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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 lesson helps middle school students prepare for the transition to high school through a project-based activity. Students will explore high school expectations, social dynamics, and academic challenges, creating a project that reflects their understanding and readiness. This lesson is important as it equips students with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the new environment of high school, addressing potential anxieties and fostering a sense of preparedness.

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.

This lesson plan is designed to provide K-3 students with a week of fun and engaging fall-themed after-school activities. By incorporating Game-Based Learning, Project-Based Learning, and Blended Learning strategies, students will have the opportunity to explore, create, and learn in a playful environment. These activities will not only entertain but also help develop social skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, making them an essential part of holistic education.

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.

In this single-session lesson for Grades 3-5, students create a personal time capsule journal, reflecting on their school year achievements, challenges, and joyful moments. This activity fosters introspection, boosts self-esteem, and helps students appreciate their personal growth. Includes a lesson plan, slide deck, and journal template.

This lesson guides students in reflecting on their past semester and setting attainable goals for the upcoming year. It encourages introspection and forward-thinking, empowering students to craft personal and academic aspirations aligned with their values. This activity is crucial for helping students develop self-awareness and motivation, which are essential for their personal growth and academic success.

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.

This lesson guides students to reflect on their year by identifying personal achievements, memorable moments, and learned lessons. It encourages self-awareness and gratitude, fostering a sense of accomplishment as they wrap up the calendar year. This reflection process helps students recognize their growth and set positive intentions for the future.

This lesson plan is designed to prepare grade 8 special education students for the transition to high school by exploring high school expectations and future experiences. Over two weeks, students will engage in a variety of learning strategies including Game-Based Learning, Project-Based Learning, Blended Learning, Collaborative Learning, Active Learning, and Experiential Learning. This approach will help students build confidence and understanding of what to expect in high school, fostering a smoother transition.

This 5-day lesson plan guides 8th-grade students through the process of creating a personalized High School Transition Plan. Each day focuses on a different aspect of the transition, including self-discovery, study skills, time management, safety, and peer pressure. This lesson is crucial for empowering students to navigate the challenges of high school with confidence and resilience. Trauma-informed teaching strategies are integrated to ensure a supportive and emotionally safe learning environment.

Students engage in creative projects that encourage them to design 'bridges'—both literal and metaphorical—representing connections and understanding between diverse perspectives. This lesson fosters inclusivity, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving.

This lesson guides students through a reflective exercise to assess their progress from the start of the academic year. Students will engage in activities to reflect on their achievements and challenges, and set or renew goals for the remainder of the school year. This lesson is important as it fosters self-awareness, motivation, and a sense of purpose, helping students to become more focused and directed in their academic and personal growth.

A 3-session unit for 2nd graders to celebrate their year, process feelings about change, and build confidence for 3rd grade. This Tier 1 Classroom Lesson uses readings, discussions, activities, and reflective worksheets to guide students through goodbyes and transitions in 30-minute sessions.

This lesson invites students to reflect on their personal and academic growth over the past year through guided discussion and creative expression. It aims to help students identify key experiences that shaped them, fostering a sense of accomplishment and optimism for the new year. This reflection is important as it encourages self-awareness and goal-setting, which are crucial for personal development.

This engaging lesson helps students reflect on their readiness for high school by exploring potential challenges and opportunities they may encounter. It's a vital session for easing anxieties and boosting confidence. Designed for an 8th grade class, this 45-minute session will provide students with the tools and mindset needed for a successful transition.

This lesson is designed to help 5th-grade students transition smoothly to middle school by addressing common concerns and building excitement for the new experiences ahead. Through engaging activities, games, and discussions, students will gain confidence and practical strategies for navigating middle school life. This single 40-minute session will empower students to embrace this new chapter with enthusiasm and readiness.

Students will embark on a personalized journey to set and achieve goals through gamified challenges. This lesson empowers students by making goal-setting tangible and achievable, using games as milestones. Designed for 9th-grade students, this 40-minute session focuses on individual goal-setting and achievement.

In this engaging, shamrock-themed end-of-year reflection lesson, 3rd graders will review their achievements, favorite memories, and goals for next year using a simple three-leaf template. This Tier 1, 30-minute session helps students practice self-awareness, celebrate growth, and look ahead in a fun, thematic way.

This lesson is designed to help 9th graders transition smoothly into high school by focusing on essential skills such as time management, study skills, and setting academic goals. These skills are crucial for students to adapt to the new environment, manage their workload effectively, and achieve their academic objectives. By the end of the lesson, students will have practical strategies to apply in their daily school life, fostering a successful high school experience.

Students design a box filled with items that represent their personality, interests, and values. This project encourages self-expression and helps classmates learn more about each other. Suitable for 4th-grade students, it can be completed over a week with daily sessions.

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.

Kick off the school year by helping first graders set personal learning goals in a fun, interactive way that builds classroom community and confidence. In this 15-minute, one-session Tier 1 lesson, students will identify what they want to learn, share with peers, and craft a visual Goal Garden. Perfect for a first-grade audience ready to bloom!

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 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.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 classroom session, 1st-grade students will reflect on their school year, identify their accomplishments and feelings, and celebrate their growth through a creative “time capsule” activity. This lesson helps students with emotional disabilities process experiences, boost self-esteem, and gain closure as they prepare for the next school year.

This lesson introduces 8th graders to the concept of transitioning to high school. Through a combination of active learning, game-based learning, and experiential learning, students will explore the differences between middle and high school, discuss their feelings and expectations, and engage in activities that simulate high school scenarios. This lesson is important as it helps students mentally prepare for the changes ahead, reducing anxiety and building confidence.

A concise toolkit helping teachers launch a weekly newsletter and digital portal to keep families informed about learning goals and student progress. This Tier 1 lesson equips 1st grade teachers with practical strategies and templates for fostering family engagement through a weekly 30-minute session.

Engage students in building social connections within their classroom community through storytelling and collaborative art. This project encourages trust and understanding, allowing students to explore their personal narratives and find common ground with their peers.

This lesson is designed for 11th-grade students at the end of the school year to reflect on their growth and experiences. Through group discussions and activities, students will celebrate their achievements, evaluate their adaptation strategies, and set goals for the future. This lesson is important as it provides closure, reinforces the emotional support and practical tools gained, and prepares students for the next stage of their educational journey.

In this 30-minute group lesson, 4th grade students will explore the upcoming transition to middle school, discuss challenges and strategies for success, and build confidence. This lesson helps students voice their concerns, practice problem-solving, and form peer support before the next school year.

This 90-minute summer bridge lesson engages incoming 4th graders with a taste of the key skills—reading, math, and writing—they’ll master in the coming year. It keeps students sharp over the break, builds confidence, and sets them up for success on Day One of 4th grade.

This lesson uses journaling as a tool to help students reflect on their personal and academic growth over the school year. Through structured prompts and creative exercises, middle school students learn to express their thoughts and set goals for the future. Audience: Grades 6–8; 1 session; 45 minutes.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 session, 7th-grade students will engage in a guided self-reflection facilitated by the school counselor to review their year, celebrate achievements, and set goals for next year. This lesson helps students build self-awareness, wrap up the academic year with positive closure, and develop planning skills. Audience: 7th Grade; Sessions: 1; Duration: 30 minutes.

This lesson aims to transform students' view of school from a requirement to an adventure in learning. Through activities and discussions, students will explore how school offers opportunities for discovery and growth. Designed for a 6th-grade group, this 35-minute session will engage students in a meaningful way, helping them see the value and excitement in their education.

In this one-session, 30-minute lesson for 2nd graders, students will reflect on their favorite moments and growth throughout the year. This end-of-year celebration helps build self-awareness, positive class culture, and gratitude for learning experiences.

In this lesson, students will create a collage using leaves to symbolize their personal growth throughout the school year. This activity encourages self-reflection and helps students recognize their achievements and milestones. By using natural materials, students will engage in a creative process that fosters both artistic expression and personal development.

This lesson helps 8th graders prepare for the transition to high school by exploring the emotional and social changes they may encounter. Through a combination of video content, discussion, and a quiz, students will gain insights into managing friendships, handling peer pressure, and maintaining motivation. This lesson is crucial as it equips students with the skills and mindset needed to navigate the challenges of high school successfully.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 lesson for 8th graders transitioning to high school, students will explore key organizational and study skills, set SMART goals, and create a personalized high school success plan. This lesson builds confidence, reduces anxiety about the transition, and equips students with practical strategies they can immediately use.

A dynamic lesson that kicks off the school year by helping students set goals and get excited about learning. Fosters community and ownership from day one. Audience: 3rd Grade Class; Sessions: 1 session of 45 minutes; Tier 1.

This lesson helps 3rd-grade students ease back into their school routine by watching a short video and engaging in a discussion about good student habits. This lesson is important as it sets the tone for the school year, helping students understand the importance of routines and how they contribute to a successful learning environment.

In this one-session lesson, 6th graders will learn how to set SMART goals, track their progress, and reflect on their achievements. By mastering goal setting, students gain lifelong skills in planning and self-management, empowering them to take ownership of their learning and personal growth.

This lesson is designed to help 9th-grade students prepare for the transition to high school. Through experiential learning, students will engage in discussions and activities that focus on essential skills such as time management, study habits, and goal setting. This lesson is important as it equips students with the tools they need to succeed in high school, fostering confidence and readiness.

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 4-session, 10-minute Tier 1 classroom lesson, middle school students learn how to track their grades and project if they’d earn high school credit. By exploring real grade thresholds, practicing calculations, and reflecting on study habits, students gain critical self-monitoring skills to succeed academically now and in high school.

This lesson plan is designed to engage 7th-grade students in developing academic motivation and effective study skills through experiential and game-based learning. Over seven sessions, students will participate in activities that encourage self-reflection, goal setting, and practical application of study techniques. This approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also equips students with essential skills for academic success.

This lesson provides parents with practical tips and tricks for ensuring their elementary and middle school children have a fun and structured summer. It emphasizes the importance of balancing leisure and learning, offering creative ways to maintain a routine while enjoying the break. This single 60-minute session is designed to equip parents with strategies to help their children thrive during the summer months.

This lesson provides parents with practical tips and tricks for ensuring their elementary and middle school children have a fun and structured summer. It emphasizes the importance of balancing leisure and learning, offering creative ways to maintain a routine while enjoying the break. This single 60-minute session is designed to equip parents with strategies to help their children thrive during the summer months.

In this lesson, students will create quilt squares out of paper, using symbols and stories from their lives to decorate them. This activity helps students connect with their personal narratives and appreciate the diversity within their classroom community. It encourages self-expression and fosters a sense of belonging and understanding among peers.

Designed for grades 4-5, this reflective project encourages students to create a time capsule filled with their hopes, goals, and mementos of kindness. They'll engage in meaningful discussions about personal growth and set intentions for their future selves.

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.

In this Tier 3, individual 30-minute session, students will work one-on-one on personalized worksheets designed to support their transition from 8th grade to high school. This mini-lesson helps build organization, goal-setting, and self-advocacy skills—critical for success in high school.

This lesson plan is designed to engage K-3 students in a week-long art adventure. Through active learning and project-based activities, students will explore their creativity and develop fine motor skills. This lesson is important as it encourages self-expression and teamwork, fostering a love for art and collaboration among young learners.

A 45-minute Tier 1 session for 10th graders to celebrate successes from the past school year, identify growth areas, and set goals for the future. This lesson fosters self-awareness, goal-setting skills, and a growth mindset to help students start the new year motivated and focused.

This lesson guides students through reflecting on their past year, understanding goal-setting techniques, and crafting personal and academic goals. It helps students build resilience, foster hope, and gain skills to achieve their dreams. Audience: Grades 4-6; Sessions: 1; Duration: 50 minutes.

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.

This lesson aims to motivate students to do their best in school through a combination of game-based learning, collaborative activities, and reflective practices. By engaging students in a fun and interactive way, the lesson seeks to inspire them to set personal goals and recognize the importance of their education. This approach not only boosts motivation but also fosters a supportive classroom environment.

This reflective lesson encourages students to express their feelings and memories of the school year through vibrant crafts and storytelling. Students will create memory bracelets representing personal growth and experiences, fostering emotional expression and closure. Ideal for end-of-year elementary classrooms, one session of 60 minutes.

Targeted at grades 2-3, this lesson encourages students to identify and celebrate their personal achievements from the past year. Through storytelling and collaborative discussion, they craft 'Achievement Avenue' boards showcasing their growth, reinforcing self-esteem and peer recognition.

A dynamic end-of-year session guiding 10th graders through reflection on their growth, celebration of achievements, and goal-setting for the next year. This 30-minute Tier 1 lesson helps students process experiences, build self-awareness, and energizes them for future success.

This lesson aims to equip grade 8 students with essential skills and strategies for a smooth transition to high school. It will cover topics such as time management, study skills, and coping with new challenges. This lesson is important as it helps students build confidence and prepares them for the increased academic and social demands of high school.

In this lesson, students will create a collage using leaves to symbolize their personal growth throughout the school year. This activity encourages self-reflection and helps students recognize their achievements and milestones. By associating different leaf shapes and colors with personal experiences, students will develop a deeper understanding of their growth and accomplishments.

A concise toolkit helping teachers launch a weekly newsletter and digital portal to keep families informed about learning goals and student progress. This lesson supports 1st Grade educators in building strong family engagement through clear communication channels in a 30-minute weekly session. Audience: 1st Grade Class, Tier 1 Classroom-wide support.

This K-1 lesson guides students to reflect on their year by assigning colors to experiences and emotions, ultimately creating a vibrant ‘rainbow’ of memories through storytelling and art. This helps young learners process their year, practice emotional vocabulary, and celebrate growth in a creative, engaging way. Duration: 45 minutes, single session.

This brief yet powerful lesson will help students set meaningful goals for the school year. Using an inspirational video of famous speeches, students will be encouraged to reflect on their personal aspirations and set achievable goals. The lesson will conclude with a quick exit ticket to capture students' immediate thoughts and commitments.

In this lesson, students will create a time capsule containing letters, goals, and reflections to be opened at the end of the school year. This activity fosters introspection and future planning, providing students with a tangible connection to their personal growth journey. It encourages students to think critically about their current selves and their aspirations, promoting self-awareness and goal-setting skills.

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.

In this lesson, students will develop a personalized success plan to aid their transition from Middle School to High School. This lesson is crucial as it empowers students to set goals, identify potential challenges, and strategize solutions, fostering a sense of preparedness and confidence for their upcoming educational journey.

In this lesson, teens will learn the basics of creating a short documentary, including storytelling, filming, and editing. They will work in small groups to produce a 2-3 minute documentary on a topic of their choice. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential media production skills, encourages teamwork, and enhances their ability to tell impactful stories.

In this 30-minute 3rd grade lesson, students will reflect on their meaningful school-year moments, share personal experiences with peers, and practice empathy by understanding classmates’ feelings. Building empathy strengthens our classroom community and helps students connect more deeply.