Why Learning Rocks Lesson Plan
Lesson Plan
Why Learning Rocks
Setting
Tier 3 Individual
Duration
30 Minutes
Audience
5th Grade Student
Objective
Identify barriers to engagement and set achievable goals for participation.
Purpose & Intent
"This lesson is crucial for re-establishing a positive learning environment. By addressing refusal behaviors directly and empowering the student to contribute to solutions, we foster ownership and motivation, leading to improved academic engagement and attendance."
Required Materials
- Small whiteboards or paper & markers
- Goal Setting Worksheet (Printed)
- Reflection Journal (Printed)
- Why Learning Rocks Slide Deck
Prep (10 mins)
- • Review slide deck & teacher script.
- • Review student academic performance & behavior logs.
- • Gather physical supplies (markers, paper).
Approach: Individualized conversation and collaborative goal-setting.
Lesson Procedure
1
Warm Welcome & Check-In
5 MIN
Greet the student warmly and create a comfortable, non-confrontational atmosphere.
- Start with a casual check-in: "Hi [Student's Name], thanks for meeting with me. How are you doing today?"
- Focus on building rapport, not immediately jumping into the issue.
2
Understanding Perspectives
10 MIN
Gently transition to discussing schoolwork and pull-out time.
- Ask open-ended questions: "Can you tell me a little bit about what's been going on from your perspective?"
- Actively listen without judgment. Acknowledge her feelings with empathy.
3
Brainstorming Solutions
10 MIN
Shift to problem-solving and actionable steps.
- Ask: "What do you think might help make things a little easier or more enjoyable?"
- Collaboratively brainstorm using the Goal Setting Worksheet.
- Focus on 1-2 SMART goals (e.g., 10 minutes of participation).
4
Commitment & Encouragement
5 MIN
Review goals and reinforce positive commitment.
- Express belief in her: "We're going to work on this together."
- Hand out Reflection Journal for later use.
- Set a specific time for the next brief follow-up.
Why Learning Rocks Slides
Welcome, Friend!
It's so good to see you today.
Let's chat!
Teacher Note: Welcome the student warmly. Use a gentle tone. The goal is to make her feel comfortable and safe to talk.
Let's Talk It Out
What's been on your mind about school and your work?
Your thoughts and feelings matter!
Teacher Note: Transition to the purpose of the meeting. Use empathetic language. Focus on understanding her perspective rather than accusing.
Finding Our Way Forward
What small steps can we take together to make school feel better?
What can help you feel excited about learning?
Teacher Note: Shift to finding solutions together. Emphasize collaboration. Use the Goal Setting Worksheet to brainstorm ideas.
You've Got This!
We've got a plan! I'm here to support you every step of the way.
Let's make learning awesome!
Teacher Note: Reinforce the positive steps. Express belief in her. Remind her of the next steps and the follow-up.
Why Learning Rocks Teacher Script
Teacher Script
Why Learning Rocks!
Objective
To facilitate a supportive conversation, understand the student's perspective, and collaboratively set small, achievable goals.
1
Warm Welcome & Check-In
5 Minutes
Approach the student with a warm, open demeanor. Maintain eye contact and a friendly expression. Ensure privacy.
Teacher says:
"Hi [Student's Name], thanks for meeting with me today. It's really good to see you. How are you doing today? What's one good thing that happened this morning or yesterday?"
Listen actively. Validate her feelings. If she's quiet, share something brief about your own morning.
Teacher says:
"That sounds interesting/nice/challenging. Thanks for sharing. I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with me."
2
Understanding Perspectives
10 Minutes
Transition gently. Avoid accusatory language. The goal is to invite her to share.
Teacher says:
"So, [Student's Name], I've noticed lately that schoolwork has seemed a bit tough for you, and sometimes it's been tricky for us to connect during your resource room time. I wanted to check in and see how things are going from your side. Can you tell me a little bit about what's been on your mind?"
Pause and wait. Be patient. Offer gentle prompts if needed.
Teacher says:
"No worries if it's hard to put into words. Sometimes things just feel... tough. Is there anything specific about the work itself that feels overwhelming? Or maybe something about coming to the resource room that you find challenging?"
Listen carefully. Summarize and reflect her feelings back to her.
Teacher says:
"It sounds like you're feeling frustrated/overwhelmed. Is that right? Thank you for being brave and sharing that with me. Your feelings are really important."
3
Brainstorming Solutions
10 Minutes
Bring out the Goal Setting Worksheet now.
Teacher says:
"I really want to work *with* you to figure out how we can make things better. We're a team, and my job is to help you feel successful and happy at school."
"What do *you* think might help make things a little easier or even more enjoyable? Even tiny ideas are great ideas!"
Use the worksheet to write down her ideas. Guide her toward realistic, small steps.
Teacher says:
"That's a great idea! Let's think about one or two really small steps for next week. For example, if coming to the resource room feels tricky, what if we tried just 10 minutes, and we could just chat? How does that sound?"
Goal Setting Worksheet
My Plan to Rock Learning!
Name
Date
Sometimes learning can feel tricky, and that's okay! We're going to come up with some small steps that can help you feel stronger and more excited about school.
1
My Awesome Goal #1
What is ONE small thing I can try this week to feel better about my schoolwork or coming to the resource room?
My Goal:
How will I know I'm making progress?
My Progress Check:
2
Goal #2 (Optional)
My Goal:
My Progress Check:
My Supporters
Who will help me? (Teacher, Parent, Friend...)
Teacher Sign
Student Sign
