Goodbye Hello Lesson Plan Teacher Guide Goodbye & Hello
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Tier 3 Lesson 30 MIN
Why This Matters
Transitioning to a sub-separate classroom can be an emotionally heavy experience for 2nd graders. This lesson builds resilience by validating feelings of loss while simultaneously anchoring students in their past successes and future possibilities.
Lesson Objective
Students will process emotions about classroom transition, reflect on personal achievements, and identify positive goals for their new environment through discussion and creative expression.
Materials
Feelings Reflection Worksheet
Goodbye & Hello Journal Page
Emotion Emoji Cards (Pre-cut)
Chart Paper & Markers
Special Stickers
Preparation (10 Mins)
Print and cut the Emotion Emoji Cards . Arrange the seating in a small circle to foster intimacy and safety. Have chart paper ready to record group affirmations or common themes that emerge during the discussion.
Instructional Steps
Step 1
Welcome & Grounding
5 MIN
Greet students warmly. Start with a calming breath to settle nervous systems.
Breath Work: Inhale for 4, hold for 2, exhale for 4. Repeat 3 times.
Set the Stage: "Today is a special day where we look back at our time here and look forward to what's next."
Step 2
Guided Discussion: Saying Goodbye
8 MIN
Introduce the transition. Use cards to scaffold emotional identification.
Spread the Emotion Emoji Cards in the center.
"Pick the card that matches how you feel about leaving our class today."
Encourage sharing: "I chose ___ because ___." Validate all responses (e.g., "It's okay to feel nervous and excited at the same time").
Step 3
Reflecting on Successes
8 MIN
Focus on student agency and achievements to build confidence.
Distribute Feelings Reflection Worksheet .
"Think of two things you are proud of. Maybe it's a new friend you made or a hard math problem you solved."
Prompt: "Draw your success and write one sentence."
Step 4
Looking Ahead
5 MIN
Pivot to the future with a focus on hope and goals.
Distribute Goodbye & Hello Journal Page .
"What is one thing you hope to do in your new classroom?"
Focus on the "excitement" drawing to balance the earlier "goodbye" reflection.
Step 5
Closing Affirmations
4 MIN
End on a high note of empowerment.
Group Chant: "We are brave, we are capable, we are ready for new adventures!"
Affirmation Stickers: Hand out stickers and give individual praise.
Goodbye Hello Slides Goodbye & Hello
Today we will share our feelings, celebrate our hard work, and look forward to new adventures!
Chapter 1 New Beginnings
Teacher: Welcome students and set a positive, safe tone for sharing.
Welcome & Grounding
Let's find our calm...
1 Inhale for 4 seconds
2 Hold for 2 seconds
3 Exhale for 4 seconds
Let's do this 3 times together!
Saying Goodbye
Sometimes saying goodbye can feel like a lot of different things. Look at the emoji cards in the middle of our circle.
Step 1
Look at our emoji cards
Step 2
Choose your feeling
Step 3
Share why with the group
"Every feeling is a good feeling to share."
My Successes
You have done so much hard work this year! What are you proud of?
On your worksheet:
Draw a picture of your success
Write a sentence about it
Looking Ahead
A new classroom is a new adventure! What are you excited to discover?
Draw
Something you look forward to doing or seeing.
Write
A hope or a goal for your new classroom.
New things can be wonderful!
Our Promise
"We are brave,"
"We are capable,"
"We are ready for new adventures!"
Celebrate Your Strength!
Collect your special sticker as a reminder of how awesome you are.
Feelings Reflection Worksheet Student Page My Success Story
Chapter 1: Looking Back with Pride
Explorer:
Date:
Think of two things you are proud of from this year. For each one, draw a picture and write one sentence.
1
My First Success
Draw your picture here:
Write one sentence about this success:
2
My Second Success
Draw your picture here:
Write one sentence about this success:
Goodbye Hello Journal Page Student Activity Adventure Journal
Chapter 2: New Horizons
Name:
1. What will you miss most about your old classroom?
Draw it here
Write one sentence about it:
2. What are you most excited about in your new classroom?
Draw it here
Write one sentence about it:
3. One word feeling:
How do you feel right now?
4. My biggest goal is:
Something I want to try.
5. My Adventure Affirmation
Write something kind to yourself as you start this journey:
"I am ready for whatever comes next."
Emotion Emoji Cards Printable Emotion Emoji Cards
Print and cut these cards for the "Saying Goodbye" discussion.
๐
Happy
๐ข
Sad
๐ก
Angry
๐ฎ
Surprised
๐
Confused
๐
Worried
๐ด
Tired
๐
Excited
๐
Neutral
๐ง
Nervous
Cut along the dashed lines to create individual feeling cards.
Closing Affirmations Facilitation Guide Closing Affirmations
Ending the Journey with Strength
Time 4 MIN
1
Regroup & Breathe
Invite students to return to the circle. This transitions them from independent work back to the group community.
"Let's take one final deep breath together. Inhale for 4... hold for 2... exhale for 4."
2
Reflect & Affirm
Go around the circle and have each student share one word that makes them feel strong. Then, lead the group in this collective affirmation (repeat 3 times):
โWe are brave.โ
โWe are capable.โ
โWe are ready for new adventures!โ
3
Sticker Celebration
Hand each student a special sticker. This physical token serves as a 'transitional object'โsomething they can carry into their new classroom.
Facilitation Tip: As you give the sticker, offer a specific, quiet affirmation.
"I noticed how bravely you shared your feelings today," or
"I saw how much pride you took in your drawing of success."
4
Closing Words
Thank the students for their honesty. Remind them that they are supported every step of the way.
Tier 3 Resilience Resource
Goodbye & Hello