Objective(s):

Students will…

Materials & Resources:

Physical Space:

Hook: Imagine if you had a magic mirror that could show you exactly who you are and what you're capable of. Wouldn't that be amazing? Today, we're going to explore a tool that's even more powerful: self-reflection.

Purpose: In this lesson, you'll learn how self-reflection can help you understand yourself better, make smarter decisions, and build resilience. We'll also dive into the art of asking effective "why" questions, which can unlock deeper insights and help you achieve your goals.

Engagement: Think about a time when you made a good decision or overcame a challenge. What helped you succeed? Now, think about a time when things didn't go as planned. What could you have done differently?

Discussion:

Conclusion: By the end of this lesson, you'll have the tools to become a master of self-reflection. You'll understand the power of asking "why," setting meaningful goals, and building resilience. Get ready to unlock your full potential!

2. Student Learning / Independent Learning (20 minutes):

Students will complete and earn the first two badges in the "Ask Why & Self Reflection" lesson:

3. Teacher-led Activity: Personal Growth Tree (40 Minutes)

Students will engage in the Personal Growth Tree project, an interactive and creative activity that enables them to explore the concept of self-reflection and its importance in personal growth. Through this project, students will visualize their values, strengths, and goals using the metaphor of a tree, fostering self-awareness and a deeper understanding of their personal development journey.

*See teacher materials*

4. Student Learning / Independent Learning (30 minutes):

Students will complete and earn the first two badges in the "Power of Asking Why" lesson:

5. Teacher-Led Activity: Setting SMART Goals (40 Minutes):

Students will be able to understand and apply the SMART goals framework by setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. They will also engage in self-reflection to identify personal values, motivations, and strategies for overcoming challenges, enabling them to take charge of their personal growth and effectively work towards their aspirations.

*See teacher materials*

6. Student-led Activity: I Wonder…

(30 minutes):

In this independent project, students will create a Curiosity Quest where they will explore the power of asking "why" questions related to self-reflection. They will reflect on their personal experiences, conduct research based on their interests, and set meaningful goals. This activity encourages self-discovery and deeper understanding through curiosity-driven inquiry.

7. Reinforce Learning – Closure (5 minutes):

Recap: Today, we've explored the power of self-reflection and the importance of asking "why." We've learned how these tools can help you understand yourself better, make informed decisions, and build resilience.

Reflection:

Closing Thoughts: Remember, self-reflection is a journey, not a destination. By consistently asking "why" and exploring your thoughts and feelings, you can unlock your full potential and live a more fulfilling life.

Student Learning Needs:

Learning Preferences:

Evaluate Student Understanding:

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:

Badge Title: The Power of Reflection

Students will explore the concept of self-reflection and understand its importance in personal growth. They will learn how self-reflection can lead to better self-awareness and decision-making. Additionally, students will practice incorporating self-reflection into their daily routines to continuously improve and unlock their potential for personal development.

Badge Title: Asking Effective "Why" Questions for Self-Reflection

Students will learn the techniques for crafting effective "why" questions that promote deeper thinking and reflection. They will practice developing their own open-ended questions for personal reflection and will distinguish between open-ended questions, which encourage discussion, and closed-ended questions, which elicit simple yes or no responses. Through this process, students will enhance their self-awareness and gain valuable insights into their thoughts and behaviors.

Badge Title: "Why" and Building Resilience

Students will explore the concept of resilience and understand its significance in overcoming challenges. They will define resilience, identify effective strategies for building resilience, and use "why" questions to analyze and address setbacks. By the end of the lesson, students will develop the skills and mindset necessary to approach difficult situations with confidence and grow emotionally stronger.

Badge Title: "Why" and Goal Setting

Students will learn how to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and understand the reasons behind their goals. They will use "why" questions to maintain motivation and overcome challenges. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to take charge of their personal growth and apply effective goal-setting strategies to achieve their aspirations.

Badge Title: I Wonder…

Students will explore the power of curiosity by learning how to effectively ask "why" questions. They will engage in research, reflect on their personal experiences, and set meaningful goals. By the end of the lesson, students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them through the use of curiosity-driven inquiry.

Curiosity

The desire to learn or know more about something, often leading to asking questions to gain deeper understanding.

Open-ended Question

A question that doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer and encourages thinking, exploring, and discussion.

Closed-ended Question

A question that can be answered with a simple yes or no, without needing further explanation.

Self-Reflection

The process of thinking deeply about your own thoughts, actions, and experiences to understand yourself better.

Resilience

The ability to bounce back from challenges and keep moving forward, even when things get tough.

SMART Goals

Goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, making it easier to achieve them.

Motivation

The reason or reasons for doing something, often driven by personal goals, values, or interests.

What went well?

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

How effectively did my students engage with the process of using "why" questions to reflect on their thoughts and actions? In what ways did this practice enhance their self-awareness, and how can I further support their ability to identify areas for personal growth and make thoughtful decisions in the future?