confidence and tackle tough situations." Here are some additional quick-response questions to encourage further reflection and reinforce learning: "What’s one thing you learned about yourself through self-reflection today?" "How might knowing your strengths help you when you face something challenging in the future?" "Can anyone share a way they plan to practice a growth mindset this week?" "What’s one goal or future vision you’re excited to work toward after today’s lesson?" "How does it feel knowing that your strengths are unique to you and can help shape your future?"

DIFFERENTIATION

Student Learning Needs:

Strategies for students who need additional support: Offer one-on-one short check-ins. This allows them to ask questions, get clarification on difficult concepts, and receive individualized guidance, helping them stay on track and feel more connected in the online environment.
Strategies for advanced students: Create opportunities for advanced students to share their insights, lead discussions, and mentor their peers in specific subjects. This not only reinforces their own understanding but also enhances their leadership skills and fosters a collaborative learning environment.

Learning Preferences:

Choice in Assignments: Offer students options for how they demonstrate their understanding of the topic. For example, they could choose to write a report, create a presentation, or produce a video. This empowers students to engage with the material in a way that resonates with their learning preferences.

ASSESSMENT

Evaluate Student Understanding:

Badges with assessments:
- Reflect & Discover
- Future Vision
Teacher and Student-led Activities:
- Students will successfully complete this activity when all questions are answered. The exact answers may vary based on the content they selected. The learning outcomes are focused on the process, not the output. Rubrics have been provided for Teacher-led activities

CONNECTIONS

Real-World Connections:	Current Event Scholarly Article Podcast Video
Skill Development & Higher-Order Thinking:	Critical Thinking Problem Solving Curiosity and Inquiry Self Reflection Decision Making Communication Research Connecting Ideas Goal Setting
Explore Library	Skills to check out: Self Management Growth Mindset Open Mindedness Goal Oriented Problem Solving Analytical Thinking Decision Making Curiosity Quick Thinking Strategic Thinking

BADGE OVERVIEW

Badge Title: Reflect & Discover

Students will unlock the power of self-reflection and discover how understanding their past can transform their understanding of themselves. They will explore how reflecting on experiences can provide insights that shape their future.

Badge Title: Strengths Unleashed

Students will identify and embrace their unique strengths and talents, recognizing how these personal "superpowers" can help them face challenges and grow in areas they wish to improve. They will learn the value of their own skills and see how these abilities can open doors to new opportunities.

Badge Title: Growth Mindset Mastery

Students will explore the impact of mindset on their personal journey by learning the principles of a growth mindset. They will understand that believing in their ability to improve, even during tough times, can lead to becoming the best version of themselves, affecting everything from academic achievements to friendships.

Badge Title: Future Vision

Students will use self-reflection to guide future decisions and set meaningful goals. They will learn that examining past experiences and values provides the clarity needed to shape dreams and aspirations, empowering them to create a roadmap for an inspiring future.

NEW VOCABULARY

Self-Reflection	The practice of looking back on past experiences to gain insight and understanding about oneself.
Strengths	Unique abilities or qualities that each person possesses, which can help overcome challenges and encourage growth.
Growth Mindset	The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort persistence, even in difficult situations.
Insight	A deep understanding gained from reflection or analysis, often leading to personal growth and change.
Future Vision	A clear and inspiring image of one’s goals and aspirations for the future, developed through self-reflection.
Goals	Specific targets or achievements that students set for themselves, often as part of their growth journey.

NEXT STEPS & REFLECTION

Ongoing professional learning and reflection related specifically to this lesson.

What went well?

What were the areas of opportunity or challenges? (e.g., difficulties with vocabulary, pacing, etc)

How did students respond to the concept of self-reflection, and what insights or challenges did they share when identifying their own strengths and setting goals for the future?

Lesson 1: Lesson Plan

Lesson 4: Teacher-led Activity (2)

Lesson 1: Lesson Plan

Lesson 2: Lesson Plan

Lesson 3: Lesson Plan